The C-800G "Utilizes the same capsule design as the Neumann K67 large-diaphragm condenser mic" (Vintageking. n.d.). The C-800G is "2 1/4 dia. x 7 5/8 x 9 3/8 inches or 5.7 dia. x 19.3 x 23.8 centimeters" (Sony. n.d.). The C-800G looks just like a normal microphone except for one curious appendage that hangs off the back of it. That curious appendage is a "heat sink that maintains the optimal temperature for the internal tube, which accounts for the microphone's incredibly natural presentation, minimal distortion and almost complete absence of a noise floor." (Vintageking. n.d.).
The C-800G features "a high-quality dual large diaphragm for true reproduction of vocal qualities" (Sony. n.d.) The C-800G features a hand-selected 6AU6 vacuum tube, "which provides pleasant analog warmth in the lower mids to compliment the brilliant top end." (Vintageking. n.d.). The C-800g also contains "an electronically selectable pick-up pattern (Omni/Uni) for various recording applications." (Sony. n.d.). The main thing that catches most people's eyes when first seeing a C-800G is the large cooler on the back. The cooler is a "unique Peltier-based cooling system to achieve optimum tube operating temperature" (Sony. n.d.). In Sony's "C-800G Sell Sheet", the cooler is described as "an innovative cooling system to deliver a warm, natural, rich sound that’s powerful, yet delicate, with low noise and minimum distortion." (Sony. 2020.)
"The classic C800G is the only tube microphone in the world equipped with a semiconductor active cooling system that results in a higher signal-to-noise ratio compared to most other tube microphones." (Matrixproaudio. n.d.). The C-800G is designed for the highest possible sound reproduction quality. In an interview, popular producer 'Dr Dre' talked about the C-800G, saying, "I like my vocals to sound 'crystal, I use the Sony C800-G for vocals because it has a clean sound, and about 85% of the people that get behind it sound great. My main objective is that the vocal sound is present and clean and ultimately does not distort. I get the sound I want out of the EQ on the SSL. We've used it forever and have made many hits on it, including 50s 'In Da Club'." (Whatgear. 2021.). "It’s also famed for something it doesn’t have: noise. This is partly on account of its construction – featuring a two-part aluminium body that’s specially designed to prevent acoustic vibrations and resonances from reaching the capsule" (Dan, S. 2020). This means that artists can get crystal clear recordings and use many different ranges of sound with this microphone, without even a hint of shrillness.