Sony introduces C-80 studio condenser microphone

Sony’s Pro Audio Division has announced a new microphone aimed at home studio use. The Sony C-80 is ideal for vocal/voice recording, instrumental recording, vlogging, webcasting and podcasting. The new microphone inherits the technology from Sony’s highly respected C-800G and popular C-100 microphones.

Sony C-80 overview

The Sony C-80 is a unidirectional condenser microphone. However, it utilizes the microphone capsule derived from the C-100 two-way condenser microphone. The C-80 also features a two-part metallic anti-vibrational body structure, like what’s used in Sony’s C-800G. Sony says that the C-80 inherits the essence of these two industry-standard models.

Sony C-80 features a dual diaphragm

Sony C-80
Image courtesy: Sony

The microphone has a dual diaphragm configuration that suppresses sonic changes with distance, also known as the proximity effect. The proximity effect means that as a sound source gets closer to a microphone, there is an increase in low-frequency output which causes a bass boost. The dual-diaphragm configuration also allows more stability in the vocal recording process.

There’s noise elimination too

This microphone incorporates “Noise Elimination Construction” developed for the C-800G and C-100. This feature is designed to prevent microphone body acoustic vibration. As a result, the C-80 has low noise and clear sound.

Sonic characteristics

Sony says that the C-80 has tight and rich mid-range capture, which provides a vocal sound with a clear core and presence. This should mean that vocals will stand out even when mixed with other instrumental sounds. The C-80 will also give you realistic reproduction of the characteristics of an instrument, such as the sound of guitar strings and the body’s resonance.

Verdict

Building on the technology from the C-100 and C-800G, the Sony C-80 is an exciting and versatile new microphone. Although the price may seem high, it’s a reflection of the quality of audio you can expect. It’s also worth pointing out that the C-80 costs less than half the price of the C-100 and is a tiny fraction of the C-800 G’s $10,500 price tag. If you are setting up a home studio or looking to upgrade your existing setup, the C-80 is a microphone to consider.

Pricing and availability

The Sony C-80 unidirectional condenser microphone is scheduled to be available in November. The suggested price is $499.

Pete Tomkies
Pete Tomkies
Pete Tomkies is a freelance cinematographer and camera operator from Manchester, UK. He also produces and directs short films as Duck66 Films. Pete's latest short Once Bitten... won 15 awards and was selected for 105 film festivals around the world.

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