Sony C-500 Studio Condenser Microphone – Pair (Vintage)
Formerly owned by Eel Pie Studios. Both mics are functioning well and sound superb, however the filter dials are intermittent and when switched do crackle and pop on occasion. In normal (Music) mode they work fine and do work intermittently when switched to voice (V – low cut) mode. In good condition for their age, but showing some clear signs of use including some small dents to the headbasket, light tarnishing/pitting on metalwork, scratches on body and “Eel Pie” engraving on the rear side.
Cosmetics aside, these are exceptional mics that excel on a wide range of applications. Wonderfully open and natural on vocals, but also great with high SPL sources such as kick and bass cabs thanks to the addition of a -8db pad. Exceptionally flat response runs straight across the spectrum, capturing sources accurately while also taking EQ extremely well. A highly sought after and desirable mic and a worthy addition to any mic locker!
Not serial matched, but sonically matched within tolerance and can certainly operate as a pair (as they were previously used).
Serial No. 1350 & 1100
Includes flight case and cables (attached)
Features:
- Two Low-Cut Filters: A choice of two degrees of low frequency attenuation may be selected to compensate for acoustically difficult or uncontrolled conditions.
- Uniform Directivity: The cardioid polar pattern is remarkably uniform for maximum rejection of off-axis sound, regardless of frequency.
- 8 dB Pad: The pad, located between the capsule and impedance translator prevents overload of the impedance translator and the console’s microphone preamplifier when used with extreme high SPL sound sources.
- Phantom Power System: The C-500 may be powered from any standard phantom power supply (DC 48-54 Volts)
From Sony’s original brochure:
“Undeniably the finest cardioid condenser microphone ever developed, the Sony C-500 is an essential part of the sophisticated studio’s complement of microphones. It is the only microphone capable of equaling or surpassing the technical sophistication of all other equipment in to- day’s state-of-the-art recording systems. Its dynamic range, in excess of 130 dB, permits noise- and distortion- free recording of extremely dynamic works of music. Its remarkably low distortion, less than 0.1% (I.M. or T.H.D.) at or below 134 dB SPL, is fully the match of the finest consoles. NO OTHER MICROPHONE even approaches this distortion-free performance. And it will accept sound pres- sure levels up to 154 dB without significant increase in distortion! Frequency response is virtually flat from 20 Hz to beyond 20 kHz. All other performance parameters are equally impressive, thus justifying the C-500’s title: STUDIO-STANDARD.”
Specifications
- Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz ±3 dB (frontal)
- Effective Output Level: −49.8 dB (attenuator pad switch at 0 dB)
Effective Output Level: −57.8 dB (attenuator pad switch at −8 dB) - Output Impedance: 250 Ω ±20% (balanced)
- Power Supply: Standard operating voltage: 48 V, current drain less than 2.5 mA
- Noise Level: S/N ratio: more than 70 dB (1,000 Hz, reference = 10 µbar)
- Maximum Sound Pressure Input Level: 154 dB-SPL
- Dynamic Range: 130 dB
- Mounting Thread: Standard RCA ½”
- Weight: 2.2 lb (1,000 g)