Using The C01U Driver Software; Setting A Good Level - Samson C01U Owner's Manual

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 advan-
tage 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 instruc-
tions 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 speak-
ers 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 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 win-
dows 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 con-
trolled 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 sig-
nal. 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
"Over–Loading" 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