Two-Way Hi-Res Condenser Microphone

The Sony C-100 is a professional two-way condenser microphone designed for studio vocal recording and critical instrument recording. Its dual-capsule architecture combines a conventional condenser element with a back-electret condenser element to cover an exceptionally wide frequency range while maintaining high sensitivity and detailed transient response. The microphone is designed for both standard and high-resolution recording workflows and is particularly suited to applications where natural timbre, clarity, and extended frequency reproduction are important.

Extended 20 Hz to 50 kHz Response

The C-100 provides a frequency response from 20 Hz to 50 kHz, extending well beyond the conventional audible range. Sony developed the capsule system specifically to combine an extended high-frequency response with substantial low- and mid-frequency reproduction. A newly developed 25 mm diaphragm contributes to the substantial character of the sound, while the smaller high-frequency capsule extends the response into the ultrasonic range. The result is an open presentation with clear lows, detailed highs, and fast transient reproduction.

Selectable Polar Patterns

Three selectable polar patterns allow the C-100 to be adapted to different recording techniques. The unidirectional setting provides focused pickup for vocals and individual instruments, the omnidirectional setting captures sound more evenly from around the microphone, and the bidirectional Figure-8 pattern records from the front and rear while rejecting the sides. This flexibility makes the microphone suitable for solo vocal recording, room and ambient capture, stereo techniques, and other studio applications where microphone directionality needs to be changed without replacing the microphone.

Detailed Vocal and Instrument Recording

The C-100 is designed to preserve vocal articulation, pitch definition, and subtle performance details without relying on an aggressively colored midrange. Its wide response and transient characteristics allow acoustic instruments to retain their natural attack and tonal structure. The microphone is therefore suitable for lead vocals, narration, rap, acoustic guitar, piano, percussion, strings, and other critical sources where the recording should retain both fine detail and a substantial sonic character.

Noise-Elimination Body Structure

The microphone incorporates a two-part metallic body structure derived from the noise-reduction approach used in Sony's C-800G. Different materials with different resonant characteristics are used to reduce unwanted mechanical and acoustic vibration reaching the microphone capsules. The C-100 has an inherent noise level of 19 dB SPL in unidirectional mode, 24 dB SPL in omnidirectional mode, and 22 dB SPL in bidirectional mode. This construction contributes to clean signal reproduction and helps preserve subtle details in professional recording environments.

Low-Cut Filter and -10 dB Pad

A switchable low-cut filter helps reduce unwanted low-frequency noise, handling vibrations, and excessive proximity effect when recording at close distances. A separate -10 dB pad provides additional headroom for loud sources and helps minimize distortion caused by transient peaks. Depending on the selected polar pattern, the microphone can handle maximum input sound pressure levels of 132 dB SPL in unidirectional mode, 138 dB SPL in omnidirectional mode, and 136 dB SPL in bidirectional mode.

Professional Construction and Complete Accessories

The C-100 measures approximately 40 mm in diameter and 175 mm in length and weighs approximately 290 g. It uses a balanced 90-ohm output and an XLR-3-12C connector and requires 44-52 V DC phantom power for operation. The microphone is supplied with a cradle suspension, windscreen, stand screw adapter, operating instructions, and carrying case, while a three-pin XLR cable is required separately. Its combination of dual-capsule technology, selectable polar patterns, extended 20 Hz-50 kHz response, low-cut filter, pad switch, and vibration-resistant body makes the C-100 a versatile professional microphone for demanding studio recording.

• Sony C-100 Microphone
• Shockmount
• Mic Stand Adapter (3/8 to 5/8")
• Windscreen
• Carrying Case
• Manual