A pair of Sony C-100 studio microphones were the only mics we brought on our recording trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands, just before the pandemic.
These mics sport a frequency range of 20 Hz–50 kHz and three polar patterns (cardioid, omni, figure 8). The two-part metallic body is a direct lineage of the famed C-800G microphone. Having used both, I can say that the C100 hints very closely at its big brother, and demonstrates a clarity and frequency reach that few other small mics possess.
We used it primarily as a mono front drum microphone when combined with the drum triggers on drummer Ray LeVier’s Yamaha drum kit, which allowed us to get a combination of live and processed triggers. We also used the pair as spot mics on the kit to record individual parts such as toms, hats and snare.
From there, we actually assembled drum tracks in a sound design-like fashion. Aside from the intense focus of these mics, they take compression really well; in several instances, we turned small drums into epic monsters with just a pair of C100s, some EQ and compression.
As the phrase goes, we all agreed that these do make a nice pair of non-desert island mics!
Sony Professional • www.pro.sony
