This is the Sony C48. It isn’t especially rare, but it is an exceptional multi-purpose multi-pattern solid state large diaphragm condenser mic that isn’t as well known as many of the famous mics that it handily outperforms. It is essentially Sony’s answer to the U87 (as their flagship solid state LDC), but less “honky” and just overall a bit classier sounding. The C48 uses the same exact capsule as the C800g, which is their copy of the Neumann K67 capsule, and gets very high marks in just about every application from lead vocals to stereo room mics. As strange as it may sound, and as scary and difficult as it might be to position, it is my favorite snare drum microphone. Shout out to the Sony engineer that came up with that swiveling XLR plug, that’s just genius.
