Absolutely stunning mic for any price 
by Boris from Chicago, June 2007
Music Background:  Pro Multimedia Producer

I own three of these and over four years the never let me down. If I would need to buy another again I would do it in a snap. This microphone will do anything! Literally! It will take vocals, drums, acoustic guitar, violin, sax... For these guys who complain something about vocals, learn to use the equipment. It is inexpensive but pro level, multi-mode device so you have to learn some stuff before complain. I use them with C-valve(another jewel from Samson) and baby you can take your Neuman back to the store. Overall, I have about ten microphones from Samson each of which is definitely the best in a class. To mention this one pared with another c03 and pair of c02 makes superb, like million $ recording setup.
This mike captures the deep, true image with no coloration which is good. If you want warm it up, use saturation on C-valve and it will sound like anything you like it to be.

  Good for instruments - not good for vocals 
by Mike from Miami, FL USA, August 2006
Music Background:  Musician

This is a good mic for the price. So far it has done a good job recording instruments such as a saxaphone (directly), pre-amped instruments or a group. It has not done well with vocals. It does not pickup on low sound level dynamics, the vocalist needs to get close and belt it out. You are more likely to pickup popping sounds from exhaling. So I would not recommend it for vocals but it is good for instruments.

Great Mic 
by Nick Borho , April 2006

If' you're looking for an affordable large diaphram condenser, this is it. Feature-wise, it's great - switchable polar pattern and low cut and 10db cut. It runs on phantom power so you'll need a 48 volt ARTcessories box for $50, but your total price is still low and probably better than the competition at $100 more. If you're looking to spend less than $400, I would strongly consider this mic, way underrated in my opinion. I've used it to record an acoustic fingerstyle album, as an area mic for a small live show, and as an amp mic. For vocals, acoustic instruments, or area mic this is great. Don't know about drums or bass cabs. For a guitar amp, you can't beat an SM57. Still, this would be a great addition to your home studio.

P.S. You probably don't need the shock mount unless you'll be using it at live shows or you like to head bang and might knock it over.

It's GREAT for the money($99) 
by Dontay Dynamite(R&B/Hip-Hop Producer) from Richmond, VA, January 2005

This mic is a fair entry level condenser. I would have to say that it's not great and it's not bad either. I will admit that the mic's performance is beyond it's price.It has the sonic characteristics of mic's twice it's price.If you are buying a vocal mic based on price solely, this is a good buy. If you are buying a vocal mic based on performance, buy a BLUE,RODE or AUDIO TECHNICA($499). If you really have some money to spend purchase a Neumman TLM 103($999). It would pay off if you just waited and bought a great mic and mic preamp.I learned this through experience,just trying to save you the trouble. If you are determined to buy this mic, make sure that you have a good tube preamp to breathe life into the vocal tracks. Heaven knows that this mic need all the help it can get.

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