First Sony "C" microphone update in 26 years: Extraordinary presence from new capsules
History
A heritage of more than 60 years in "C" microphones
It was 1958 when Sony first entered the field of condenser mics. The C-37A released that year was developed for broadcast applications, and even today, lovingly maintained units can still be found in many music studios. The tradition continued with the C-38B and C-800G, two condenser mics that went on to become legendary in the music industry. At last, building on this heritage of excellence, three models featuring new capsule design were released in 2018.
C-37A
The release of Sony’s very first product for professionals was seen in 1958: the C-37A, which was also the first domestic vacuum tube condenser microphone. It was Dr.Heitaro Nakajima, an engineer who would later become known as “the father of the compact disc,” who drew up the basic concept. Instead of using the AC701 triode found in popular German mics at the time, this model featured a 6AU6 pentode wired as a triode. The resulting sound – honest and detailed – marked a clear departure from the Western microphones of the day.
C-38B
After earlier versions introduced features such as a -8 dB attenuator pad and low-cut filter, the C-38B inherited these features on release in 1970. The immediacy needed in broadcasting is provided by a FET-equipped circuit for low cross-modulation distortion in the head amp, which also reduces distortion from loud input. Another highlight is dual power sources of phantom and battery power. To this day, more than 50 years since launch, the C-38B is still manufactured as a mic true to Sony ideals.
C-800G
Nearly 30 years later in 1992, two condenser mics with a large-diaphragm capsule were introduced: C-800 and C-800G. Behind the C-800G lies a now-iconic heatsink, which helps reduce low-frequency noise and distortion, contributing to the mic’s pure, clear sound. R&B singers and rappers in particular have come to rely on these models, which are standard vocal mics at studios worldwide.
About
Setting new standards for the 100 series: Music production standards have been around for a while since these exceeded the CD sampling rate
Giving creators and artists new wide-range microphones that meet production standards(24bit/96kHz). It is the beginning of the 100 series, the first recording microphones since the C37A and C800G were released 60 and 26 years ago.
C-100
A tradeoff is usually found between bandwidth and sensitivity, but both qualities are essential to offer both a wide frequency response of 20 Hz–50 kHz, without attenuation, and the ample sensitivity needed in studio microphones. This quest led to the development of wholly new capsules, and in the side-address C-100, the range is covered by a two-way capsule design.
Environments where 100 series microphones come to life
Unprecedented miking characteristics from a quest for super wide-range mics that come alive in any format
Development of capsule in pursuit of the conflicting goals of unattenuated 20 Hz–50 kHz frequency response and ample sensitivity led to unprecedented characteristics. Transient response is excellent, and feels consistent across the vast range, and both lows and highs are clear and open. Sound also feels more substantial, thanks to the addition of a large, newly developed 25 mm diaphragm in the C-100. Here, we introduce a few of these characteristics that professionals will want to add to their ideal recording setup.
Vocal Recording
One listen, and the realism and clarity of vocal performances will be apparent. Pitch and sibilance are very clear, which eliminates the need to emphasize lyrics in mixing. Also a good match for rap and narration, it is an easy mic to recommend to current C800G users. This is not the type of mic that colors or emphasizes mids. Instead, mids are manageable without being overemphasized, unlike other mics prone to unpleasant midrange overlaps. Characteristics of chained instruments are captured quite well. The mic picks up a large range of harmonics, which promises captivating results from placement at a distance. With more skilled vocalists, it is an easy mic to try advanced techniques with.
Musical instrument Recording
Characteristics of the mic capture a rich array of harmonics that clearly reveal not only performances but even instrument parts and the condition or humidity of materials. Responsive diaphragms prevent harshness and distortion even in vigorous performances. The attack of percussion, the shimmer of metal instruments, guitar fingering, and piano performances can be captured with exceptional realism. Accuracy of lows is also noteworthy. Even if you use a familiar microphone with a suitable sound signature for the instruments, setting the additional 100 series will open up new possibilities.
Ambience and Air
From these descriptions, it is also easy to imagine how the mic excels at capturing the air of the recording environment, acoustics of studios or concert halls, and ambience. This will tempt you to explore a variety of miking techniques: accent, room, ambient, and overhead for drums. Since even subtle sounds are picked up well, you may get the impression that the mic is placed closer to the source than usual. This also means that it can capture quite a lot of sound within the range of its directivity.
Audition the 100 series in recording if you seek a bright, honest mic and have these needs.
- More realistic presence and a sense of air
- Faithful highs and mids, with an open, unrestrained sound
- Clear lyrics and pitch
- Capturing sources without undue adjustment of equalization or compression
- Recording folk instruments with unusual harmonics; Foley recording
- Recording at the optimal resolution, with no loss of clarity even in pitch-shifted applications
- Emphasis of chained instrument timbre and effects such as pre amps and plug-ins
- Nuance, speed, and intensity of attacks (a strength of ECM-100U)
- Capturing core instrument sounds along with harmonics and air (a strength of ECM-100N)
- Capturing a sense of vast range, with clear lows in particular, and a feeling of substance (a strength of C-100)
Audition the Sony 100 series for yourself and add them as an essential new element of your recording repertoire.
100 Series Microphone Project Leader
Taro Konno
Technology
A quest for lower acoustic impedance, wide frequency response, and ample sensitivity
Diaphragm
The 17 mm capsule incorporates a film diaphragm similar to those found in ribbon mics. In testing, eight combinations of material and sputtering were compared in pursuit of an ideal balance of timbre and substantiality.
Backplate
Repeated testing, including studio evaluation, was conducted to adopt a sophisticated structure for lower impedance without sacrificing efficient conversion of sound to electrical signal, as a combination of range, sensitivity, and audio quality was sought.
Featuring the same construction as C800G to eliminate noise
Construction with various metal materials of different resonant frequencies reduces unwanted vibration.
| Material | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zinc alloy | High rigidity and large attenuation rate of vibration |
| 2 |
SWRM:Steel Wire Rods Mild （Φ0.6×12MESH） |
Considering effect on high range sound and muffling |
| 3 | Aluminum alloy | Same as C-800G body structure preventing acoustic vibration |
| 4 | PSU | Minimize sound effect from unneccesary reflection wave |
| 5 | C2600+CR Rubber(70°) |
Realize energetic sound having core ensuring vibration prevention. Shock damper with rubber as same as C-800G |
| 6 | CAC403 | Integrate internal chassis considering strength, rigidity and mechanical earth |
Line up
Gallery
Introduction to High Res Microphone Recording Techniques
Introduction to High Res Microphone Recording Techniques
High Res Singer/Songwriter Microphone Recording Techniques
High Res Piano Microphone Recording Techniques
High Res Saxophone Microphone Recording Techniques
High Res Cello Microphone Recording Techniques
Sony's C-100 Hi-Res Mic Manufacturing Process and Test
Sony C100 & ECM100 Hi-Res Mics - Todd Whitelock at Power Station/BerkleeNYC
