Professional Studio Condenser Microphone

The Sony C-80 is a unidirectional condenser microphone designed for vocal, voice, and instrumental recording in studio and home-studio environments. It is also suitable for podcasting, live broadcasting, and other applications where clear, detailed voice reproduction is important. The microphone combines a large 25 mm capsule with technologies inherited from Sony's C-100 and C-800G microphone designs, providing a focused sound with strong vocal presence and detailed mid-range reproduction.

Large Capsule and Detailed Sound

The C-80 uses a newly developed capsule based on the technology of the C-100, with a 25 mm diaphragm designed to capture fine details while maintaining a natural overall balance. The microphone provides a frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz and has a characteristic presence around 13 kHz that helps vocals remain distinct within a mix. Its rich mid-range reproduction gives voices a defined core, while the extended high-frequency response captures subtle details such as articulation and breathing.

Dual-Diaphragm Configuration

A dual-diaphragm configuration helps reduce changes in tonal character caused by variations in the distance between the performer and microphone. This proximity-effect control makes the C-80 more consistent when the speaker or vocalist moves closer to or farther from the capsule. The result is a more stable recording character, which is particularly useful for vocal performance, spoken-word recording, podcasting, and live broadcasting where maintaining a consistent sound is important.

Noise Elimination Construction

The microphone uses a two-part metallic body structure derived from the design approach of Sony's C-800G and C-100. This construction helps prevent acoustic vibrations in the microphone body from being transmitted into the recording signal, contributing to low inherent noise and clear sound reproduction. The C-80 has an inherent noise level below 12.5 dB SPL and a signal-to-noise ratio of 81.5 dB, providing a clean signal suitable for detailed studio recording.

Low-Cut and Pad Controls

A switchable low-cut filter can be used to reduce unwanted low-frequency noise and help control excessive proximity effect. This can be useful when recording voices close to the microphone or when working in environments where low-frequency vibration and mechanical noise are present. A separate -10 dB pad switch provides additional headroom when recording louder sources and helps minimize distortion caused by sudden transient peaks, making the microphone suitable for both vocals and acoustic instruments.

High Sound Pressure Handling

The C-80 offers a dynamic range of more than 125.5 dB and can handle maximum input sound pressure levels above 138 dB SPL at 1 kHz before reaching the specified distortion level. This provides substantial headroom for recording acoustic guitars, pianos, percussion, and other sources with strong transients. The balanced 90-ohm output and XLR-3-12C male connector provide a professional wired connection to compatible microphone preamps, audio interfaces, mixers, and recording systems.

Studio-Oriented Construction and Accessories

The microphone measures approximately 40 mm in diameter and 158 mm in length, with a weight of approximately 215 g. It requires 44-52 V DC phantom power and uses a standard three-pin XLR microphone cable, which is not included. The package includes a cradle suspension, operating instructions, and a carrying case. Its combination of a detailed large-diaphragm capsule, proximity-effect control, low-cut filter, -10 dB pad, low-noise construction, and directional pickup makes the C-80 a versatile choice for vocals, spoken word, acoustic instruments, podcasting, and professional home-studio recording.

• Sony C-80 Microphone
• Shockmount
• Carrying Case
• Manual