Studio Projects C3 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

No longer available at zZounds
zZounds Gear Experts Say...
Upgraded electronics. -10dB and -20dB pads, and 75Hz and 150Hz high pass filters.

Featuring upgraded electronics and a sleek new look, the new SP microphone product line is the result of 5 years of research and development by Brent Casey, veteran microphone designer and Vice President of Engineering of Studio Projects. The new electronics allow for better signal to noise ratio, as well as greater dynamic range.

All C Series microphones (except the T3) now have -10dB and -20dB pads, and 75Hz and 150Hz high pass filters. The C3 now has 27 different possible variations of settings.

The Studio Projects C3 is a large diaphragm dual membrane condenser microphone employing a 1.35 in. (34.5mm) capsule, high quality, low noise amplifier and balanced, transformerless output circuitry. It features 3 onboard switchable patterns, a -10dB and -20dB pads, and 75Hz and 150Hz high pass filters for added control in all manner of recording situation. The C3 has a precise response and a distinct sought-after sonic characteristic commonly associated with large capsule microphone designs.

The beauty of the C3 is in the fact that it is capable of achieving results which are typically entrusted only to microphones boasting very large price tags. The reasons behind this can be attributed to the manufacturing process and the components used to build the mic. It is not "magic," but rather solid, proven design principles and repeatable build tolerances that are responsible for the performance of the C3. The ratio of quality to price guarantees the C3 to be a benefit to nearly any read more studio from the modest home setup to the high profile, big-city recording facilities.

As a result of uncompromising dedication and advanced production capabilities, Studio Projects continues to broaden the range of quality pro audio microphones & electronics for today's recording environments.

Features:
Dual membrane 1.06 in. (27mm) 6 um mylar diaphragms

Selectable patterns (omni, cardioid, figure eight)

6dB/octave@150Hz. high Pass Filter

-10db Pad

Applications:
Vocal microphone for production, broadcast, and voice-over work

Perfect for the professional and home project studio

Overhead for choirs, orchestra sections

Ambience miking

Spot mic for strings, piano & percussion

Included Accessories:
Shock Mount Adapter

Foam Filter

Case
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Type: Dual diaphragm pressure gradient solid state condenser microphone

Polar Pattern: Cardioid/ Omni-directional/figure 8

Frequency Response: 40~20000Hz

Sensitivity: 12mV/Pa=-38dB(0dB=1V/Pa)

Output Impedance: <200 Ohm

Load Impedance: >1000 Ohm

Maximum SPL: 139/146dB SPL for 1% THD @1000Hz(0dB/-10dB pad, 0dB SPL=0.00002Pa)

Noise: (Line)---28dB (A weighted)---18dB

S/N: 77 dB

Power Requirement: P48 +/- 4V

Current Consumption: <2.5mA

Circuit: Discrete FET balanced, driving symmetrical output

Connector: Gold-plated 3-pin XLR

Pad: -10dB

Low Cut : 6dB/Octave at 150 Hz

Size: dia: 2.1 in. length: 8.9 in.

Weight: 26.9oz

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 310-323-9050

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (10 ratings)
Submitted July 16, 2006 by a customer from hotmail.com

"Probably the best pattern-switching large diaphragm mic you can find at this price range."

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
Considering the value, and the fact that I've done top-shelf commerical quality wok with it -- and its cheap to the point of almost being disposable -- I would say this is probably one of the best choices for a new pattern-switching large diaphragm mic for a project studio on a budget.

Sound
Compared to micorphones that cost 10 times the price, the studio projects C3 has proved to be an amazingly versatile mic. I have used it in a variety of settings. Although the mic puts its own slight character, it yields extremely -- sometimes unnervingly -- accurate performances.

Features
A must for anyone who wants to get a mic that pulls double and triple duty a shoe-string. Pattern switching, at least on my model, an essential and useful feature. The -10db cut is useful for live or straight-to-tape performances. Included shockmount is fine quality as well, and the case -- although I wouldn't drop it from any height -- is roadworthy if packed diligently.

Ease of Use
Well, just like any mic, if you know what you are doing with it and why, you'll be fine. All the controls are clearly marked, and are difficult to toggle "by mistake" when housed in the provided shockmount.

Quality
For the money, A++++. Sounds better than the down-market AKGs and Neumanns that cost considerably more.

Value
A++++

Manufacturer Support read more
Mine hasn't broken yet, so Idon;t know. Its stood up through some 100 hours of use over the last six mos. Call me in a year though.

The Wow Factor
More, like, "You need it." If you're on a budget.

Musical Background:
fuzzynugget@hotmail.com

Musical Style:
psychedelic polka house
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8 of 9 people (89%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
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