Josephson Engineering C705

From the Josephson C705 data sheet:

The C705 is a versatile studio microphone using a large diameter, center- supported single diaphragm cardioid capsule derived from our C715, and the discrete FET cascode input circuit and symmetrical balanced transformerless output circuit of the C716. The capsule, using a 5 micron gold-metallized diaphragm and precision machined internal surfaces, provides a smooth and very extended high end, and the enhanced proximity effect characteristic of single-diaphragm mics. This combination provides a new range of control for vocal pickup without sibilance, with a variety of tone colors possible by careful selection of distance and angle to the microphone. It’s also excellent for detailed instrument pickup without the harshness typical of many large-diaphragm mics, and works well with a variety of preamps and input stages, due to its low output impedance.

From the Xaudia blog

The Josephson C705 is an excellent microphone with a reassuringly solid feel, and does indeed sound much like a good Sony C37p, albeit 12 dB louder and with an even better improvement in signal to noise. The microphone has a transformerless circuit and is cardioid only (like a lot of C37 and C38 once the capsule becomes stuck!). It lacks the high pass filter options of the Sony microphones. The C705 it is not trying to be a clone or tribute in any kind of cosmetic sense. I admire Josephson because they do their own thing and try to make the best products they can. In this case they have done some clever things with the grill and acoustic environment around the capsule, moving the vertical support struts further back out of the way of the cardioid capsule. At around £2500 this is not a cheap option, but it is a professional, low noise recording tool which will get you close to the sound of a Sony C37 .

• Pressure-gradient condenser microphone transducer
• Cardioid directional pattern
• Frequency range 20-20,000 Hz
• Sensitivity 15 mV/Pa
• Equivalent noise level <16 dB SPL, A weighted
• Overload sound level 130 dB SPL
• P48 phantom power, 5.5 mA
• Diameter 63 mm (100 mm wide at yoke), length 261 mm
• Weight 1.2 kg
• Output connector 3-pin XLR

The housing is made of case-hardened steel with a unique offset grille support structure that greatly reduces internal reflections. The entire capsule assembly is internally shockmounted, so the microphone can be attached directly to a stand through its yoke mount. The black finish from the hardening process is very rugged for long life in studio and stage applications.

A review of the C705 at SoundOnSound magazine.

The capsule in the C705 is somewhat similar in concept to the capsules found in C37 and C38 microphones, which are well regarded for having a warmer, more flattering sound than many other types of condenser microphone. There is a comparison of microphones with Sony C37-style capsules at the Xaudia blog