The Sony C-800G large-diaphragm condenser microphone is considered reverently even in high-end studio circles. Indeed, this high-priced large-diaphragm tube condenser is one of the most coveted vocal mics on the planet and is used by artists in a wide range of musical genres. Although the C-800G has been used by everybody from David Gilmour to Ozzy Osbourne to Mariah Carey, its crystal clear sonic character has carved out a rock-solid position within the hip-hop community. In this article, we’ll dive into the Sony C-800G — its history, design, and why it’s the go-to vocal mic for top-tier rap artists.
- A Mic Unlike Any Other
- The Multi-platinum Vocal Mic
- Doctor Recommended, Doctor Approved
- An Industry-recognized Status Symbol
- Project Studio Alternatives
A Mic Unlike Any Other
First produced in 1992, the Sony C-800G is a peculiar beast. The microphone begins with a large-diaphragm, dual-diaphragm, center-terminated, K67-style capsule with a distinctive back-plate drilling pattern. The C-800G is a tube condenser, with a 6AU6 housed in its body and two 6AU6 tubes in its power supply, the latter tubes being employed as rectifiers. However, its most striking visual feature is a large Peltier heat sink protruding from the rear of the microphone. This built-in thermoelectric cooling system, which earned the C-800G the moniker “The Uzi” in rap circles, is designed to maintain the tube at an optimal temperature, thereby giving the mic its ultra-low noise and ultra-low distortion characteristics. The C-800G also features a 2-part aluminum body that safeguards against acoustic vibration, ensuring the utmost clarity.
The Multi-platinum Vocal Mic
The Sony C-800G is among the most detailed vocal microphones in the world. It delivers maximum clarity with a pleasantly bright airiness, which enables a vocal track to fit perfectly into your mix — no EQ required. It yields near-perfect recordings, particularly in the highest frequencies, with nonexistent self-noise levels. Its expansive dynamic range captures subtle nuances that most other mics miss. Its high sensitivity and low distortion ensure a rich, natural sound with unparalleled transient response. To top it off, it adds a low-midrange sheen to any voice you put it on, giving the track a finished quality without any added processing. Given that rappers place so much importance on their lyrics, it’s no mystery why they’re drawn to the hyper-articulate yet eminently flattering sonic signature of the Sony C-800G.
Doctor Recommended, Doctor Approved
These days, the Sony C-800G is omnipresent in rap production. This ubiquity is arguably due to the influence of celebrated hip-hop artist and producer Dr. Dre, who has been using the microphone in his signal chain since the 1990s to achieve the articulate, squeaky-clean vocal tracks that are his sonic signature.
“I like my vocals to sound ‘crystal,'” Dr. Dre explains in a 2003 interview with EQ. magazine. He continues:
I use the Sony C-800G for vocals because it has a clean sound and about 85% of the people that get behind it sound great. My main objective is that the vocal sound is present and clean and ultimately does not distort. I get the sound I want out of the EQ on the SSL. We’ve used it forever and have made many hits on it . . .
According to Dr. Dre’s engineer Mauricio “Veto” Iragorri, their preferred vocal chain involves running a C-800G into a Neve 1073 channel strip — without engaging the EQ. The signal is then routed into the line-level input of an Avalon VT-737-sp tube channel strip, bypassing the preamp and going directly to the compressor, which is set to a 7:1 ratio with a medium attack, fast release, and 3dB to 7dB of gain reduction. The output is patched into a Solid State Logic 4000 G console with E modules and then bused to Avid Pro Tools.
An Industry-recognized Status Symbol
As one of the most expensive current-production microphones with what’s debatably the best vocal sound money can buy, the Sony C-800G has become a status symbol within hip-hop circles — it’s one of those elusive things that separates a professional artist from a run-of-the-mill SoundCloud rapper. Recording with a C-800G is solid proof that you’ve reached a level where you can access the industry’s finest recording equipment.
Project Studio Alternatives
With an asking price in excess of $10,000, the Sony C-800G is generally only found in the highest end of elite professional studios. So, what’s a humble project studio owner to do? How do the rest of us get in on the action? Luckily, there are options.
First on our list is the Warm Audio WA-8000 large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone. The WA-8000 includes many of the C-800G’s coveted features, including a precision-made K67-style capsule, a customized external heat sink, an NOS 6AU6 tube, and custom-designed Lundahl transformers. And with a $1,199 price tag, the WA-8000 is accessible to almost anyone.
Sony created the price tag–busting Sony C-80 condenser microphone for music makers with smaller budgets. There are significant differences between the C-800G and the C-80. For starters, the C-80 features solid-state amplification rather than a tube design. The C-80 also dispenses with the external heat sink. Nonetheless, the C-80 still borrows heavily from its elite-priced predecessor, sporting a C-800G-inspired internal isolation structure that safeguards against unwanted extraneous noises and an ultra-pure sonic character on par with many top-dollar mics.
Finally, engineers in the Slate Digital VMS or Universal Audio Sphere ecosystems can access spot-on emulations of the C-800G.
Upgrade Your Mic Locker with Sweetwater!
When it comes time to upgrade your mic locker, call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700. We’ve used just about every microphone on the planet, and we’ll be happy to recommend the perfect mic for your individual needs.