Sony C-37 (c. 1955–1969)
Not much is documented about the Sony C-37 outside of period advertising and a few collector retrospectives. The record shows it was Sony's first condenser microphone, introduced circa 1955. Two main versions exist: the original C-37A and the later C-37 FET (field-effect transistor) update, which Sony was advertising by 1969.
The C-37A was a professional broadcast mic with both cardioid (unidirectional) and omnidirectional patterns. An Audio (June 1960, p.39) ad touted a smooth 20-20,000 Hz frequency response, 200-ohm balanced output, and better than 15 dB front-to-back rejection in cardioid mode. A later look-back in EQ Magazine (March 1994, p.28) reported a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 55 dB and a current collector value of $400-$800. It described the sound as very flat with low distortion. The mics are ruggedly built and still sought after by vintage broadcast and studio collectors.
- Type: Condenser microphone
- Polar patterns: Cardioid (unidirectional) and omnidirectional
- Output impedance: 200 ohms, balanced
- Output level: –50 dB (unidirectional)
- Signal-to-noise: >55 dB at 1 µbar, 1 kHz
- Variants: C-37A (original), C-37 FET (solid-state)
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.