PROFESSIONAL MICROPHONES C01U USB Studio Condenser Microphone Table of Contents Introduction C01U Features Installing the C01U Getting Started with MAC OS X Getting Started with Windows XP Getting Started with Windows 98 Using the C01U Driver Software Setting a Good Level Using the C01U Driver Software Operating the C01U Powering the C01U Polar Pattern Microphone Placement Setting Up the Signal Level P-Popping Stand Mounting the C01U Using the Optional SP01 Shock-Mount C01U Specifications 1 1 2 3 4 5 7 7 8 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 11 12 Copyright 2005, Samson Technologies Corp. Printed June, 2005 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 www.samsontech.com All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of the Samson C01U studio condenser. The C01U features a large, 19mm ultra thin diaphragm capsule with an onboard high quality Analog-to-Digital converter and USB output. The C01U is perfect for recording your music, or any acoustic audio source on your favorite DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). Just plug in the supplied USB cable, launch your DAW and start recording. For expanded control, install the Samson C01U driver software and you'll have additional features like programmable GAIN, Low Cut Filter, Input Metering and Phase switch. The C01U faithfully reproduces a variety of sound sources including vocals, acoustic instruments and overhead cymbals, to name a few. 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 C01U Studio Condenser Microphone, as well as step-by-step instructions for its setup and use, and full specifications. You'll also find a warranty 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 C01U 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 materials and if possible, return the unit in the original carton and packing materials. C01U Features · Large Diaphragm, 19mm, Studio Condenser with USB Digital Output. · Compatible with any computer based Digital Audio Workstation. · The extremely detailed sound reproduction makes it ideal for recording vocals, acoustic instruments and just about any other sound source. · High Quality AD convertor with 16 Bit, 48K sampling rate. · Software drivers for MAC and PC provide additional features like Programmable Gain, LED Input Metering, Low Cut Filter, and Phase. · 19mm Capsule with 3-micron Diaphragm. · Hyper Cardioid pick-up pattern. · Solid Die Cast construction. · Swivel Stand Mount and 10 foot USB cable included. 1 Installing the C01U Installing the C01U is a simple procedure that takes just a few minutes. Since the C01U is USB compliant, you can use either a MAC or PC, connect the included USB cable and plug and play. You will be able to control your C01U using the standard audio interface controls in the MAC or Windows operating system. You will find detailed instructions on setting up with MAC OS and Windows in the following sections of this manual. For expanded control you can install the Samson C01U driver software which will give you programmable Gain and the digital Input Meter so you can adjust the internal digital microphone pre-amplifier to the correct level. You can also use the Low Cut Filter to remove unwanted low frequency rumble. There's even a Phase switch so you can invert the signal polarity when using multiple microphones. Since it is possible to adjust the level of the signal from the operating system preferences, and in your recording software, it's a good idea to be familiar with these controls in the MAC or Windows operating system. Therefore, we recommend that you follow the section Getting Started with Windows XP (and 98) or Getting Started with MAX OS X before installing the C01U software driver. 2 Getting Started with MAC OS X The following example is for setting up the C01U in MAC OS X . 1. Plug in microphone. The LED will light to indicate it is receiving USB power. The MAC will recognize the USB audio device and automatically install a universal driver. 2.To select the C01U as the computers audio input, open the System Preferences from the dock or the main Apple Menu (figure 1). 3. Next open the Sound preference (figure 2). 4. Now, click in the Input tab and select C01U (figure 3). At this point you can begin using your microphone, or if you want, you can use the C01U's expanded software features by loading the C01U driver as described in the following section, Using the C01U Driver Software " on page 9 of this manual. Figure 2 Figure 1 Figure 3 3 Getting Started with Windows XP The following example is for setting up the C01U in Windows XP with Service Pack 2. Other versions may vary slightly. 1. Plug in microphone. The LED will light to indicate it is receiving USB power. Windows will recognize the USB audio device and automatically install the universal drivers (figure 1). (These balloons will not appear next time you plug it in, as the microphone drivers are already installed.) The C01U is now recognized as a Windows audio device under the name Samson C01U. Each additional C01U will have a number added, such as Samson C01U (2), and so on. To set it as the default device and change computer-controlled gain, access control panel. 2. Access Sounds and Audio Devices through Control Panel (figure 2). Figure 1 Figure 2 3. Select Samson C01U as Sound recording Default device under the Audio tab. The default device is used in simple programs like those for teleconferencing or Sound Recorder. In most pro audio programs you can select which device (or multiple devices) to use within the program itself. To set computer-controlled gain, click the Volume button (figure 3). Figure 3 4. The Wave In window sets the computercontrolled gain or mutes the microphone. The gain is from ­62 dB to +48 dB (figure 4). Figure 4 4 Getting Started with Windows 98 The following example is for setting up the C01U in Windows 98. Note that the Samson C01U is not fully supported in Windows 98; the gain range is limited. It is still usable, however. This example is in Windows 98 version 4.10.1998. Other versions may vary. 1. Plug in microphone. The LED will light to indicate it is receiving USB power. Windows will recognize the USB audio device and automatically begin the install process. Press Next. 2. Select Search for the best driver for your device. 3. The driver is in the internal driver database, but you can tell it to search in other locations if you know you have an updated driver. 4. Press Next to install the internal universal driver. (If it asks to replace a newer file with an older file, it is recommended to keep the newer file.) 5. Windows will indicate that it has finished installing the device. 5 Getting Started with Windows 98 6. Windows will then install the other components of the USB device. Follow the same procedure again (figure 2). 7. The C01U is now recognized as a Windows audio device by the name USB Audio Device (1). Each additional C01U will have a number added, such as USB Audio Device (2), and so on. To set it as the default device and change computer-controlled gain, access Control Panel (figure 3). 8. Access Multimedia (figure 4). 9. Select USB Audio Device (1) as Default device under the Audio tab. The default device is used in simple programs like those for teleconferencing or Sound Recorder. In most pro audio programs you can select which device (or multiple devices) to use within the program itself (figure 5). 10. To set computer-controlled gain, click the button with the volume icon. The Wave In window sets the computer-controlled gain or mutes the microphone. The gain in Windows 98 is limited to ­ dB to 0 dB, instead of +20 dB. This is a limitation of the Windows 98 drivers (figure 6). Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 6 Using the C01U Driver Software Installing the C01U Software The C01U can work with most audio software by simply connecting the microphone to your computer using the supplied USB cable. However, to take advantage of the advance features you should install the Samson C01U software. Getting the software is easy. Just type samsontech.com into your favorite internet browser, look for the C01U driver link and follow the on screen instructions to download the driver. After you download the driver software, run the installation program and start to use the C01U software. Once you have the C01U software installed you can operate your C01U by following the simple instructions outlined in the following sections of this manual. Setting a Good Level One of the most important fundamentals of good audio engineering is setting proper levels. Even on a small typical mixer, or basic multi-track recorder, there are several controls that affect the level of a signal as it makes it's way from your sound source to your speakers and then, ultimately, the level of your headphone or monitor system. These include pre-amp gain, EQ, aux sends and returns, channel fader level, bus or group levels, and finally, the master fader. That's not to mention the level of the 5:15 train on its way to Pennsylvania station who's thunderous crossing horn can be picked up from 5 miles away while miking a nylon string guitar, despite the use of double moving blankets over the windows of your project studio. But that's another story with another set of disciplines. Start off by being aware that anytime you change any control in the audio path, you are probably affecting gain somewhere. Then, be sure to carefully monitor the levels on your input and output meters to avoid a clipped signal with too many peaks. Also, remember your ear is the most sophisticated and calibrated piece of test gear you have. So, setting a good level should be approached from a technical point of view, and then confirmed, by a creative point of view. INPUT GAIN ­ Fader The C01U has a onboard, digitally controlled analog INPUT GAIN stage which is controlled by the C01U software Fader. The fader control provides a range of gain from 62 to +48 dB. The C01U can accept levels from most microphones by using the INPUT GAIN fader. You can use the INPUT GAIN control to adjust the level of your input signal. It is a good idea to start with the level low and raise it up as you need. Be sure to monitor the input digital VU METER and try to set the INPUT GAIN control so that the meter reads just below the CLIP indicator. If you see the CLIP indicator light you are "Over­Loading" and the sound may become distorted. If this happens, simply back down on the INPUT GAIN Fader. The CLIP indicator will stay red until you clear it by clicking on the CLIP icon. 7 Using the C01U Driver Software DIGITAL VU METER - Input Level To monitor the signal being sent from the C01U, there is an digital VU METER with a scale from infinity to Digtal Mximum or CLIP. The level displayed on the meter will be affected by the Input Gain Fader so be sure that you have that set to the correct position for your sound source. The digital VU METER features "VU" ballistics, which means it reacts to the signal based on an average level. Use the VU METER when you are setting your input level using the GAIN control. Try to set the level so that the meter reads about just below CLIP but so that it never goes to CLIP. If you see the CLIP indicator light you are "Over­Loading" and the sound may become distorted. If this happens, simply back down on the INPUT GAIN Fader. The CLIP indicator will stay red until you clear it by clicking on the CLIP icon. Using the Low Cut Filter Like any good mic pre, the C01U software features a Low Cut, (or High Pass), filter for attenuating the bottom-end frequencies. The Low Cut filter allows you to remove the lower frequencies that you sometimes just don't want to pick up. For example, when you are miking a high-hat you only want to capture the frequencies that the hi-hat is producing. Therefore, by using the Low Cut filter, you can reduce the amount of pick-up from the low toms and bass drum that may leak into the hi-hat mic. You can use the same technique on other i ...