It’s been a few months since Sony announced the new C-80 condenser microphone which promises studio quality to a relatively low price. We tell you right away to avoid surprises, we are talking about a €600 professional microphone, certainly not a few, but let’s find out in this review if the Sony C-80 is worth it.
The important premise to make is that this microphone is not meant (only) for streaming or playing with friends on Discord, it is aimed at a more niche audience and the world of recordings, podcasts and Vlogs.
But let’s proceed in order.
Our review of Sony’s C-80 microphone
Il Sony’s C-80 is a well-crafted entry-level microphone which exploits the unidirectional condenser technology perfected after years of company experience. In fact, in this model we find the capsule already present in the Sony C-100 and the bimetallic structure of the C-800G. Combining these two qualities, Sony wanted to impose a new quality standard on microphones in this category.
Data sheet
- Dimensions: Approximately 40mm diameter x 158mm
- Weight: Approx. 215g
- Connector: XLR-3-12C, 3-pin XLR cable required (not included)
- Diet: Da 44 a 52 V DC
- Answer of Frequency: 20 Hz～20 kHz
- Sensitivity: -30 dB (deviazione ±3 dB) (0 dB = 1 V/Pa, 1 kHz)
- Dynamic Range: Superiore a 125,5 dB
- Supplied accessories: Support suspension, operating instructions, Carrying case
Design
The Sony C-80 consists of a two-section metal body able to prevent acoustic vibrations and therefore noise reduction in favor of even greater audio clarity. In the upper part we find the actual microphone inside a double metal grille capable of reducing the noises of breaths or breathing. On the back we find two levers that activate/deactivate theAttenuatore and the Low frequency filter. While the former reduces distortion due to momentary peaks (to -10dB), the latter helps eliminate proximity effect and low-frequency noise. Based on the cylindrical metal body we find theXLR-3-12C connector input whose cable, remember, is not included in the package.
However, in the package we find, in addition to a practical carrying case and an instruction manual, also a practical support. Featuring a “basket” design, the support is mainly made of plastic and uses a system of elastic bands to stabilize the microphonemake it semi-mobile in any case but in such a way as not to alter the rendering of the recording. To lend a hand to stability, one thinks about it screw locking system located on the base to keep the microphone still once placed. Obviously, the support is able to hook, again with a classic screw system, to most of the arms and stands on the market.
Technology
The potential of the Sony C-80 is truly exceptional thanks to the technology and within it and Sony’s decennial experience that has developed and perfected its products over the years. Surely the main feature is the unidirectional condenser technology and the a double diaphragm, which suppresses sound loads due to distance (proximity effect), ensuring greater stability during recordings. Not even the aforementioned is missing noise canceling at truly professional levels which allows you to obtain a sound that is always clear and free of acoustic vibrations.
Our test of the Sony C-80
For this review, we put the Sony C-80 through its paces on a daily basis. Even if we don’t have a Podcast (We are not all Fjona Cakalli!) or we are not musicians, we have exploited the potential of the microphone for meetings and live, replacing it with our normal set.
Let’s start immediately by saying that the microphone is presented in an optimal way with excellent materials and a truly excellent tactile feel, classic of Sony products. Also simple to install, just connect it to your computer or to a mixer but pay attention to the necessary inputs! As anticipated, an XLR-3-12C connector is required, not included in the package.
The performance of recording and sound transmission is truly phenomenal and no microphone we have ever tested has managed to reach this level of quality. Both the low and deep sounds and the higher ones, which never sound too loud, were recorded at their best.
The basket stand is also interesting which keeps the microphone fixed on the arm that we had available. It remains only to understand how much the rubber bands, in constant tension, resist over time without deteriorating.
The Sony C-80 microphone review in a nutshell
IThe Sony C-80 represents excellence in terms of microphones in this price range. The high quality, following a figure (recall, 600€), in our opinion, really compliantmake it an excellent device for professionals or anyone who needs a microphone for work, whether it’s recording their voice or recording music.
We are faced with the perfect union of Sony’s experience in terms of design and quality, combined with the latest advances in recording technology.
Price and availability of the Sony C-80
The unidirectional condenser microphone Sony C-80 is now available in Italy at a price of around €600.