SONY C-800G

A guide to the vintage tube condenser microphone we use extensively for vocal recording at our studio.

What Is the SONY C-800G?

The SONY C-800G is a large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone released by Sony in 1992.
From its debut it's been a flagship model for professional studios, and it's long been a go-to choice for vocal recording both in Japan and abroad.

Built around a large capsule and an internal tube preamp, it's known for a thick, present midrange and a subtle, elegant sheen.
Its pronounced proximity effect (bass boost as you move closer to the mic) makes it a favorite across genres — pop, R&B, hip-hop, reggae — whenever you want a voice that's "out front."
We keep one set up permanently in our vocal booth, and it's been used on countless artists' recordings.

Vintage C-800G vs. Current C-800G/9X

Today the market includes both vintage (original production) units of the C-800G and a current model that Sony reissued and refined (sometimes referred to as the C-800G/9X).

• Vintage C-800G: Depending on when it was made and its individual history, tone and sensitivity can vary slightly from unit to unit.
  That variation is exactly what many studios and engineers seek out — "the character of this particular unit."
  Component aging over the years is often treated as part of what defines the "vintage sound."
• Current model (C-800G/9X): Sony revisited the specifications and manufacturing process for this version, reducing unit-to-unit variation and delivering more consistent characteristics.
  It generally carries forward the original's sonic direction while improving noise performance and maintainability.

Noriaki Watanabe, the engineer who mixes many of the tracks recorded at our studio, has said that vintage and current units "often end up sounding different from what you'd expect a C-800G to sound like."
Our studio houses a vintage C-800G, and we put its distinctive character to work in vocal recordings.

Genre-Specific Guides

We've put together detailed guides to the SONY C-800G for vocalists and for rappers/DeeJays.
Use them as a reference when planning your session or choosing a recording approach.

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