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Sony C-800G Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Ultra-low-noise Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Mic with Built-in Cooling System and External Power Supply
$10,700.00

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Due to unforeseen circumstances, Sony is currently experiencing manufacturing delays on the C800G microphone. Please contact us to either secure your place in line for the earliest possible future shipment or discuss product alternatives.

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Sony C-800G Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
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One of the World's Elite Microphones

The list of the best-sounding microphones ever made is a short one. Among the usual suspects — select, well-maintained vintage tube mics — are a handful of contemporary high-ticket items, including the Sony C-800G. If you've ever worked with this exceptional mic, you know what we mean. It captures the silky breathiness of vocals without a hint of shrillness. It's also a revelation on acoustic guitar. In fact, the C-800G's effectively non-existent noise floor and high sensitivity let you use it on almost anything with astonishing results. The vacuum tube — a hand-selected 6AU6 — has its own onboard cooling system. The large dual-diaphragm capsule features electronically selectable cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns. If you have the budget for an ultra-high-end microphone, the Sony C-800G deserves your serious consideration.

Superior technology, unerring accuracy

On first encounter with the C-800G, you'll notice a curious-looking appendage. This is the cooling system that maintains optimal tube operating temperature, a factor Sony has deemed vital to consistent sonic performance with vanishingly low noise and distortion. Whether you're recording a lead vocal or a voice-over, the human voice is the most challenging source. It's this extreme level of design sophistication that enables the C-800G to capture vocals flawlessly. The mic is a workhorse in Sweetwater studios, a staple not only for vocals, but for pretty much any acoustic instrument, courtesy of its unerring accuracy. The Sony C-800G comes with a proprietary outboard power supply and multi-pin cable, power cord, cradle suspension, and windscreen.

Sony C-800G Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Mic Features:

  • Designed for no-compromise sound capture
  • Excellent choice for vocals, voice-overs, and acoustic instruments
  • High sensitivity: -32dB/Pa
  • Built-in cooling system for consistent sonic performance with low noise and distortion
  • Large dual-diaphragm capsule
  • Electronically selectable cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns
  • Includes power supply and multi-pin cable, power cord, cradle suspension, and wind screen

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Tech Specs

  • Microphone Type: Tube Condenser
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omni
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-18kHz
  • Max SPL: 131dB (cardioid), 134dB (omni)
  • Output Impedance: 100 ohms
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: 76dB (cardioid), 73dB (omni)
  • Sensitivity: -32dB/Pa (cardioid), -35dB/Pa (omni)
  • Self Noise: 18dB (A-weighted)
  • Tube: 6AU6
  • Color: Black
  • Power Source: External AC-MC800G Power Supply (included)
  • Connector: Multi-pin (mic), XLR (power supply)
  • Dimensions: 9.37" x 7.62" x 2.25"
  • Weight: 2 lbs
  • Included Accessories: Windscreen, Shockmount, 26' Cable, Carrying Case
  • Manufacturer Part Number: C800GPac1

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Literally the only mic that delivers results without eq/compression

It's not even fair. I barely have to touch the vocals. all you need is a good vocal booth and you're done. Ok maybe not I must mention you also need a great talent as always. Seriously I wish I would have bought two, now they are almost impossible to come by. Worth every PENNY!!! Sweetwater has some of the best customer service out there...

Well wishes to everyone inl your musical endeavors, and remember to get it done no matter the tools you have.
Music background: Producer/Engineer/Artist
Rated 5/5

You simply cannot go wrong investing in this microphone

This was the one missing piece from my studio. I'm fortunate to have the best outboard gear at my disposal. But the one thing I was missing was a 'premier' microphone. I've had a U87 for many years, and it will always be a valued prize in my mic collection. But, when it comes to vocals, the 87 is not a perfect fit for every voice. That Neumann eq presence peak that so many knock-off mics try and emulate can get in the way of some voices. I've used the Sony C800G for many years at other studios, and it had become my first choice when I needed pristine, high fidelity quality for my vocals. For those vocalists that had never used it before, they always came away impressed. And it helps that its distinctive look makes it hard to forget as well. So when a project came in that I wanted to do exclusively at my private studio, I knew I had to FINALLY get my own C800G. Why did I not try and track down a vintage U67 or 47? Excellent question. Of course, those mics are icons for a reason. To many, myself included, those two models are the pinnacle of gorgeous sound. But, at the same time, no two mics sound the same. In the past when I've rented classics such as Telefunken Elam 251's, AKG C 12's, U47's, etc, I always have the provider bring me two, because on any given day, one of those mics is going to sound markedly better than the other. This is because of how the mic has been cared for, and how the electronic components age over time. Generally a 50 year old capacitor will not be operating anywhere near its original tolerance spec'ed at the time of manufacture. Which is exactly why no two classic mic models sound the same. All this said, as most of us do not have technicians on site to repair equipment when it goes down (like all the classic studios did) I couldn't take the chance of investing in a vintage classic that would be put into regular service. That when it dies, I'd have to send away to a specialist who could take an unspecified amount of time to repair it. For a hefty sum...money that I would have already surely lost because I didn't have my 'premier' mic available. Which brings me back to the C800G. Still manufactured to this day, a modern classic, used on countless hits in your music collection, comes with a warranty. But the clincher is, every mic shootout I've done with it, it always wins. Yes, its expensive, but the performances it will inspire with your clients actually saves you time you'd previously spend on editing, tuning and eqing to make it sound like a hit song. And, if time is money, its a bargain.
Music background: Producer/Engineer/Mixer
Rated 5/5

Wowsers

I was fortunate enough to use this microphone while recording a v/o for an internationally recognized superstar. Him and his 2 partner artists use these microphones in their personal studios. The chain was the Sony C going into a TT Cl1b comp, and then into an ssl aws900. Between the artists vocal control, and everything in the signal path, I have never in my life heard a more crisp, clear, and authentic sound in my entire life. To say that he sounded like he was in the room with you is an understatement.

This is one of the VERY few pieces of gear that would get a 6 / 5 rating.
Music background: Engineer, Producer
Rated 5/5

wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

I'm producer from israel,i bought this mic for Hi End vocals sound . . .
You turn on the the power supply and wait 2-3 hours for the tubes to worm up . . .. .and record !!!!!!

Then you'll see magic!
Music background: Recording Engineer/Pro Musician
Rated 5/5

Sony C-800G

It took a big chunch of change but this is well worth it! To hear this mic check out:
'One Sweet Day' - Mariah Carey/Boys II Men
'Endless Love' - Mariah Carey/Luther Vandross
'The Watcher' - Dr. Dre

LOVE IT!!
Music background: Sound Designer

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What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?

Carson McClain

This mic has been used on some of the top vocalists in the world, and on other unlikely new music stars bringing out the true unique elements of their vocals. If you are missing this from your mic locker, you are incomplete.
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