Pricing and availability
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Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $112
Standard/Professional
$100
$401+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Samson C03". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 3, 2026.
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Description
The Samson C03 is not just another condenser microphone; it's a versatile tool that caters to a wide range of recording needs. Whether you’re capturing the subtle nuances of an acoustic guitar or the dynamic range of a vocal performance, the C03 is engineered to deliver exceptional clarity and presence. Its dual 19mm capsule design offers flexibility with switchable pickup patterns, including SuperCardioid, Omni, and figure-8, allowing you to tailor your setup to any recording environment.
What sets the Samson C03 apart is its adaptability. The switchable highpass filter and 10dB pad give you control over unwanted low frequencies and manage high sound pressure levels, making it ideal for diverse studio applications. The microphone's gold-plated XLR connectors ensure a reliable connection with minimal signal loss, maintaining pristine audio quality throughout your recordings.
Included with the Samson C03 is a convenient carry case and swivel mount, making it a portable and practical option for both studio and on-the-go recording. For those seeking enhanced stability, an optional SP01 shock-mount is available, ensuring your audio remains unaffected by vibrations.
Whether you’re a budding musician or a seasoned audio engineer, the Samson C03 is a dependable choice that offers both performance and value.
Key Features:
- Switchable SuperCardioid, Omni, and figure-8 pickup patterns
- Dual 19mm capsule design
- Switchable highpass filter and 10dB pad
- Gold-plated XLR connectors
- Carry case & swivel mount included
- Optional SP01 shock-mount available
Product specs
| Brand | Samson |
| Model | C03 Large-Diaphragm Multi-Pattern Condenser Mic |
| Finish | Silver |
| Year | 2010s |
| Categories | Microphones |
FAQs
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What are the polar patterns available on the Samson C03 microphone?
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The Samson C03 offers three selectable polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8, providing versatile recording options for different environments and applications.
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Does the Samson C03 require phantom power to operate?
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Yes, the Samson C03 requires +48V phantom power to function properly, which is standard for condenser microphones.
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Is the Samson C03 suitable for recording vocals?
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Yes, the Samson C03 is well-suited for recording vocals due to its large-diaphragm design and multi-pattern capability, which can capture a wide range of vocal nuances.
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What is the frequency response range of the Samson C03 microphone?
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The Samson C03 has a frequency response range of 20Hz to 18kHz, making it capable of capturing both low and high frequencies with clarity.
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Does the Samson C03 have any built-in filters or pads?
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The Samson C03 includes a switchable high-pass filter and a -10dB pad, allowing for greater control over the sound and preventing distortion in high-volume environments.
Videos
Reuben Chng
Samson CO3 Condenser Microphone Review & Recording Test - Audio Mentor
Reviews
PROS
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Multi-pattern design offers versatile recording options
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Delivers crystal clear vocals
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Comparable to higher-end microphones in sound quality
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Excellent value for the price
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Suitable for drum overheads and bass kick
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Includes options to adjust dB and cut frequencies
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Holds up well against more expensive microphones
CONS
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Not comparable to high-end studio mics over $5000
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Some self-noise typical of back-electret designs
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Vocal recording performance can be underwhelming
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Samson C03.
Comparisons
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The Samson C03U and Blue Yeti are compared for USB mic quality, with some users favoring Yeti for minimal mixing needs.
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The Samson C03U is frequently considered alongside the Blue Yeti and AT2020, indicating its competitive positioning among beginners.
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Unlike Shure or some Blue microphones, the Samson C03 provides a flat response option, which is beneficial for capturing the true tone of instruments.
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The Samson C03 is available in an XLR version, offering better sound quality than its USB counterpart.
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Features and functionality
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The Samson C03U lacks physical gain control, potentially requiring more post-processing compared to the Blue Yeti.
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The Samson C03 is praised for its "full range" capturing ability, making it suitable for instruments like the euphonium when a flat response is desired.
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The Samson C03 features a two-element capsule in a single chassis, allowing stereo recording without requiring a second mic.
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Use cases and applications
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Users are considering the Samson C03U for recording rap vocals, noting it as a viable choice within a $100 budget.
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The Samson C03 can be used effectively for both vocal recordings and instruments, offering flexibility with frequency response options.
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Ideal for recording brass instruments due to its flat frequency response down to lower frequencies, unlike dynamic mics optimized for spoken word.
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User experience
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One user reported using the Samson C01U, stating it offers a quality sound comparable to the C03U, suggesting brand consistency.
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Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 12 Ratings
546
Incredible 4 the price
It's an awesome microphone! I use it for my drumkit, in particular for the bass kick. The Samson C03 has a lot of options, you could take off db, cut off some kind of frequencies, and it's possibile to use only one side of the microphone's head. It's the perfect microphone for his price.
Artist usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Samson C03, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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