Samson CL8a - Large Diaphragm Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone (Cardioid/Omni/Figure-8)

Samson CL8a - Large Diaphragm Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone (Cardioid/Omni/Figure-8)

The Samson CL8a is a large-diaphragm, multi-pattern condenser microphone designed to deliver balanced, detailed sound in home, project, and professional studios. It features dual 1.1" (≈28 mm) capsules with 4 µm gold diaphragms and internal shockmounts for reduced vibration and clean pickup. Three polar patterns — omnidirectional , cardioid , and figure-8 —are available to suit vocals, acoustic, brass, drum overheads , strings, and advanced stereo recordings. Its electronics include a switchable -10 dB pad and 100 Hz high-pass filter (12 dB/oct) for controlling bass, footsteps, and wind noise, and for handling high-level sources without distortion (up to 147 dB SPL ). It operates on phantom power and offers a balanced XLR output with a 200 Ω impedance, all within a rugged die-cast metal body .

Main features

• Large diaphragm dual capsule (1.1", 4µm, gold-plated) with internal mounting for vibration isolation.
• Switchable Multi-Pattern : Omnidirectional, Cardioid and Figure-8 switching on the microphone body.
• Wide, usable 20 Hz–20 kHz response with fast transients and natural timbre.
• Jack control : −10 dB pad and 100 Hz / 12 dB-oct high-pass filter .
• High headroom : Handles up to 147 dB SPL (depending on pattern) for very powerful sources.
• Professional connectivity : Gold-plated 3-pin XLR output; 200 Ω balanced.
• Power : phantom (36–52 V operation; nominal 48 V ± 3 V).
• Construction : Die-cast metal chassis and swivel foot mount included.

Product benefits

• One microphone, multiple techniques : switch from cardioid to omni or figure-8 for lead vocals, ambience, duets, interviews or MS/Blumlein techniques.
• Cleaner recordings : Internal capsule suspension and 100Hz filter reduce vibrations and low-frequency noise.
• Greater tolerance at high levels : The −10 dB pad and maximum SPL increase the headroom on drums, horns, or amps.
• Consistent sound : wide response and optimized sensitivity by pattern (cardioid, omni and figure-8) to maintain detail and presence.
• Direct Integration : Balanced 200 Ω XLR output compatible with standard preamps/tablets with phantom power .

Use cases

• Solo voice and voiceover (cardioid) with controlled proximity and defined presence.
• Acoustic guitar, flute, double bass (cardioid/omni) preserving tone and naturalness.
• Drums : overheads and rooms (omni/figure 8) with high dynamic range.
• Duets and interviews : figure 8 for two opposing sources with lateral rejection.
• Stereo techniques : Blumlein pair (two figure 8s at 90°) or MS (cardioid/figure 8).

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does it need power? Yes, it requires phantom power (36–52 V operation; nominal 48 V ± 3 V).
• Does it include a suspension mount? It includes a swivel microphone stand mount ; it's compatible with the optional SP01 for added isolation.
• Is it side-address or front-address? It's side - address : it directs the front grille toward the source.

Description for projects

Large-diaphragm multi-pattern condenser microphone with dual 1.1" capsules (4 µm, gold-plated), omni/cardioid/figure-8 patterns, response 20 Hz–20 kHz , pad −10 dB , high-pass filter 100 Hz (12 dB/Oct) , balanced 3-pin XLR output ( 200 Ω ), max. SPL up to 147 dB, sensitivity (cardioid) −35 dBV/Pa, S/N up to 78 dB, equivalent noise 17 dB(A), phantom power 48 V ± 3 V (36–52 V operation), dimensions 174 × 53 mm, weight 0.52 kg; incl. swivel mount.