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Description

Crafted for the discerning studio professional, the Sony C-38B Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone is a versatile workhorse designed to capture the full spectrum of vocal and instrumental brilliance. With its dual switchable polar patterns—cardioid and omnidirectional—this microphone offers unmatched control over your recording environment, ensuring that whether you're in a bustling studio or a quiet home setup, your sound is always in its best light.

The C-38B is engineered with a low-cut filter switch to effectively eliminate unwanted low-frequency noise and proximity effect, allowing for crystal-clear recordings. For those moments when the performance gets intense, the -8 dB pad switch provides the headroom needed to handle high sound pressure levels without distortion. Sony's commitment to audio excellence is evident in the FET output stage, which guarantees high signal gain and a remarkably low noise floor, delivering recordings that are both dynamic and pristine.

Ideal for broadcasting, studio recording, or live performances, the C-38B is not just a microphone; it's a gateway to capturing sound as it truly is. Pair it with your favorite preamps and mixers, and let the magic unfold.

Key Features:

  • Dual switchable polar patterns: cardioid and omnidirectional
  • Low-cut filter switch for eliminating low-frequency noise
  • -8 dB pad switch for handling high sound pressure levels
  • FET output stage for high signal gain and low noise floor
  • Includes carrying case, NS5/8 and W3/8 stand adapters, and screwdriver

Product specs

Brand Sony
Model C-38B Condenser Microphone
Finish Blue
Year 1970s
Made In Japan
Categories Microphones
Electronics Analog, Solid State
Microphone Type Large-Diaphragm Condenser
Polar Pattern Multipattern
Wired/Wireless Wired

FAQs

What is the polar pattern of the Sony C-38B microphone?

The Sony C-38B features a multipattern polar pattern, allowing users to select between cardioid and omnidirectional modes for versatile recording applications.

Is the Sony C-38B suitable for recording vocals?

Yes, the Sony C-38B is well-regarded for its warm and smooth sound, making it an excellent choice for recording vocals in both studio and live settings.

What is the frequency response range of the Sony C-38B?

The Sony C-38B has a frequency response range of 30Hz to 18kHz, capturing a wide spectrum of sound suitable for various recording needs.

Does the Sony C-38B require phantom power?

No, the Sony C-38B does not require phantom power as it operates with an internal battery or external power supply, making it flexible for different recording environments.

Can the Sony C-38B be used for recording instruments?

Yes, the Sony C-38B's full-bodied sound and multipattern capabilities make it suitable for recording a variety of instruments, including acoustic guitars and pianos.

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gearwire

The Sony C38B Condenser Microphone Is A Go-to For Longtime Audio Professionals.

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The Sony C38B Condenser Microphone Is A Go-to For Longtime Audio Professionals.

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Vintage FET Condenser Microphone Shooutout (Neumann, AKG, Sony)

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Sony C38B | Unboxing & Review Powered by You

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Kürşat TAYDAŞ

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Testing the Sony C-38B vintage microphone

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Sony C-38B Test

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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about SONY C-38B.

Setup and maintenance

  • Vintage C-38B models may require capacitor replacement and possibly capsule cleaning or tuning to maintain performance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The C-38B is not highly sensitive, making it unsuitable for capturing quiet audio sources effectively.

    Source
  • The C-38B's figure-8 pattern helps lower proximity effect, making it suitable for situations where bleed needs to be controlled, such as live vocal and guitar recordings.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • While praised for its tonal balance, the C-38B is not ideal as a general-purpose workhorse microphone.

    Source
  • The Sony C-38B was used in figure-8 mode for close-miking guitars, reducing vocal bleed and enhancing clarity in recordings like Nick Drake’s.

    Source
  • Room miking with the C-38B captures a natural sound, complementing the main mic setup by adding depth and ambience to recordings.

    Source

User experience

  • Users find experimenting with mic placement relative to the guitar essential, as small adjustments can significantly impact tonal quality, especially with the C-38B’s capabilities.

    Source

Comparisons

  • In recreating historical recording setups, users note the C-38B offers tonal characteristics similar to Neumann KM56, especially in capturing acoustic guitar nuances.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Vance Powell uses SONY C-38B

Vance Powell

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Vance Powell: Recording Rock" by Sound On Sound magazine, at 6:28, music producer and audio engineer Vance Powell states that he uses a Sony C-38B large-diaphragm condenser microphone to capture the baritone guitar sound.

See how Toni Torres uses SONY C-38B

Toni Torres

Guitarist, Drummer

...
Verified via Hctsound

Toni Torres uses the SONY C-38B condenser microphone in recordings and select performances at HCTSound, as noted by HCTSound.

See how Roy Huskey, Jr. uses SONY C-38B

Roy Huskey, Jr.

Singer, Bassist

...
Verified via Mixonline

Used for the bass on Iris DeMent's Infamous Angel, as stated by engineer Richard Adler in this November 17, 2020 Mix Online interview.

On Husky’s upright bass, Adler used a mic-DI combination. “I still have that mic—a Sony C38B, one of their first solid-state mics,” he says. “The direct feed was either from the pickup that he had in his bass or sometimes I had a clip-on pickup that I would use, in case there was a note that wasn’t speaking distinctly. That was just to slightly augment the microphone track. The mic was the main sound, and I used a Pultec equalizer as well as some kind of compression that I can’t remember—those pieces were part of getting a really good bass tone.”

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use SONY C-38B, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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