Sony
Sony C-80 Condenser Microphone
Best professional condenser for studio vocalists and voiceover artists.
Capture pristine audio with this professional unidirectional condenser microphone, expertly engineered for vocals and voice recording. It integrates advanced capsule technology from high-end models and utilizes diaphragm material from a legendary microphone, ensuring rich, detailed sound. The innovative dual diaphragm design minimizes proximity effect for consistent audio quality at any distance. Combined with advanced "Noise Elimination Construction," it delivers exceptionally clear, low-noise recordings, making it an essential tool for demanding studio environments.
$448.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
274
/ 3367
#274 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-12%
Below average
Frequency Response
2020
/ Hz– kHz
Who it's for
- Vocalists seeking flagship-level clarity for modern pop recordings
- Podcasters and producers recording in untreated or quiet home studios
- Budget-conscious professionals wanting high-end performance without the premium price
Who should skip it
- Engineers chasing the classic harmonic saturation of tube microphones
- Recordists needing versatile polar patterns for complex studio setups
- Artists with naturally sibilant voices prone to harsh high frequencies
Performance breakdown
Vocal Clarity
Inherited capsule technology delivers studio-grade detail for professional vocal tracking.
Proximity Control
Dual diaphragm design keeps your tone consistent even when working close.
Noise Floor
Advanced construction effectively isolates your voice from unwanted ambient room noise.
Build Integrity
Robust construction ensures reliable performance in demanding professional studio environments.
Setup Simplicity
Straightforward phantom power requirements make integration into any interface seamless.
Off-Axis Rejection
Focused cardioid pattern excels at ignoring sound from the rear.
Key Specs
Frequency Response
20 Hz–20 kHz
Directivity
Uni-directional
Output Impedance
90 Ω ± 15%, Balanced
Connector
XLR-3-12C (male)
Power Requirements
DC 44 to 52 V
Dimensions
Approx. 40 mm (1.57 in.) dia. × 158 mm (6.22 in.)
Mass
Approx. 215 g
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Know before you buy
The C-80 stands out by incorporating high-end technology from Sony’s flagship models, specifically the capsule design of the C-100 and the diaphragm material of the legendary C-800G. This heritage provides a professional-grade sonic signature that is rare at this price point.
Yes, the dual diaphragm construction is specifically engineered to minimize the proximity effect. This allows you to get closer to the microphone for an intimate vocal sound without the low-end frequencies becoming muddy or overwhelming.
While the C-80 is optimized for vocals and voiceover work, its wide 20 Hz–20 kHz frequency response and high dynamic range make it a capable choice for acoustic instruments. Its unidirectional polar pattern is particularly effective at isolating specific sound sources in a busy studio environment.
The C-80 is a condenser microphone that requires standard 48V phantom power. It connects via a standard XLR cable to any professional audio interface or preamp capable of providing DC 44 to 52 V.
Sony’s Noise Elimination Construction is designed to prevent acoustic vibration and mechanical noise from reaching the capsule. This results in a cleaner, lower-noise floor, which is essential for professional-quality vocal tracks that require minimal post-processing.
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