Samson C01U usb mic/low input level

I recently ran into exactly the same problem when moving a Samson mic to a new system. Go into "Audio MIDI Setup" and select the Samson mic next to "Properties For:." Increase the volume for Channel 2 (we keep it at 0.87, as an example) and it will increase the volume that channel 1 shows up at in GarageBand. We always record using channel 1 in GarageBand, and for some reason the level for channel 2 is effecting it.

I was about ready to pull my hair out until I stumbled across this one difference between the old and new machines.

-rh

You guy should get a acceptable signal. Can you adjust the input level in System Preferences > Sound or is it grayed out?

i have the MXL USB mic and pretty much the same thing happens. i have it turned up all the way in system preferences/sound, and I end up having to mess with it a bunch in the mix. the manual says to sing like a foot away from the mic, but i usually end up getting right on top of it. i did download a plug in called vintage warmer and i'll use a bit of that to boost/warm things up a little (but not much as it's basically an overdrive). i just figure you get what you pay for when you buy a $100 condenser mic. sorry, this if this is not helpful, just wanted you to know you're not alone.

Not in front of it now but IIRC, make sure that the mic is actually selected in the prefs (audio midi) as the input device and also as the input source of the track itself. I watched someone go through this and it turned out that they were actually getting input from the laptop mic while singing into the Samson USB mic, because it wasn't properly selected. Confusing, because they were getting signal, though weak.

Check that.

You know, the Samson C01U worked ok with the SoftPre software from Samsontech under Tiger. The input levels could be bumped up sufficiently for the **** thing to actually work even if the input signal was still on the low side.

Since SoftPre doesn't work with Leopard, the C01U is basically an expensive paperweight.
Since Samsontech seem incapable of getting their act together in putting out an operational Leopard compatible SoftPre software release, my advice to the wider Mac community is to BOYCOTT THEM! If Samsontech aren't receptive to consumer needs and flexible enough to act accordingly when the OS is updated, they deserve to suffer the commercial consequences - period!

I'm looking forward to the liberating ritual of taking a giant sledgehammer and obliterating my now useless, overpriced Samson C01U. It's going to be awesome ! 🙂

Christoph, your advice is so good that you should apply it to yourself.

See this screenshot from Samsontech:
http://badtastic.com/stuff/Picture%201.png

Cheers / Badtastic

Message was edited by: Badtastic

You should use the SoftPre software that comes with the mic to raise the level a bit.

According to http://www.samsontech.com/main/misc.cfm?pageID=45 the soft pre does not work with 10.5.

Well - mine seems to work.

Since SoftPre doesn't work with Leopard, ...

This is plain false. You should get informed before start ranting.

rharms.......... (scratching my head, searching for words...)
You're just awesome!

Thank you so much. Your helpful comment made my month.

Cheers / Badtastic

Well - I can only say mine works.