C03
0
-10dB
Multi-Pattern Studio Condenser
Microphone
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
Introduction and Features
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Samson C03 multi-pattern, studio condenser. The
C03 features dual large, 19mm ultra thin diaphragm capsules which faithfully reproduce a
variety of sound sources including vocals, acoustic instruments and overhead cymbals to
name a few. And to expand your miking options and recording techniques, the C03 fea-
tures three pickup patterns. The Cardioid pattern is great for miking applications where
tight pickup is desired, and with the Omni and Figure 8 patterns you can mic multiple
instruments, capture room sounds and expand your soundfield. The extended frequency
and fast transient response insures an accurate reproduction with linear characteristics
from bottom to top.
In these pages, you’ll find a detailed description of the features of the C03 Studio
Condenser Microphone, as well as step-by-step instructions for its setup and use, an
explanation of the variable pick-up patterns and full specifications. You’ll also find a war-
ranty card enclosed—please don’t forget to fill it out and mail it in so that you can receive
online technical support and so we can send you updated information about these and
other Samson products in the future.
With proper care and adequate air circulation, your C03 will operate trouble free for many
years. We recommend you record your serial number in the space provided below for
future reference.
Serial number:
Date of purchase:
Should your unit ever require servicing, a Return Authorization number (RA) must be
obtained before shipping your unit to Samson. Without this number, the unit will not be
accepted. Please call Samson at 1-800-3SAMSON (1-800-372-6766) for a Return
Authorization number prior to shipping your unit. Please retain the original packing materi-
als and if possible, return the unit in the original carton and packing materials.
C03 Features
•
•
•
•
Large diaphragm, multi-pattern studio condenser microphone.
Dual 19mm capsules with 3-micron diaphragm.
Smooth and transparent sound reproduction from bottom to top.
Super Cardioid, Omni and Figure 8 pickup patterns provide versatility in covering a
variety of miking applications.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Switchable 10 dB PAD for handling signals with high SPL’s (Sound Pressure Levels).
Switchable Hi-pass Filter, 12dB per octave at 100 Hz.
36-52 Volt Phantom Power operation with Blue LED.
Internal Shock-mounted capsules.
Extended frequency response.
Solid Die Cast construction.
Swivel Stand Mount and Carry Case included.
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
Operating the C03
Powering the C03
The C03 is a condenser microphone and therefore needs to be operated by connecting a
phantom power supply. Phantom power is standard on most quality mixers, outboard mic-
pres and hard disk recorders. If necessary, an external phantom supply (like the S phan-
tom by Samson Audio) can also be used. The C03 receives the phantom power directly
from a mic cable when connected to a mixer or other microphone input that includes a
phantom supply. The power is actually sent OUT of the microphone INPUT, riding silently
along with the audio signal. (Fairly mysterious, eh?) Most mixers have a switch to engage
the phantom power so be sure to check that the phantom power is on. The C03 features
a blue LED, which will illuminate when phantom power is present.
Setting Up the Signal Level
When connecting the C03 to a mixer or recorder input, be sure that the input is of micro-
phone level. Also, be sure that the phantom power is engaged as explained the previous
section “Powering the C03”. Most mixers and recorders of reasonable quality will offer a
microphone input with mic trim (usually called Trim or Gain) control. The purpose of the
mic trim control is to optimize the amount of good signal to any noise associated with the
mixers electronics. A good mic pre with trim also will have a PEAK or CLIP LED. To set a
good level on the mic, set the C03 up in front of the desired sound source and slowly raise
the mic trim control until you see the PEAK LED light up. Then, turn the mix trim control
down until the LED does not light any more. On most mixers, the ideal setting is that the
trim control is turned up as much as possible without lighting the PEAK LED. If you try
turning the Gain control all the way down, and the PEAK light is still lighting, try using the
C03’s PAD as explained in the following section.
1
Using the PAD Switch
The C03 includes a PAD switch, which you can use
to lower the input sensitivity of the microphone.
When the PAD switch is set at the 0dB position the
PAD is bypassed and there is no effect on the sig-
nal. When the PAD switch is set to the –10dB posi-
tion, the microphone’s input sensitivity will be low-
ered by 10dB. You can use the PAD when you are
miking loud sound sources with a high SPL
(Sound Pressure Level).
1
2
Using the Hi-Pass Filter
The C03 offers a user selectable hi-pass, or low-cut
filter, which you can use to eliminate any unwanted
low frequency reproduction. When the Hi-pass Filter
is is set to the “flat” (indicated by the straight line)
position, there is no effect on the signal. When the
Hi-pass switch is set to the “roll-off” position (indi-
cated with the angled line), a 12dB per octave low-
cut at 100Hz is applied to the signal. This can be
extremely useful for removing low frequency stage
rumble, wind noise during outdoor use, and filtering
2
out lows from drums when used as overhead cymbal microphone on a drum kit.
Polar Patterns
The most important characteristic of any microphone is its directionality or “pickup pat-
tern”. The C03’s versatile dual capsule design is capable of producing three useful pick up
patterns; Cardioid, Omni, and Figure 8. It is easy for you to select the pickup pattern
using the C03’s pattern selection switch located on the rear of the microphone. When
choosing a pattern, you should be aware of the phenomenon known as the “proximity
effect”.
4
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
Operating the C03
Simply put, proximity effect is the change in frequency response as the microphone posi-
tion is changed relative to the sound source. Any microphone exhibits its best frequency
response when pointed directly at the sound source (on-axis). Depending on the pickup
pattern, the low frequency response will increase, sometimes greatly, when positioned
less than 12 inches away from the sound source (off-axis). Understanding and knowing
how to use the proximity effect can be a tremendous help in getting just sound you looking
for. The following sections details the three available pickup patterns.
3
Super Cardioid
While Omni and Bi-directional microphones are very
useful for a variety of specialty applications, the
majority of miking situations in recording and live
sound require uni-directional or Cardioid micro-
phones. The C03 condenser’s pickup pattern is
Super-cardioid, which offers even more side-to-side
rejection. The uni-directional nature allows for better
3
separation of instruments in the studio and more control over feedback in live sound rein-
forcement. To select the Super Cardioid pickup pattern, set the pattern selection switch to
the center, Super Cardioid position indicated by the “heart shaped” icon. When positioned
correctly, the Super-cardioid pickup pattern allows you to pick up more of the sound you
want and less of the sound you don’t want.
4
Omni
Omni, or omni-directional, microphones pick up
sound from all directions. To select the Omni pickup
pattern, set the C03’s pattern selection switch to the
right, “O” position. You can use the omni pickup pat-
tern if you want to capture the ambient sound and
natural reverb in a room where an instrument or voice
4
is being recorded. The Omni mode is also great for recording ensemble performances
from groups of vocals, brass, woodwind and other instruments with the artists facing each
other in a circle around the microphone. As an added benefit, the omni pattern is the least
susceptible to the proximity effect. This can be extremely useful when recording artists
who have a tendency to move their instrument, including their voice, around the micro-
phone while performing. In these situations, using a cardioid pattern can result in the fre-
quency response changing tremendously with just a few inches of movement resulting in a
recorded track with the lows moving up and down in volume. Using the omni pick up pat-
tern can help control these tricky miking situations allowing you to capture the best per-
formance without inhibiting the talent by forcing them to try to stay in a fixed position.
5
Figure 8
Figure 8, or bi-directional, mics pick up the sound
directly in front and back of the microphone while
rejecting the sound on the left and right sides. To
select the Figure-8 pickup pattern set the C03’s pat-
tern selection switch to the left, “8” position. In this
5
mode it’s almost like having two identical micro-
phones facing back-to-back to each other. This can
be an ideal setting for capturing two artists singing a duet or laying down a background
vocal track. Having the two artists face each other while performing can help capture the
emotions that may other wise be missed if two microphones are used. You can also create
some interesting slap back echo effects by positioning the C03 in Figure-8 pattern
between a recorded instrument and a particular wall in the studio. The rear capsule will
pick up the reflection of the sound off the wall, and by changing the distance of the micro-
phone from the wall you can actually change the delay time of the echo.
5
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
Operating the C03
Microphone Placement
In order to maximize the sound quality, you must pay careful attention to the placement of
your C03 and how it is positioned for the instrument or vocalist that you are miking. All
microphones, especially uni-directional or cardioid microphones, exhibit a phenomenon
known as the “proximity effect.” Very simply put, proximity effect is a resulting change in
the frequency response of a microphone based on the position of the mic capsule relative
to the sound source. Specifically, when you point a cardioid mic directly at the sound
source (on axis) you will get the best frequency response, however when you start point-
ing the microphone slightly away (off axis) you will notice the low frequency response
dropping off and the microphone will start to sound thinner.
For most vocal applications you’ll want to position the microphone directly in front of the
artist. The same may be true for miking instruments, however, you can make some pretty
amazing equalization adjustments by slightly changing the angle of the capsule to the
sound source. This can be a very useful technique in capturing the optimum sound of
drum set, acoustic guitar, piano or other instruments in a live room or sound stage.
Experimentation and experience are the best teachers in getting good sounds, so plug in!
P-Popping
P-Popping is that annoying pop that you can get when the microphone diaphragm gets a
blast of air from a vocalist pronouncing words with the letter “P” included. There are a few
ways to deal with the problem including using an external pop filter. Some famous engi-
neers have relied on an old nylon stocking over a bent clothes hanger, which actually
works very well. (For a cleaner solution, try a PS01 pop filter from Samson Audio.) You
can also try placing the microphone slightly off axis (on a slight angle) from the vocalist.
This can often solve the problem without using an external pop filter.
Stand Mounting the C03
The C03 can be mounted to a standard microphone stand using the included swivel
mount adapter. If you are using a U.S. 5/8” mic stand, you will need to remove, by
unscrewing, the Euro stand adapter. Simply screw on the swivel adapter to your mic stand
or boom arm. Now, loosen the thumbscrew and adjust the microphone to the desired
angle. Once set, tighten the thumbscrew to secure the microphone in place.
6
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
Using the Optional SP01 Shock-Mount
Using the Optional SP01 “Spider” Shock-Mount
For additional isolation, the C03 can be fit-
ted on the optional SP01 “Spider” shock
1
mount. Follow the steps below the to
install the SP01.
0
-10dB
•
First, screw the SP01 shock mount
onto your mic stand or boom arm. If
you’re using a US 5/8” mic stand or
boom, remove the Euro adapter.
•
•
Remove the C03 swivel mount by
rotating the threaded collar counter-
clockwise as shown in figure 1.
Install the C03 into the SP01 by fitting
the microphone into the center of the
web, positioning the C03 onto the bot-
tom mounting plate.
THREADED
COLLAR
•
•
Secure the SP01 by reinstalling the
threaded collar, rotating clockwise
until tight. (Figure 2)
2
Now, loosen the thumb screw to
adjust the angle of the microphone
and position the C03 to the desired
location. Once set, tighten the thumb-
screw to secure the microphone in
place.
0
-10dB
SP01
SHOCK MOUNT
Note: Be careful not to cross thread
or over tighten the threaded collar or
thumb screw.
THUMB
SCREW
THREADED
COLLAR
7
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
C03 Specifications
Specifications
Type
Condenser Microphone
Super Cardioid/Fig. 8/Omni
40~18000 Hz
Polar Pattern
Frequency Response
Sensitivity
-40 dBV/pa (10mv/pa)
Rated Impedance
Equivalent Noise level
Max. SPL
Dynamic Range
Power Supply
350Ω
23 dB (A weighted IEC/DIN 651)
142 dB (THD≤ 0.5% 1000 Hz)
119 dB
48V Phantom Power (IEC 268-
15/DIN 45596)
Current Consumption
Dimensions
7.0 mA
ø 54 x 180 mm
Weight
460g
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Samson Technologies Corp.
575 Underhill Blvd.
P. O. Box 9031
Syosset, NY 11791-9031
Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)
Fax: 516-364-3888
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.
|