Mic Archive
Samson C02
Photo: Samson, from its spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1.

Samson Technologies

Samson C02

Small-diaphragm (12 mm) pencil condenser, supercardioid, sold as a pair

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Supercardioid
Sensitivity
−40 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
22 dB(A)
Max SPL
134 dB SPL
Impedance
200 Ω
Rated range
50 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: 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

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.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the spec sheet (Recording Hacks copy)
Capsule12 mm element. Architect'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-noise22 dB(A), A-weighted, IEC/DIN 651
Max SPL134 dB SPL, THD ≤ 0.5%, 1000 Hz
Dynamic range112 dB
Output impedance200 ohm, rated
Rated frequency range50 Hz to 20 kHz; also [40, 20000], 2003 manual. "50~20000 Hz"; the manual says "40~20000 Hz".
Poweringphantom, 48 V (IEC 268-15 / DIN 45596)
Current draw3.5 mA
ConnectorXLR-3, gold-plated
Weight170 g. "170g (6.7oz)".
Dimensions20 × 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 accessoriesshock-mounted mic holder (stand clip); foam windscreen; foam-lined carrying case. The case holds two C02s ("sold in stereo pairs"); the 2003 manual says three (p. 3).
CaseRugged brass case
Sold asStereo pair
From the manual (Recording Hacks copy)
Rated load impedance800 ohm, minimum, 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."
Uses (Samson)Acoustic guitar, piano, drum overheads; live and studio instrument mikingp. 5

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © Samson Technologies, unchanged, with its original address.

Recording Hacks

Recommended for

Instruments whose sources name this mic, or an earlier version or variant of it.

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