Samson C02 Review

When most people consider pencil microphones’ application potential, their mind instantly goes to drums. But in this review, I’m going to showcase an affordable pair of pencil microphones that actually perform better for tasks other than recording drums.

The Samson C02 is a solid and dependable pencil microphone that offers high clarity and sizzle, which makes it a good choice for drum overheads. However, it shines better when working with acoustic instruments and strings.

Our site is a treasure trove of detailed reviews on music gear. From instruments to DJ gear to speakers, we have dedicated years to providing comprehensive reviews you can trust.

But it’s not just our opinion that matters. We place a big emphasis on collaboration, which is why we established a large network of working professionals to tap into for every review we conduct. So, let’s not waste any more time and dive into how the Samson C02 performed in our tests.

Samson C02

Front view of the Samson C02.

Overall Rating (7/10)

How Do We Rate?

Sound
Studio Vocals
Live Vocals
Instruments
Drums
Build
Design
Value
Sound
Studio Vocals
Live Vocals
Instruments
Drums
Build
Design
Value

What We Liked

Unique Sound Profile
Multiple Application Potential
Low Price Point
Included Accessories

What Could Be Better

High Self Noise

Features

The Samson C02 is a great all-rounder that performs better than you might imagine, considering its low price point. But it also has a few quirks you’ll need to know before you pick these up.

Sound Quality 

The first thing that struck me about the Samson C02 was its bright top end compared to other pencil microphones I’ve tested. I wouldn’t go so far as to say they sound brittle or harsh, but there is a distinct emphasis on the top end.

I’ll admit I tend to avoid overly bright mics, but by the end of my testing, the Samson C02 did win me over in certain recording situations.

Samson C02 Sound Profile.

Decent performance especially when considering the price point.

The first test was to see how these compared to drum overheads. The results were respectable. Cymbal hits and hi-hats offered ample sizzle and shimmer, but for my ears, they were a little too bright. However, this comes down to personal preference.

I’ll admit I was a little underwhelmed at first, but then I moved on to acoustic string-based instruments. The super tight cardioid polar pattern and brighter top end were a perfect complement to string-based instruments. The Samson C02 is one of the best options for this use case at this price point.

Performance with piano recordings was also decent, but I wasn’t enamored with the sound once I tested more aggressive amplified sources. It’s a case of testing the microphone in your studio to see where it slots in based on your available options.

The C02 is a budget Samson microphone.

As expected, the Samson C02 is not ideal for vocal recording. You can get workable results, but I suggest reaching for a large diaphragm microphone if your focus is vocal recordings.

Looking back on my testing notes, I was too critical. After all, this is a budget microphone pair, and my opinions are likely skewed from recently testing some truly top-tier drum mics. However, those microphones also cost substantially more, so context is critical.

As mentioned, your mileage may vary depending on what role these will play in your studio. I was very impressed with the instrument recordings but not overly excited by the performance when recording drums. However, considering the price, these perform far better than you might think and are still worth considering if you are on a budget.

Specifications

The Samson C02 features a small 0.47″ (12mm) diaphragm within its pencil structure. The frequency response is broad at 50Hz-20kHz, with a notable rise in the top end that gives this microphone its bright character.

The Max SPL of 134dB is on the lower side, and I prefer my drum microphones to offer a little more headroom to handle loud sources. This became evident when dealing with amplified sources, but even on some aggressive drum hits, it left a little to be desired. It is workable for 95% of situations but also not perfect.

Samson C02 Specifications.

Wide range but high self noise.

Self-noise is also on the high side at 22dB. It’s not a huge departure from some of my other go-to mic drums, but it is still noticeable. This will also come into play depending on your signal line. Still, after gathering reports from a wide range of people, the noise element did come up more than usual. Once again it is not a deal breaker but something you need to consider depending on the type of recordings you do in your studio.

Design 

There is little to say regarding the aesthetic design of the Samson C02. It is a pencil microphone, so by its very nature, it’s a slimline microphone with a fairly standard-looking design.

Samson C02 Stand.

Simple and effective design.

The tip features a fairly standard-looking slotted design. The Samson logo and model number are small and nonintrusive, and the cardioid pattern is the only splash of color, highlighted in gold.

For what it’s worth, there is nothing offensive to report, but likewise, nothing that really caught my eye either. This is a standard microphone with an expected design that will comfortably blend into any studio setting.

Build Quality 

The Samson C02 is a budget-priced set of pencil microphones, so you need to keep expectations in check. That said, the Samson C02 is a fairly solid microphone.

Samson C02 Details.

Respectable quality considering the low price point.

The housing feels solid and they worked well right out of the box. Longevity is a slight concern, considering these are a budget set of mics, but you should still have ample time to save up for a more robust pair before these will give out on you.

The inclusions are also decent quality, with a solid plastic case, grippy shock-mounted mic clips, and decent windscreens. Once again, nothing amazing, but at this price point, they are more than adequate and even better than what I’ve encountered in other budget microphone offerings.

Dimensions 

The Samson C02 is a pencil microphone with a long, slim profile. It falls within the general range of what I expect from a pencil microphone, and you should have no trouble rigging it up in your studio.

Samson C02 Dimensions.

The Samson C02 is a lightweight pencil microphone.

The Samson C02 is also lightweight, at just 0.37 lbs. (270 grams). It’s not the lightest I’ve come across, but that is neither here nor there when you set these up on a decent stand.

Value 

The most appealing element of the Samson C02 is its value offering. These are exceptionally cheap microphones that still work very well. Setting up a recording studio can rapidly escalate into a costly adventure, so I’m glad options like this exist.

The low price point helps shatter the barrier to entry. It’s a small commitment, and with respectable performance, you can get to recording and creating without the shackles of having to invest hundreds or thousands of dollars on studio gear.

Samson C02 Accessories.

The Samson C02 comes with a carry case, mic clips, and windscreens.

If you have more to spend, there are better options out there. But, if you are aiming to start your journey and keep costs low, the Samson C02 is an excellent choice that will serve as a great bridge to better gear in the future.

I’ve got a rather extensive selection of mics in the locker, and based on my testing, I’ll hold onto the Samson C02 for certain applications. You might find yourself doing the same, which is a testament to the high balance between price and quality Samson has achieved with the C02.

Customer Reviews

As a budget offering, there are ample reviews out there highlighting how decent this mic is for the price. This microphone is a valid starting point that will get the job done. Industry veterans are generally favorable towards the Samson C02 thanks to its low price point and respectable no-frills capabilities. However, many do highlight that you’ll want to invest in better mics down the line.

Space And Depth

If you are a beginner, you might wonder why you would want a stereo pair of microphones rather than a solo mic.

Using two microphones captures the instrument you are recording from different angles, providing a sense of space and depth that a single microphone cannot achieve.

Samson C02 set up to recording an acoustic guitar.

Using two microphones adds depth to your recordings.

By using two microphones, you’ll be able to highlight the instruments’ tonal nuances and room acoustics, offering a fuller and more natural sound. This technique also allows for greater flexibility in mixing, enabling you to create a wider soundstage and a more engaging listening experience.

While a solo microphone can achieve great results, the added auditory texture and realism a stereo pair provides are hard to resist.

Alternatives

As with any piece of audio gear, there is a lot to consider before handing over your hard-earned money, and the market is highly competitive. To help you on your journey, I’ll quickly cover some alternative options to consider.

PreSonus PM-2

The PM-2 from PreSonus is another budget-focused pair of pencil microphones with a good reputation. This microphone is similar in appearance but has some notable performance differences.

  • Better performance for drum recordings than the Samson C02.
  • Ultra lightweight and offers a higher Max SPL.
  • Doesn’t come with a case or windscreens.
Front view of the PreSonus PM-2.

PreSonus PM-2

Rode M5

Stepping up in price is the Rode M5. It’s still an aggressively priced microphone while offering a sleek and refined sound profile that is highly versatile.

  • Solid performance across drums and instruments.
  • Very high Max SPL to handle loud sources.
  • Nearly double the price of the Samson C02.

Audio-Technica AT4041SP

If you want to go beyond entry-level budget pencil microphones, you should consider the excellent Audio-Technica AT4041SP. These offer crisp sound and work well with a range of instruments.

  • Clean and dependable sound with low self-noise.
  • Includes a wooden case, windscreens, and high-quality mic clips.
  • It’s not budget-friendly compared to the Samson C02.
Front view of the Audio-Technica AT4041SP microphone.

Audio-Technica AT4041SP

Our Verdict

Looking back at our testing results and notes, I’ve been too critical of the Samson C02. The Samson C02 is an acceptable option for raw performance and shines well with strings and acoustic guitar.

Perhaps some of it is because I’ve had the pleasure of testing some outstanding microphones recently. However, those microphones are also substantially more expensive than the Samson C02. Stepping back and assessing the Samson C02 based on its price, my opinion rapidly shifts. For this price point, you are unlikely to find anything better.

If picking these up will get you recording and expressing your creativity sooner rather than later, go for it. But if you are willing to spend more, some enticing alternatives will be better.

Samson C02

Front view of the Samson C02.

Overall Rating (7/10)

How Do We Rate?

Sound
Studio Vocals
Live Vocals
Instruments
Drums
Build
Design
Value
Sound
Studio Vocals
Live Vocals
Instruments
Drums
Build
Design
Value

Why You Can Trust Our Advice

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Picture of Article by Patryk Biernacki
Article by Patryk Biernacki

Patryk has been immersed in the world of music since the early 90s. This coupled with his creative talents, drove his passion to become an expert writer in the music industry. He constantly researches and tests new products, and enjoys playing with all types of gear in his spare time. Electronic music runs through his veins and he absolutely loves DJing in his home studio.

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