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
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.
