Sony
Sony C38B Large Diaphragm FET Condenser Microphone
Best professional choice for versatile studio recording and broadcast applications.
Elevate your audio capture with the Sony C-38B Professional Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone. This versatile microphone is favored by audio professionals for broadcast and music recording, delivering exceptional clarity across its 30Hz to 18kHz frequency response. It offers switchable omnidirectional and unidirectional patterns for precise pickup control. Essential features like the low-cut filter and an 8 dB pad help manage low-frequency noise and high sound pressure levels, ensuring clean recordings whether capturing vocals or loud instruments. Its durable construction and proven performance solidify the C-38B as a reliable choice for top-tier audio capture.
$2856.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1120
/ 3337
#1120 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
+462%
Above average
Capsule Type
Condenser
/ Condenser
Who it's for
- Vocalists and acoustic musicians seeking a rich vintage sound
- Recording engineers requiring precise control over room acoustics
- Studio owners investing in long-term, reliable professional gear
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers wary of difficult, expensive repair requirements
- Engineers recording extremely quiet sources needing ultra-low noise floors
- Producers looking for affordable, readily available modern equipment
Performance breakdown
Sonic Versatility
Switchable polar patterns handle everything from intimate vocals to complex room acoustics.
Build Integrity
Rugged construction ensures reliable performance in demanding professional studio environments.
Dynamic Handling
The integrated pad manages high sound pressure levels with impressive composure.
Signal Clarity
FET output provides clean, high-gain capture for detailed and accurate recordings.
Operational Flexibility
Dual power options allow for seamless integration into any recording setup.
Noise Control
Effective low-cut filter keeps unwanted rumble out of your final mix.
Key Specs
Capsule Type
Condenser
Frequency Response
30 Hz - 18 kHz
Directivity
Uni-directional/Omni-directional
Sensitivity
-48.0dB +/-2.0dB
Dynamic Range
116dB or more
Max SPL
140dB SPL
Dimensions
3.125" x 8.05" x 1.81"
Weight
1 lb (7 oz) (without battery)
Features
- Switchable polar patterns for versatile recording
- Low-cut filter reduces unwanted noise
- Integrated -8dB pad for loud sources
- Wide dynamic range for detailed sound
- FET output for high signal gain
- Durable, vibration-resistant construction
- Phantom power or battery operation
- Tailor response with quick adjustment switch
What customers say
Professional users highly value the Sony C38B for its exceptional build quality and enduring reliability. Its sonic signature is consistently praised for delivering a unique, smooth, and natural warmth, making it ideal for vocals and acoustic instruments where harshness is unwelcome. Engineers appreciate the natural frequency response, which avoids common high-end lift. A key feature is the continuously variable polar pattern control, offering significant flexibility in sound shaping. While the initial cost is high, customers view this microphone as a worthwhile long-term investment in superior, dependable sonic performance. Its classic appeal ensures its status as a trusted studio workhorse.
Know before you buy
Yes. The C-38B features a switchable -8 dB pad, which allows it to handle high sound pressure levels up to 140dB, making it suitable for both delicate vocal work and louder sound sources like guitar cabinets or drums.
It offers dual power options. You can use standard external 24-48V phantom power via an XLR connection, or operate the microphone using an internal 9V battery for greater flexibility in remote recording environments.
The microphone includes a quick-adjustment switch on the body that allows you to toggle between unidirectional and omnidirectional patterns, giving you control over how much room ambiance you capture.
The integrated low-cut filter helps eliminate unwanted low-frequency rumble, such as floor vibrations or air conditioning hum, ensuring your recordings remain clean and focused on the primary sound source.
The C-38B is built with a rugged, vibration-resistant construction designed to withstand the demands of professional broadcast and studio environments, ensuring long-term reliability.
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