The Bottom Line: I would recommend this mic to people on a budget who want better than average quality. Don't expect amazing sound and you won't be disappointed.

I was looking for a better mic since all my recordings had previously been done on a 10 dollar Sony dynamic and a built-in pinhole mic on my eMac.

If you were to go for a Shure SM57 (which is a great mic, so I'm told), you'd need a preamp or mixer with their added cost and cables. That said, the Behringer tube preamp is pretty tempting to 'warm up digital recordings' but I digress.

At almost 150 dollars here in Malaysia ( 80 at Amazon ), the Samson CO1U is not your average karaoke mic. You can't use it for irritating the neighbours as it only plugs into a computer's USB port.

I've been using it for a few days and despite being a condenser ( read very sensitive ) it picks up less ambient noise than I expected. EDIT: some musicians I've sent recordings to tell me they hear quite a bit of hissing. I had the gain turned up high. Sound On Sound reports some digital noise as does MacInTouch. Follow the link below to hear a recording I made of the piano in my living room.

http://www.geocities.com/mchu5cky/love.mp3

You'll need a pop screen to stop your P's and Ch's from blasting air onto the diaphragm. Google and DIY your own unless you don't mind spending $20.

Being a USB device, it does sometimes require re-plugging. On my Mac, it shares a bus with a Harman Kardon iSub subwoofer and every so often I have to reset their connections. Mildly annoying.

Sound quality is good. But having subsisted on a slew of cheaps I'm not the best person to ask. I do get good volume from my softer voice and better detail compared to my Sony dynamic.

Overall, the construction is solid. It looks and feels substantial with a handsome matte silver finish. A screw on stand mount and 10 foot cable are included. You can use a coin to remove the smaller adapter if your stand's threads are wider.

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Samson C01U USB Condenser Microphone

This classic USB microphone bridges the gap between mid-level USB audio adapters and pro-line products that require additional drivers, unique software, and/or excess cabling. The C01U is USB compatible with any Mac or PC, as well as most DAW software programs, including GarageBand. It also comes with Cakewalk's Sonar LE digital audio workstation software. Its supreme ability to produce pristine audio recordings with ease and mobility, along with a desktop mic stand, mic clip, USB cable and carry pouch also included, makes the C01U a most valuable addition to any studio.

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Samson C01U USB Condenser Microphone

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Samson C01U (Lg Diaph USB Cond Mic w/Soft)

The Samson C01U is a podcaster's dream come true. With a simple USB connection straight into a computer, the C01U brings studio-quality sound to your podcasts. Musicians who record music on computers now have a simple, affordable way to capture high-quality vocal and acoustic instrument performances as well. This package adds easy-to-use Cakewalk SONAR LE software to the CO1U for an easy, all-in-one recording solution!Samson C01U USB Condenser Mic at a Glance:Plugs straight into computer - no interface needed!Quality mic based on popular C01Includes Cakewalk SONAR LE softwarePlugs straight into computer - no interface needed!The Samson C01U makes recording on the fly or in the field so much easier. It connects directly to your computer's USB port, with absolutely no need for a preamp or audio interface. Seamless integration is the idea, and it has been obtained by creating a great performing condenser microphone that can be plugged into any computer with just a USB cable.Quality mic based on popular C01The C01U microphone is based on Samson's successful C01 condenser mic. It features a 19mm internal shock-mounted diaphragm with a cardioid pickup pattern ensuring quality recordings. Cakewalk SONAR LE software includedThe C01U works perfectly on any computer, Mac or PC, and with any DAW software program. It immediately solves a huge problem for users of many laptops, many of which have no other input method for audio devices. The included Cakewalk SONAR LE software gives you the tools, instruments, and effects you need to create, record, edit, and mix your audio and MIDI projects in one integrated software solution. Samson C01U USB Condenser Mic Features:Large-dia phragm condenser with USB digital outputCompatible with any computer based Digital Audio WorkstationExtrem ely detailed sound reproduction ideal for recording vocals, acoustic instruments, and just about any other sound sourceHigh- quality A/D convertor with 16-bit/48kHz sampling rateSoftware drivers for MAC and PC provide additional features like programmable gain, LED input metering, low-cut Filter, and phase19mm Capsule with 3-micron DiaphragmHyper Cardioid pick-up patternSolid Die Cast constructionSwive l stand mount and 10-foot USB cable includedCakewalk SONAR LE softwareThe affordable Samson C01U mic makes computer recording easy!