Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $739

High-end/Boutique

$100

$401+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Josephson Engineering C42 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Josephson Engineering C42 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone is your versatile solution for capturing sound with precision and clarity. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the C42 is a testament to Josephson Engineering's commitment to quality and innovation. This microphone shines in a variety of settings, from studio recordings to live performances, offering a transformerless Class A output stage that ensures a clean and transparent sound.

Whether you're capturing the subtle nuances of an acoustic guitar or the powerful resonance of a grand piano, the C42's small-diaphragm condenser capsule delivers a clear, natural sound. Its flat frequency response, coupled with a high-frequency presence boost, adds a touch of brilliance to your recordings without sacrificing authenticity. The microphone's low impedance design is perfect for long cable runs, ensuring that your sound remains pristine over distance.

Built with a rugged, machined stainless steel chassis, the C42 is designed to withstand the rigors of any recording environment. Its 135dB max SPL provides ample headroom for loud sources, making it an excellent choice for everything from delicate vocals to booming drum overheads. Experience the excellence of Josephson Engineering with the C42, a microphone that truly stands in a class of its own.

Key Features:

  • Small-diaphragm condenser capsule for clear, natural sound
  • Transformerless Class A output stage for clean output
  • Low impedance design for long cable runs without signal degradation
  • 135dB max SPL for high headroom
  • Rugged machined stainless steel chassis for durability
soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

Josephson C42 Microphones - Acoustic Guitar

Video thumbnail for Josephson C42 Microphones - Acoustic Guitar by soundpurestudios

Josephson C42 Microphones - Acoustic Guitar

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

Video thumbnail for Shure SM81, Josephson C42, Oktava MK012  - Overhead mics rock shootout pt. II by MattismPL

Shure SM81, Josephson C42, Oktava MK012 - Overhead mics rock shootout pt. II

MattismPL

MattismPL

Video thumbnail for SDC Mic Shootout on Acoustic Guitar: M60 vs. 2011A vs. P84 vs. C42 by soundpurestudios

SDC Mic Shootout on Acoustic Guitar: M60 vs. 2011A vs. P84 vs. C42

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

Video thumbnail for Josephson C42 Demo & Review by Alec Brits

Josephson C42 Demo & Review

Alec Brits

Alec Brits

Reviews

Critic Reviews

Josephson C42 Condenser Mic Review | TapeOp Magazine | Tape Op Magazine

tapeop.com

The Josephson Engineering C42 microphone is a standout in the small-diaphragm category, impressing with its extended, smooth highs, full midrange, and non-boomy lows. Its FET-driven class-A path ensures a lifelike capture, making overheads and acoustic guitars sound authentic and emotionally compelling. The even cardioid pattern offers versatile use, from studio to live settings. While it sits at a higher price point than budget options, its clarity and musicality justify the investment. Compared to competitors like AKG and Shure, the C42 holds its own, delivering high-end sound quality with excellent pair matching for stereo applications.

positive

Mojo Pie: Josephson Engineering C42

mojopie.com

The Josephson Engineering C42 mic is a standout in the realm of small-diaphragm condensers, offering professional quality at an accessible price. Praised for its detail, quiet operation, and sweet sound, the C42 competes with pricier models like the Neumann KM184. It's particularly effective on acoustic guitar, drum overheads, and hand percussion, delivering tracks that cut through a mix without harshness. While it may not excel on snare drums due to a lack of natural compression, its performance on other sources like cymbals is impressive, making it a versatile tool for project studios. Highly recommended for those seeking a step up in recording quality.

positive

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Artist usage

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See how MJ Cole uses Josephson Engineering C42 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

MJ Cole

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 21:11 in the YouTube video by MusicRadar Tech titled "MJ Cole: In the studio with a UK garage legend – FROM THE ARCHIVE (2017)," MJ Cole is shown using a Josephson Engineering C42 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone to record his piano tracks.

Album Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Josephson Engineering C42 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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