Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (34)
$179.99
Amazon
4.6 (729)
Reverb
5.0 (11)
$79.82 New
$50.00 Used
zZounds
5.0 (8)
$179.99
B&H
4.7 (38)
$179.99 $149.99 $30.00 · All time low

Average Price: $132

Standard/Professional

$100

$401+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Samson C02". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Meet the Samson C02, a versatile pencil-style condenser microphone designed to capture your sound with precision both on stage and in the studio. Known for its tight cardioid polar pattern, the C02 effectively minimizes feedback, making it a reliable choice for live performances and recording sessions. Crafted with an extended frequency response, it delivers crisp and clear sound reproduction, ensuring every nuance of your music is captured with exceptional detail.

The Samson C02 is built to withstand high sound pressure levels, which makes it perfect for a range of miking situations, from delicate acoustic instruments to thunderous drum kits. Its ultra-sensitive, low-mass diaphragm is adept at picking up subtle sound details, while the rugged brass construction ensures durability in demanding environments. Included with the C02 is a special shock-mounted mic holder and foam windscreen, which work together to minimize noise and offer protection against environmental elements and plosive sounds during vocal performances.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring musician, the Samson C02 offers an outstanding balance of performance and affordability, making it an invaluable addition to your audio arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Pencil-style, small-diaphragm condenser microphone
  • Tight cardioid polar pattern for feedback rejection
  • Extended frequency response for clear sound reproduction
  • High SPL handling for versatile miking applications
  • Rugged brass construction for durability
  • Includes shock-mounted mic holder and foam windscreen
  • Gold-plated XLR connector for enhanced signal integrity
  • Comes with a foam-lined impact-resistant carrying case for portability
  • Requires +48V phantom power

Owner's manual

Samson C02 User Manual

Product specs

Microphone Type Condenser
Mono/Stereo Stereo Pair
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Diaphragm Size 0.47" (12mm)
Frequency Response 50Hz-20kHz
Max SPL 134dB
Output Impedance 200 ohms
Self Noise 22dB (A weighted)
Connector XLR
Weight 0.37 lbs.

FAQs

Does the Samson C02 microphone require phantom power to operate?

Yes, the Samson C02 microphones require +48V phantom power to operate, which is standard for most condenser microphones and is typically supplied by audio interfaces or mixers.

What type of applications are the Samson C02 microphones best suited for?

The Samson C02 microphones are ideal for capturing detailed sound in stereo applications, making them perfect for recording instruments like acoustic guitars, pianos, and drum overheads, as well as for dialog recording.

How does the cardioid polar pattern of the Samson C02 affect its performance?

The cardioid polar pattern of the Samson C02 microphones helps to focus on sound sources directly in front of the mic while reducing pickup of ambient noise and sound from the sides and rear, which is beneficial for minimizing background noise in recordings.

Are the Samson C02 microphones suitable for live sound applications?

Yes, the Samson C02 microphones are suitable for live sound applications due to their ability to handle high sound pressure levels and their cardioid pattern, which helps reduce feedback and capture clear audio.

What accessories are included with the Samson C02 microphones?

The Samson C02 microphones come with a protective carry case, shock-mounted mic clips, and windscreens, providing everything needed for secure setup and transport.

Podcastage

Podcastage

Samson C02 Review / Test (vs. M5, sE7, KM184)

Video thumbnail for Samson C02 Review / Test (vs. M5, sE7, KM184) by Podcastage

Samson C02 Review / Test (vs. M5, sE7, KM184)

Podcastage

Podcastage

Video thumbnail for SHOULD YOU BUY THE SAMSON CO2 MICS?? by Dark Corner Studios

SHOULD YOU BUY THE SAMSON CO2 MICS??

Dark Corner Studios

Dark Corner Studios

Video thumbnail for Samson C02 Review - Best Budget Microphone For Indoor Dialogue by Kagan

Samson C02 Review - Best Budget Microphone For Indoor Dialogue

Kagan

Kagan

Video thumbnail for Samson C02 Pencil Condenser Microphone by RodrickViews

Samson C02 Pencil Condenser Microphone

RodrickViews

RodrickViews

Video thumbnail for Samson C02 Pencil Condenser Microphones by Samson Technologies

Samson C02 Pencil Condenser Microphones

Samson Technologies

Samson Technologies

Video thumbnail for Microphone Shootout, Samson C02 Vs Neumann Km 184, $140 Vs $1550 by ShawnBrockMusic

Microphone Shootout, Samson C02 Vs Neumann Km 184, $140 Vs $1550

ShawnBrockMusic

ShawnBrockMusic

Video thumbnail for Condenser Recording Mics sound really good! Samson C02 by MrBlack

Condenser Recording Mics sound really good! Samson C02

MrBlack

MrBlack

Video thumbnail for Is This The Best Budget Mic For Youtube? - Samson C02 Review by Ville Rasku

Is This The Best Budget Mic For Youtube? - Samson C02 Review

Ville Rasku

Ville Rasku

Video thumbnail for 15 Year Old Budget Mic! | Samson C02 Mic Test by Damian DeSena

15 Year Old Budget Mic! | Samson C02 Mic Test

Damian DeSena

Damian DeSena

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent sound quality comparable to more expensive mics

  • Robust build, suitable for weekly use in multiple venues

  • Bright, accurate, and open sound profile

  • Versatile for recording live bands, vocals, and instruments

  • Superb value; great performance at an affordable price

  • Tends to favor highs, beneficial when blended with darker mics

  • Tight polar pattern good for rejecting unwanted bleed

  • Includes a durable case for protection

  • Useful for both professional and home studios

  • Can produce a natural sound with minimal processing

CONS

  • Tendency to favor highs might require adjustment for balance

  • Fragile; prone to damage and buzzing from impacts

  • Can be noisy, making them less ideal for main vocal mic

  • Requires careful placement due to sensitivity to adjustments

  • One of the clips reported to break after minimal use

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Samson C02.

Features and functionality

  • The Samson CO2 is noted for its bright and harsh sound, which might not suit untreated spaces well.

    Source
  • It's noted that the Samson C02 is sold in pairs, which may be unnecessary for users needing just one mic, adding to the cost and potential redundancy.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Cardioid microphones like the Samson CO2 are recommended for small spaces due to their uniform frequency response.

    Source
  • In echoey or untreated spaces, dynamic mics with tight polar patterns can outperform small-diaphragm condensers.

    Source
  • The Samson C02, while not a shotgun, avoids the reflection issues typical of shotguns but may not be the best choice due to its noise level in small, reflective spaces.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Shotgun mics, like the Deity D3, are less effective in reverberant rooms compared to cardioid options like the Samson CO2.

    Source
  • For those considering alternatives, the AT875R is suggested as a more compact shotgun mic suitable for car setups, as it can be mounted on a pole for outdoor use too.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • For its price, the Samson CO2 is considered a remarkable choice among small-diaphragm condensers.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Treating the room acoustically enhances performance more significantly than switching microphone types.

    Source

User experience

  • The Samson C02 is reportedly noisy, which may not be ideal for quiet recording environments or dialogue applications in enclosed spaces like cars.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 13 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
nathan_whited

Directional bright condenser

I actually use this a lot. Rolling off some highs helps. Great for distance roomier sounds on your source. Also good up close, just like I said bright.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Julia Wolf uses Samson C02

Julia Wolf

Singer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video titled "how i produced 'in my room' by julia wolf," Scro, Julia Wolf's producer and guitarist, explains the recording and production process of the track. At 3:28, he explicitly mentions using the Samson C02 to record both the guitar and Julia's vocals.

Album Usage

The Samson C02 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Samson C02, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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lucaszoick

lucaszoick

Gear IQ 89

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