Samson C02 Small Diaphragm Pencil Condenser Microphone (Single)
The C02 is a small diaphragm pencil condenser built to capture detail and transients accurately. Low-mass diaphragms give it a linear frequency response and quick transient response, which is exactly what you want on acoustic instruments, hi-hats and cymbals. This listing is for a single microphone.
- Small diaphragm design: low-mass diaphragm for optimal transient response and a linear frequency response.
- Cardioid polar pattern: a tight pattern that captures audio in front of the mic while minimising pickup from the sides and rear, which increases isolation and reduces feedback.
- Frequency response: 40 Hz to 20 kHz.
- Maximum SPL: 134 dB, so drum overheads and close cymbal work are well within range.
- Sensitivity: -40 dBV/Pa, into a 200 ohm rated impedance.
- Dynamic range: 112 dB, with an equivalent noise level of 22 dB (A weighted, IEC/DIN 651).
- Power: 48V phantom power, drawing 3.5 mA.
- Size and weight: 20 x 150 mm and 170 g, slim enough to fit into a tight drum kit or under a piano lid.
Samson matches C02 capsules to within 0.5 dB of each other for sensitivity, so a second unit buys you a usable stereo pair later.
Large diaphragm condensers get the attention, but for anything with a fast attack a pencil condenser is usually the more honest microphone. The C02 is Samson's small diaphragm option, designed to capture every nuance and characteristic of a production without smoothing the edges off it.
Detail and transients
The low-mass diaphragm gives the C02 a linear frequency response with optimal transient response, which is why it suits acoustic instruments so well. Response runs from 40 Hz to 20 kHz, sensitivity is -40 dBV/Pa into a 200 ohm rated impedance, and dynamic range is 112 dB against an equivalent noise level of 22 dB (A weighted, IEC/DIN 651). It runs on standard 48V phantom power and draws only 3.5 mA, so a bus of them will not trouble a mixer.
Cardioid, and loud sources are fine
The C02 uses a tight cardioid polar pattern that captures audio in front of the microphone while minimising pickup from the sides and back. That increases isolation between instruments and reduces feedback on stage. Maximum SPL is 134 dB at 0.5 percent THD, measured at 1 kHz, which is why Samson also puts it forward as a drum overhead and cymbal mic. Nothing an acoustic guitar, mandolin or hi-hat can do will overload it.
One now, a stereo pair later
This is the single microphone version. Worth knowing: Samson matches C02 units to within 0.5 dB of each other for sensitivity, which is why the mic is also sold as a pair for stereo recording of ensembles and for drum overheads. If you start with one for acoustic guitar or spoken content, adding a second later gives you a genuine stereo option rather than two mics that never quite agree.
Size and handling
At 20 mm across, 150 mm long and 170 g, the C02 goes where a large diaphragm mic will not: inside a drum kit, under a piano lid, tucked in on a crowded stage or clipped onto a stand in the field. Samson lists it for content creation, audio for video, education and theatre production work.