Today I tested out another USB Microphone. The difference between this microphone and all other USB mics, I have tested out so far? I don't hate this one. The mic I'm talking about is the Samson C01U Pro Usb Condenser Mic, and it can be purchased on amazon for about $75.
What's In the Box
You get almost everything you need to get started in this box.
- Super Cardioid USB Condenser Microphone
- Plastic Microphone Mount
- 5/8" to 3/8" Mic Stand Adapter
- Plastic Desktop Tripod
- USB Cable
- User Manual
I also want to let you know that this is the most well put together package I have received. The manual that comes with it is thorough and comes in more than English & Chinese, and the specifications inside are easy to understand and thorough.
Performance / Features
The frequency response of this microphone is 20Hz to 18kHz. We lose a little bit of the presence/brilliance in the 19 and 20 kHz range, but in this price range, that is to be expected. The rest of the frequencies sound great, and well balanced.
The polar pattern is Super Cardioid which means it records the majority of the audio from directly in front of the microphone, but it also picks up a small amount from the opposite side as well. The back of the microphone, has a significantly different frequency response where we see the majority of frequencies between 2kHz - 15kHz. Therefore, you cannot have multiple people talking into both sides.
Due to the super cardioid pattern of the microphone, the noise cancelation on this microphone is superb. When I do my typing/clicking test, you can hardly hear anything. Also, as I get farther away from the microphone, my voice drops significantly. This is excellent if you will be in a noisy room, or are worried about excess background noise. If you are still unhappy with the noise cancellation, there is a card in the user manual that provides a link to download additional noise canceling software.
All the instruments, sounded perfectly fine being recorded through this microphone. With better instruments, newer strings, better performances, and better microphone placement, I am positive that you would be able to get a much better sound.
Pros
- Great Noise Cancellation
- 0-Latency Headphone Port on Microphone
- Nice Sound Quality
- Wide Frequency Response
- Sturdy Build Quality
Cons
- No Gain Control on Microphone
- USB Microphone (Limits Ability to Upgrade)
Conclusion
I don't want to speak before I test out some more USB microphones, but this mic may be the turning point in my opinion of USB microphones. This thing is great. I struggled to come up with any cons for this microphone in this price range. It performed well in most situations, recording music, recording voice, noise cancellation.
In conclusion, this would be a great mic for gamers, or solo podcasters. It will set you back approximately $75, and with the neewer boom arm, and dragon pad pop filter, your cost will be around $100. Not a bad cost for audio quality of this level. If you have any questions about the microphone, leave them in the comments down below or on youtube and I will get back to you ASAP. Thanks for watching & reading.
Samson C01U: http://amzn.to/1OIU1dC
Microphone Boom Arm: http://amzn.to/1OIU5da
Nylon Pop Filter: http://amzn.to/1NcwUDz
