recordinghacks

Studio Projects C3

Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

The Studio Projects C3 is a multipattern large-diaphragm condenser microphone.

The capsule is a dual-diaphragm version of the capsule in the C1; it has twin 26.9mm diaphragms made of 6-micron Mylar. The capsule is modeled after the Neumann K67; it has two backplates and uses center-terminated diaphragms.

As with the C1 (and B series), the C3’s impedance conversion circuitry is linear from 50Hz–20kHz.

The mic was introduced at $599 in 2000, and subsequently redesigned around 2006. The following table describes the differences between the two models:

	Original C3 (2000)	Revised C3 (2006)
Branding:	Studio Projects / 797 Audio	Red SP badge
Switches:	Two: 1. Pattern (O/8/C) 2. Pad or Filter	Three: 1. Pattern (O/8/C) 2. Pad (-10, Off, -20) 3. Filter (75Hz/Off/150Hz)
XLR housing:	Offset	Centered
Input cap:	Ceramic Disc	Polystyrene
Polarization:	~48VDC	~63VDC

As the table shows, the revised C3 was improved over the original, with an upgraded input coupling cap, and higher polarization voltage to the capsule (which provides higher signal-to-noise ratio). In the samples we’ve seen, the revised C3 had had all its wire connections on the PCB covered in hot glue; this acts as a sealant and stabilizer to prevent problems of contamination and mechanical vibration.

The revised C3 also offered an expanded feature set. Whereas the original offered a single switch that could enable either a pad or filter, the revised microphone offered independent switches for pad and filter, with three options each (including “off”).

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The mic was released in 2000.

Specifications

Frequency Response - OmnidirectionalClick Graph to Compare!
Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare!
Frequency Response - BidirectionalClick Graph to Compare!

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Omnidirectional (12 mV/Pa; 30 - 20,000 Hz) Cardioid (12 mV/Pa; 50 - 20,000 Hz) Bidirectional (12 mV/Pa; 90 - 20,000 Hz)	Pad: -10dB (Detachable) Filter: HPF: -6dB/octave @ 150Hz (Via Switch)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 26.9mm Capsule diameter: 34.1mm Diaphragm gauge: 6 microns	200 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 142 dB Self-noise: 18.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
640g (22.58oz)	222mm (8.74'')	52mm (2.05'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications
Requires phantom power Phantom voltage: 48 ± 4v

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