SAMSON CL8A Studio Microphone

SAMSON CL8a Multi-Pattern Studio Condenser Microphone

Samson CL8a is a professional studio microphone featuring a dual 1.1-inch (28 mm) gold-sputtered capsule. This model is designed to be a primary tool in both home and professional studios. Thanks to its internal anti-shock capsule suspension and robust die-cast body, the microphone ensures a clean, balanced sound free from mechanical interference.

The key advantage of the CL8a is its flexibility. Users can choose from three polar patterns: Cardioid (for vocals, instruments), Omnidirectional (for room acoustics, ensembles), or Figure-8 (for duets, interviews). Additionally, the microphone has a switchable high-pass filter (100 Hz), which eliminates low-frequency noise (e.g., wind or traffic rumble), and a -10 dB pad switch, allowing recording of very loud sources (up to 147 dB SPL) without distortion.

Key Features

• Dual Capsule: Two 1.1" (28 mm) internally shock-mounted capsules with a 4-micron gold-sputtered diaphragm.
• Three Polar Patterns: Selectable Cardioid, Omnidirectional (Omni), or Bidirectional (Figure-8).
• Controls: Switchable high-pass filter (12 dB/octave at 100 Hz) and -10 dB pad.
• Durability: Can withstand very high sound pressure levels (up to 147 dB SPL with Omni/Figure-8 mode enabled).
• Power: Requires 36–52V phantom power.
• Construction: Robust die-cast body.

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: Samson
• Model: CL8a
• Type: Condenser
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Impedance: 200 ohms (balanced)
• Sensitivity: -35 dBV/Pa (Cardioid), -40 dBV/Pa (Omni/Figure-8)
• Max SPL: 147 dB (Omni/Figure-8), 142 dB (Cardioid)
• Equivalent Noise Level: 17 dB
• Connector: 3-pin XLR (male) (gold-plated)
• Power: 48V DC ± 3V
• Dimensions: 174 x 53 mm
• Weight: 0.52 kg

What's in the box?

• 1 x Samson CL8a microphone
• 1 x Mic swivel mount
• 1 x User manual

Intended Use

• Studios requiring one versatile microphone for various tasks.
• Recording duets or face-to-face interviews (using "Figure-8" mode).
• Capturing acoustic instruments (guitars, pianos, wind instruments).