Samson Technologies
Samson C02
Small-diaphragm (12 mm) pencil condenser, supercardioid, sold as a pair
Power Phantom, 48 V (IEC 268-15 / DIN 45596).
- Type
- Condenser
- Pattern
- Supercardioid
- Sensitivity
- −40 dBV/Pa
- Among 204 condensers: more output than 33%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 53%
- Self-noise
- 22 dB(A)
- Among 258 condensers: quieter than 16%
- Among 272 mics: quieter than 15%
- Max SPL
- 134 dB SPL
- Among 277 condensers: takes louder sound than 33%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 30%
- Rated range
- 50 – 20k Hz
- Released
- 2003
vs 75 end-address condensers
More output than 20% of 75 end-address condensers.
Each stripe is one end-address condenser with a published sensitivity, and each bar counts them; further right means more output. This mic is in blue.
vs 104 end-address condensers
Quieter than 10% of 104 end-address condensers.
Each stripe is one end-address condenser with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. This mic is in blue.
vs 110 end-address condensers
Takes louder sound than 27% of 110 end-address condensers.
Each stripe is one end-address condenser with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 2.
Titled "C02 Frequency Response"; relative dB. Distance, room and smoothing not stated.
Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.
Polar pattern
From the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 2.
Titled "C02 Polar Pattern". Each frequency is drawn on one side only (250 to 1000 Hz left, 2000 to 8000 Hz right); the pattern is taken as symmetric. Measuring conditions not stated.
In practice
All specs
| From the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsule | 12 mm elementArchitect's specification: "super-cardioid pickup patterns and a 12mm element". | p. 1 |
| Sensitivity | −40 dBV/Pa (10 mV/Pa)"-40 dBV/Pa (10mv/Pa)", as in the manual. | |
| Self-noise | 22 dB(A)A-weighted, IEC/DIN 651 | |
| Max SPL | 134 dB SPLTHD ≤ 0.5%, 1000 Hz | |
| Dynamic range | 112 dB | |
| Output impedance | 200 ohmrated | |
| Rated frequency range | 50 Hz to 20 kHzalso [40, 20000], 2003 manual. "50~20000 Hz"; the manual says "40~20000 Hz". | |
| Powering | phantom, 48 V (IEC 268-15 / DIN 45596) | |
| Current draw | 3.5 mA | |
| Connector | XLR-3, gold-plated | |
| Weight | 170 g"170g (6.7oz)". | |
| Dimensions | 20 × 150 mm"ø 20mm x 150mm": diameter × length. The drawing (p. 2) shows Ø20 mm at the head, Ø19 mm body, 150 mm long. | |
| Supplied accessories | shock-mounted mic holder (stand clip); foam windscreen; foam-lined carrying caseThe case holds two C02s ("sold in stereo pairs"); the 2003 manual says three (p. 3). | |
| Case | Rugged brass case | |
| Sold as | Stereo pair | |
| From the manual (Recording Hacks copy) | ||
| Rated load impedance | 800 ohmminimum, for maximum signal handling. "a minimum load impedance of 800 ohms should be used. A reduction in output signal strength and output clipping level will result with the load at 150 ohms." | p. 4 |
| Built-in wind screen | "The C02 has a built-in wind screen which protects against most wind and breathing noise." | |
| UsesSamson | Acoustic guitar, piano, drum overheads; live and studio instrument miking | p. 5 |
| From the Recording Hacks page | ||
| Released | 2003 | |
Documents
- C02 Pencil Condenser Mics, Product Specification Sheetv1.0 5/06
- C02 Condenser Microphone owner's manual
- Samson C02 | RecordingHacks.com
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © Samson Technologies, unchanged, with its original address.
Recommended for
By recording guides, engineers and mic makers, for this mic or an earlier version of it.