This is an impossibly rare consecutive pair of hard-to-find Sony C500 condenser microphones. Both mics are in excellent cosmetic and functional condition.The price is for the pair.
The Sony C500 is a solid-state medium diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone built in the 1970’s. Despite the enormous size of the head basket, the C500 does not have a large diaphragm. And contrary to popular belief, this mic is not “Sony’s answer to the Neumann U47 FET”.
But it is a curious and interesting microphone design concept. The suspended capsule inside of the giant head basket is meant to remove, or at least minimize the acoustic impact of head grill on the microphone’s performance, like a capsule suspended in mid-air. The large physical footprint of the mic also makes the it pretty tough to position it tight spots, especially when you consider that one of the benefits of a small diaphragm condenser is that it is easy to place in hard-to-reach places. But you can’t argue that the C500 looks amazing.
The C500 has a clear top end that is reminiscent of the Neumann KM series of microphones from the same era. It is a popular choice for male vocals (it’s been used as Stevie Wonder’s vocal mic on several occasions). It has a nice 70’s crispiness to it that cuts through a mix with style.
