recordinghacks

OmnidirectionalJosephson Engineering c617 Set

MSRP: $960 Detachable-Capsule Condenser Microphone

Josephson Engineering c617 Set

Description

The Josephson C617 is the second generation design of the company’s high-voltage, metal-diaphragm, omnidirectional microphone, suitable for the most critical sound recording and measurement applications. It operates from standard P48 phantom power yet provides full 200 volt polarize potential for a lab grade standard “half inch” microphone capsule.

The C617SET is supplied with a Microtech Gefell MK221 capsule. Josephson can supply alternative metal-diaphragm capsules upon request.

The dynamic range of the mic is dependent on the inherent noise of the microphone capsule and the limits of P48 phantom power. The Josephson cascode FET front end circuitry introduced in the C606 is further refined in the C617, and combined with a balanced, bipolar, class-A symmetrical output stage.

For music recording, the balanced symmetrical circuitry together with a sub-micron thickness metal diaphragm capsule translate to an extremely “open” sound.

Pickup of sound pressure alone results in no proximity effect, very low sensitivity to wind noise, and phase accuracy that cannot be obtained with directional microphones.

The small capsule size results in a nearly perfect omnidirectional pickup pattern.

No onboard pad is supplied; the use of an inline pad is recommended for loud sources.

The HK12 mic clip is included. The optional shock mount is p/n EA21, although any 21mm shockmount should work.

Note that the MSRP of $960 does not include the MK221 capsule; the body plus capsule has an MSRP of $1840.

MIXThe word that best describes the sound of the C617SETs is “real.” In every application, the tone was balanced — there’s plenty of body without boom and a beautifully detailed high end that was never brash, even under high SPL. The C617SET renders cymbals beautifully. At a distance in the room, it imparts a silky smoothness that you have to hear to believe. Up close, directly over the kit, the sound is once again balanced and beautiful.

The Josephson Engineering c617 Set is also known as: 617.

Compatible Capsules
Microtech Gefell MK221Omnidirectional Microtech Gefell MK221
  • 13mm Omnidirectional capsule
  • Sensitivity: n/a
  • Freq. Resp.: 10 Hz – 20 kHz
  • MSRP: $695 | Still In Production
Pads & Filters Impedance Max SPL
13mm (0.51'') n/a 146 dB
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
120g (4.23oz) 176mm (6.93'') 21mm (0.83'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires Phantom Power
  • Phantom voltage: 48v

Did we get anything wrong on this page?Please let us know!