Operating the c01u – Samson C01U Pro USB Studio Condenser Microphone (Silver) User Manual

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C01U

· USB Studio Condenser Microphone

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Operating the C01U

Powering the C01U

The C01U is a condenser microphone, and like all condenser microphones, it has

internal electronics that require an active power supply. Traditional studio condensers

are almost always powered by a Phantom Power supply which is usually derived from

the mixing console. The C01U receives its power from the USB bus. Simply connect

the microphone to the computers USB port and the microphone is ready to operate.

The C01U features a power on LED, which will illuminate when USB power is present.

Polar Pattern

The most important characteristic of any microphone is its directionality or “pick-up

pattern”. There are three basic categories of pick up patterns; omni, bi and unidirec-

tional. Omni mics pick up sound from all directions, bidirectional (figure 8) mics pick

up the sound directly in front and back of the microphone while rejecting the sound

on the left and right sides, and unidirectional (cardioid) mics pick up the sound in

front of the microphone.

While omni and bidirectional microphones are very useful for a variety of applica-

tions, the majority of “miking” situations in recording and live sound require unidirec-

tional or cardioid microphones. The unidirectional nature allows for better separation

of instruments in the studio and more control over feedback in live sound reinforce-

ment. The C01U condenser’s pick-up pattern is hyper-cardioid, which offers even

more side-to-side rejection. When positioned correctly the hyper-cardioid pick-up

pattern allows you to pick up more of the sound you want and less of the sound you

don’t want.

Microphone Placement

In order to maximize the sound quality, you must pay careful attention to the place-

ment of your C01U and how it is positioned for the instrument or vocalist that you are

miking. All microphones, especially unidirectional or cardioid microphones, exhibit a

phenomenon known as “proximity effect.” Very simply put, proximity effect is a result-

ing change in the frequency response of a microphone based on the position of the

mic capsule relative to the sound source. Specifically, when you point a cardioid mic

directly at the sound source (on axis) you will get the best frequency response, how-

ever when you start pointing the microphone slightly away (off axis) you will notice

the low frequency response dropping off and the microphone will start to sound

thinner.

For most vocal applications you’ll want to position the microphone directly in front

of the artist. The same may be true for miking instruments, however, you can make

some pretty amazing equalization adjustments by slightly changing the angle of

the capsule to the sound source. This can be a very useful technique in capturing

the optimum sound of drum set, acoustic guitar, piano or other instruments in a live

room or sound stage. Experimentation and experience are the best teachers in get-

ting good sounds, so plug in!