Reddit reviews Samson C01U Pro USB Studio Condenser Microphone

TB and Jessie normally recommend the Samson C01U.

Here it is on its own: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HXE4BYW

He may have meant one of these kits:

• https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075FY43DK
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00REV0GKC
  
  Here's some previous discussion of this question:
  https://www.reddit.com/r/cynicalbritofficial/comments/89pfap/tb_mentioned_a_podcast_starter_kit/
  
  
  Edit:
  
  He may have meant this kit, which I'm not able to find on Amazon:
  
  http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/microphones/usb-microphones/c01upak
  
  It's been discontinued because it included the C01U, which has been replaced by the C01U Pro.
  
  Edit2:
  
  You can get the accessories individually if you want to mix-and-match your own kit:
  
  
• MD5 Stand: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MYIIRG
  
  
• SP01 Shockmount: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LQLDM2
  
  
• PS04 Pop filter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H7JKW46

I use it for discord and talking to friends. This is the mic I'm using https://www.amazon.co.uk/SAMSON-SAC01UPRO-Samson-USB-Microphone/dp/B00HXE4BYW

samson C01U is def the way to go, pretty cheap too. quality is unmatched - i just recorded this on it earlier

​

https://soundcloud.com/beanbagderulo/magic-johnson

I would stick with a USB condenser microphone. They're phenomenal as they have a built in condenser and some have built in noise reduction. That doesn't mean you shouldn't do post editing to the show (like running a condenser and noise reducer over your audio), but it helps shave a lot of post work off.

I run the XLR version of the Audio-Technicia AT2020. What I'm linking is the USB version and you may be able to find it used, or cheaper, elsewhere. It's a phenomenally powerful microphone for little cost.

If you want to go XLR, because you feel like you need to do some on the fly mixing, a Scarlet interface + the XLR version of that microphone is a great combination. You can go more advanced with a Behringer Xenyx Q802USB (what I am running), but if you're just starting out keep it simple.

Also pick up a microphone boom, pop filter, and a shock mount (that particular shock mount has a pop filter with it). Keep it off your desk and about 5-6 inches from your mouth when podcasting. You want to reduce all extra noise including mouse clicks, keyboards, or bumping your desk.

If that's too expensive, a Yeti or a Snowball are great introductory microphones. There is a reason everyone uses them. I cut my teeth on a Samson CO1U, but eventually upgraded to the AT because the sound quality is a bit better. Just...always get some kind of arm or tripod or something and keep the microphone suspended.

At the end of the day, as long as you're using some kind of condenser microphone, it doesn't really matter. Post production can help make the whole podcast sound a lot more enjoyable. Just make sure you're consistent, have decent audio quality, and are excited to podcast. I wrote up some dirty tips and tricks here if you're interested.

Good luck!

Thanks! I'm currently torn between two (after hours of research lol)

This is the one I'm leaning toward: (Samson C01U Pro USB Studio Condenser Microphone)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HXE4BYW/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

And this is the other possibility (Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QJOZS4/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_11?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER


My primary concern is obviously audio quality, but I'm also very concerned with background noise. I've got 4 kids, and keeping them quiet is...challenging. I think the majority of my recording will be done after they're in bed, but on weekends and stuff they tend to stay up late...so, a mix of me telling them to chill out and a mic that can filter out background noise is probably my best bet. I've already started selling my wife on me turning the guest bedroom into my office lol


edit: I'd like to officially open this up to anybody who has mic advice based on what I just said!

Microphone: https://www.amazon.co.uk/SAMSON-SAC01UPRO-Samson-USB-Microphone/dp/B00HXE4BYW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=285PSSILIJQ2D&keywords=samson+c01u+pro&qid=1554143075&s=gateway&sprefix=samson+c%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-1

Shock mount: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Koolertron-Universal-Microphone-48MM-54MM-Microphones/dp/B00H40WUQG/ref=pd_sim_0_13?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00H40WUQG&pd_rd_r=6a9a2ae2-54ab-11e9-b66c-2357e9d6a74b&pd_rd_w=ksuLw&pd_rd_wg=eIXOC&pf_rd_p=1b8636ae-4f21-4403-a813-e8849dd46de4&pf_rd_r=P0A9YARVG8JTSJ3HRQXS&psc=1&refRID=P0A9YARVG8JTSJ3HRQXS

Boom Arm: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00DY1F2CS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Looking to finally transition from a "gaming" headset to an actual microphone and just over-ear headphones. Can you give me your opinions on these choices?

Headphones

Mic

I'm a little limited on budget so I want to stay around this range.

I have a few suggestions:

• OBS Multiplatform. Works good for recording game play, is free, and allows for multiple audio streams. Can be used instead of Fraps or as a backup program.
  
  
• Audacity: Free audio editing program that has lots of good features.
  
  
• HitFilm 3 Express: Also a free video editing program. I would have a copy along with blender as a backup.
  
  For USB 3.0 External HDD i have heard good things about the WD Elements products. I had WD internal drives and have had no issues. I record 1080p 60fps. You'll have a little less speed with an external, so maybe do 1080p, 720p 60 fps, or 720p.
  
  
• For a microphone I highly suggest getting a standalone mic and a headset instead of using the built in mic. You''ll get much, much better sound quality that way. Maybe a Blue Snowball, ATR-2100, ATR-2500, or Samson C01u.
  
  
• For headsets, I suggest the Logitech G430, Steelseries Siberia V3, ATH-M30x, or a nice pair of Sennheisers.

Audio Technica ATR-2500 for $75

CAD u37 for $50

Snowball iCE for $50

Samson Go

Samson C01 for $70



If you can pony up a bit, the Blue Yeti Blackout for $130 will blow these other mics out of the water (not to say that they're bad, but this one is really good in comparison).

Also, don't forget to get a stand (preferably a scissor stand for your desk) and a pop filter.

There is a used Samson COU1 going for 65$ shipped and new ones going for 75$ prime on amazon. Also I might be interested in the blue snowball, what's the price on it?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00HXE4BYW/ref=dp_olp_all_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=all

Here's a link to some example clips highlighting the noises/artifacts I'm hearing (you'll probably need headphones):

https://soundcloud.com/tags/audio_noises

This is my setup, all purchased new, in order of connection:

1. Electro-Voice RE20
   
   
2. DBX 286s Microphone Pre-amp Processor
   
   
3. Mackie Onyx Blackjack 2x2 USB Recording Interface
   
   
4. My Macbook
   
   Backup Mic:
   
   
5. Audio-Technica ATR2100
   
   Old microphone, which doesn't have the issue:
   
   
6. Samson C01U Pro USB Studio Condenser Microphone
   
   What I've tried so far:
   
   

• Tried every combination of knobs I can think of, including bypassing all processing on the DBX, 0 gain on the Onyx Blackjack, a little gain on the DBX and a little gain on the Onyx, both with and without the Hi-Z button...etc.
  
• Removed the computer from the equation, plugging my headphones directly into the Onyx Blackjack monitoring jack.
  
• Removed the DBX 286s from the equation, plugging the RE20 directly into the Blackjack (tried both with and without the computer in the loop).
  
• Removed the Onyx Blackjack and the computer from the equation, plugging my headphones directly into the output of the DBX 286s.
  
• Removed electrical power from the equation, using the Onyx Blackjack directly, and unplugging my Macbook from power (the Onyx Blackjack is powered by USB).
  
• Removed the room from the equation, taking my Macbook and Onyx Blackjack to another room, and then outside.
  
• Put a wind filter on the mic.
  
• Enabled the "bass tilt down" roll-off switch on the RE20.
  
• Tried talking further away from the mic.
  
• Tried all of the above with the backup mic.
  
• Tried all of the above with a different XLR cable.
  
  Nothing got rid of the noise. The weird part is, it's not always consistent. Sometimes it will appear and be really obvious, other times it will sit subtly in the background. When I tried again with the old Samson mic, everything sounded normal. If someone can tell me the technical term for this sound, I can do my research and hopefully figure it out, but I'm lost, I don't know what to search, and I feel like I tried everything.
  
  
  TL:DR - Tried 2 XLR mics, 2 XLR cables, 2 pieces of equipment, with and without the computer, went outside, unplugged everything from power, and isolated all the above variables. What the heck is this noise???

Which is the same as this post.

Edit: If you follow the link to the "new model" it's a completely different product than what is linked here.


https://www.amazon.com/Samson-C01U-Studio-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B00HXE4BYW/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

Sure, I have used the Samson microphones as they are quite easy to set up. I used an older one, the Samson C01U, but there is a lot of good from the Go Mic and Meteor Mic.

I do hear good things about the Blue Snowball as well, though I do not have experience with the brand.

And once you do get a microphone, I would totally recommend getting a directional pop filter for yourself, it can make quite a difference.

I recommend such microphones:

Samson Meteor

Samson C01U

Blue Snowball

There are microphones in a similar price budget, he now bought me C01U but it's a matter of taste, the quality of this is more or less everyone is on the same level.

Your best bet will definitely be the C01U. It's nice and cheap on Amazon right now, as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Samson-C01U-Studio-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B00HXE4BYW/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1457800238&sr=1-1&keywords=c01u

The shock mount kit is also cheap. Doesn't come with a stand or pop filter, however.

http://www.amazon.com/Samson-Studio-Condenser-Microphone-Shock/dp/B000BR0U1Q

I hear the blue yeti is really special. I use the Samson c01u, but it got the same reviews ass the blue yeti in terms of clarity. It doesn't matter which one you buy, if you get super good at EQing you'll sound pretty great, so learn how to mix well and stuff. You'll be fine.

https://www.amazon.com/Samson-C01U-Studio-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B00HXE4BYW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517773207&sr=8-1&keywords=samson+c01u

This one: https://www.amazon.com/Samson-C01U-Studio-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B00HXE4BYW

The best bang-for-the-buck microphone right now it the AT 2020. Countless musicians, voice actors, etc recommend it for beginners and people looking to step up their game.

If you're absolutely hellbent on a USB mic, I've heard that the Samson C01U is good, but I do highly recommend going XLR.

The only thing to keep in mind is you could potentially pick up audio from the television on your microphone. You would have to keep the TV turned down low if you don't want to commit to a headset.

A lapel mic would work but may not be very good quality for commentary. I've never had a lapel mic that recorded all that great. You could just set up a USB microphone with a longer cord and mic stand next to you on the couch.

Here is what I use:

https://www.amazon.com/Samson-C01U-Studio-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B00HXE4BYW/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003CLIPHO/

If I'm recording at my PC, I just slide it over next to me. If I'm on the couch playing off a console, I just slide it over to where the mic is at appropriate recording distance from my mouth. I love being able to easily go back and forth between areas since I switch between PC gaming and old consoles.

When I'm jamming on the PC, I use a headset so the game audio doesn't get picked up by the microphone.

When I'm console recording over on the couch, I keep the TV turned down low and it's far enough away to where it doesn't get picked up by the mic although I've thought about getting a headset for the TV with a long cord so I can hear the game audio... I like to hear the music lol.

And for that price you could have gotten a Samson C01U: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00HXE4BYW/

Infinitely better than even the Blue Yeti (in my experience with both) for cardoid and you aren't locked to Blue proprietary accessories when it comes to shock mounts.