Nocturnale

Three weeks ago while in Singapore, I made a stop at Sim Lim Square like any right-minded technophiles would do. I have been meaning to get a decent USB microphone. So, I walked into an audio equipment specialist store and enquired about the best-selling Samson C03U USB Studio Condenser Microphone. To my disappointment, the model was out of stock. Audio Technica AT2020USB Condenser USB Microphone was available but it was too darn expensive. Seeing my despair, I was introduced instead to the CAD U37 Studio Condenser Microphone.

I am new to audio gadgets and the brand CAD was unfamiliar and sounded dubious. Fortunately, the salesman was friendly enough to explain that CAD is indeed an old hand in making audio instruments, being in the line longer than Samson. He added that the CAD U37 model has been selling pretty well and has received many positive reviews from techies and alike. Besides, it was significantly cheaper. Taking his words in, I went ahead and bought the contraption. 

The decision translated into a worthwhile purchase. I am no expert in audio/sound production, but having used the microphone for weeks now I can say that the thing works like magic on my MacBook Pro and boasts an enviable sound quality. Setting up the device was no-brainer. It is plug-and-play straight off with OS X Leopard having no difficulty recognizing the microphone. The recorded voice is crisp and clear and can be used to hold palavers with friends on Skype.

I asked my partner CY to try out my new microphone. She recorded an ABBA tune on it (video above) karaoke style and it sounded not half bad! I give this mike 8/10 rating.