Young Chang Piano: Samson C02 Stereo Pair Condenser Microphones Review

I can't bring myself to be super-critical of the Samson C02, because in spite of my occasional dissatisfaction it does have a lot going for it. I've had my pair for about a year, and I use them frequently as overheads on the drum kit, on acoustic guitar, and as "room sound" mics for vocals.

For the latter two applications they are totally adequate and I have no complaints. Unfortunately as overheads they have been a little disappointing, and this is what I primarily wanted to use them for. I think I'm not hearing enough sonic detail, and when there are lots of "things" going on that is important to me. I don't have the technical vocabulary to really articulate what I mean, but to my ears the sound is a little thin and lacks the presence and clarity that I want to hear in drums, especially cymbals. I guess when it comes to overheads I still haven't found what I'm looking for. The bad news is that the $400-$700 price bracket is apparently where I have to look next.

And maybe this the real reason it's hard for me to say a lot of nasty things about my Samson CO2s. They are so, so cheap for what you get. My griping aside, they do work "well enough" as overheads that I (usually) don't cringe when I play back the drums. In other applications, such as acoustic guitar, I actually prefer using one of these to a large-diaphragm condenser or a dynamic mic (like an SM-57). I would definitely recommend them to beginning engineers, people on a recession budget, or to anyone looking to keep a couple budget mics on hand. Nitpicky, OCD engineers, like I am apparently turning into, might want to save up for something a little nicer.

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Product Description:
Samson C02 Condenser mics let you capture and record all the ambience and dynamic depth of acoustic guitars, piano, overhead drums, acoustic instruments, and vocals - in stereo!C02 microphones can be used either individually or in pairs for stereo recordings, neck and sound hole placement for miking acoustic guitars, and low/high octave placement in acoustic pianos.The C02 is an extremely sensitive cardioid condenser (10mv/pa) with an expanded frequency response of 40Hz to 20kHz and a maximum SPL of 134dB. What's all this mean? It means that the C02 delivers professional performance at an incredible price and will make a dramatic difference in every recording. C02s are shipped in pairs with shock mounts and a molded, foam-lined carrying case. 48volt phantom power required.