Five Great Mics for under $200

I've installed Samson CO1U Condenser Mics in two of my client's home studios with remarkable results.

Firstly, it's a condenser mic which normally translates into a warm low-end and a crisp high-end output. Secondly it's a USB mic which allows you to plug it right into the USB data port of a computer or portable recorder, making it particularly handy for podcasters. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover how good this mic sounds with voice.

It has a flat, wide frequency response and delivers an uncolored reproduction of full-spectrum sounds. It features a hypercardiod pattern, making it useful for acoustically-challenged rooms prone to reflection problems. Additionally, after A/B comparisons, it closely matches the quality of my two main condenser mics. And all this for under $100. It's a steal!



If you're looking to add a little variety to your stable of mics, there are many affordable choices. www.about.com has a review of Five Great Mics for under $200 from the popular Rode to the Stereo MXL 993s.