The ART C3 Multi-Pattern FET Condenser Microphone features three selectable polar patterns, a three-position low-frequency roll-off, and a three-position pad switch, all of which ensure the C3 can easily be applied to virtually any recording or live application.

The C3 is the microphone of choice for recording critical tracks including solo vocals, saxophones, flutes, brass or woodwinds, acoustic guitars, or acoustic bass. Due to its rugged construction and ability to handle high SPL, the C3 is a suitable choice for live sound reinforcement or live recording applications. It can handle the levels you'd see on an overhead mic for drum kits or in front of guitar or bass cabinets.

Controls on the microphone itself include a -6 dB & -12dB pad switch, allowing distortion-free reproduction of extremely loud at-source signals, and a -12 dB/octave low-frequency roll-off switchable between 100 Hz & 200 Hz that reduces unnecessary low-end ‘boominess' and low-frequency interference.

The included heavy-duty shockmount suspension virtually eliminates vibration and handling noise, while at the same time safely securing the microphone in any position needed during the recording process.

The C3 offers three polar patterns, with the cardioid pattern offering full-frequency response from the front side of the microphone. The cardioid pattern is ideal for single-instrument or vocal use. The pattern picks up sound directly in front of the mic, rejecting much of the sound from the back and sides. In live sound applications and remote recording, the ART C3's cardioid pattern offers excellent feedback rejection and better isolation than the other patterns, and will give you the best results on most vocal applications and a wide range of solo instruments, including background brass and woodwinds, acoustic stringed instruments (violin, viola and cello), drums, and percussion.

The omnidirectional pattern picks up sound equally from all around the microphone and is useful for recording ambient sounds or picking up the room sound in studios and other acousitcally exceptional places—in both vocal and instrument recording. It's also a good choice for picking up audience interaction in live settings.

The bi-directional pattern, or figure-8, picks up sound from the front and the back of the mic for solo vocal or instrument recording with some studio ambience and limited proximity effect. It's also an excellent choice for duet and harmony vocal recordings featuring two singers.

As a condenser microphone, the ART C3 requires phantom power to operate. The microphone's precision-tooled body and dent-resistant stainless-steel wire-mesh windscreen protect the internal electronics and capsule, ensuring unmatched long-term reliability. The C3 comes equipped with an extremely secure custom shockmount. An aluminum carry case is also included.

Exceptionally warm-sounding FET design

Smooth frequency response

Cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 polar patterns

Three-position pad (Off, -6 dB, -12 dB) & high-pass filter (Off, 100 Hz, 200 Hz)

34mm gold-sputtered diaphragm

Wide dynamic range with low noise floor

Secure cradle mount and hard case included

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. is it USB C type ?if not which mic is coming with USB C thanks

A: Unfortunately, this does not include a USB-C output cable. Although it is mostly mics designed for mobile that include a USB-C cable, you could use a separate cable like this with the mic, and it will work with a USB-C connection to a computer: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1141593-REG/belkin_f2cu033bt06_blk_usb_2_0_c_to.html

Q: 2. Will this mic work with a chromebook?

A: Yes it will work, the cable provided in the box is USB-A, if the computer does not have USB-A the adapter bellow will convert it to USB-C https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1128928-REG/apple_mj1m2am_a_usb_c_to_usb_adapter.html?sts=pi&pim=Y

Q: 3. How long is the included USB cable?

A: The included cable is about 3-6 feet long.

Q: 4. Will I still be able to use my external Audio Engine speakers when I'm on a web conference? In other words, will the Nano eliminate any sound feedback?

A: The Nano was not designed with DSP meant to cancel out noise. While you could connect the headphone output of the mic to your Audio Engine speakers, feedback could be a potential issue. We would recommend using headphones if you are using the Yeti, or perhaps look at a conferencing style speakerphone for noise cancellation such as BH #YAYVC200B.

Q: 5. Will it work with a Macbook Pro through Thunderbolt 3?

A: It will work through a Thunderbolt 3/ USB-C connection on a Macbook Pro. But you will need this Apple USB-C to A adapter to connect it. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1128928-REG/apple_mj1m2am_a_usb_c_to_usb_adapter.html.

Q: 6. IS this mic good for live sound applications? Specifically drum over heads? Or would pencil condensers be a better option?

A: Yes, the Avantone Pro CK-6+ Large Capsule Cardioid FET Condenser Microphone is a very good microphone for recording drum overheads. I has a maximum sound pressure level rating of 136 dB. Small diaphragm condenser microphones (pencil style mics) with similar specs are also suitable. Neither style is better than the other. It's a matter of personal preference, as well as whether you would want to be able to use the same mic for other applications, which many people often do. The CK-6+ is a versatile mic that can be used for numerous recording applications.

Q: 7. How does this microphone compare to Sennheiser MK8 and Neumann TLM 102 & 107?

A: All four mics are large diaphragm condenser style with a frequency response range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The Senal SCM-660, Sennheiser MK 8, and Neumann TLM 107 offer multiple patterns to pick up audio from different directions, while the TLM 102 is cardioid only. The SCM-660 offers three patterns (cardioid, figure-8, omnidirectional) while the MK 8 and TLM 107 offer five patterns (cardioid, figure-8, omnidirectional, supercardioid, subcardioid/wide cardioid) for accommodating a wider variety of applications.

Q: 8. The "Key Features" at the top say Max SPL = 140db, but the Specs say it is 130db. Which is correct?

A: The published specification is correct for the Senal SCM-660 Large-Diaphragm Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone (BH # SESCM660). It is 130 dB, but will be 140 dB with the -10 dB pad engaged. See the page 10 of the user guide here: https://bhpho.to/3WFcOhz.

Q: 9. To synch sound to footage shot on a Canon DSLR would this mic work via a zoom recorder?

A: The Audix SCX1/HC Studio Condenser Microphone Kit is a good option for recording audio separately into a Zoom recorder. Sync will likely have to be done manually in editing as most DSLR cameras and some Zoom models do not offer timecode onboard. It is possible to record timecode as an audio track on each device, which can be decoded by certain editing softwares for sync, if you use a device such as the Tentacle Sync E mkII Timecode Generator with Bluetooth 5.0 to feed both the camera and recorder the same timecode: https://bhpho.to/3Lj6m8W

Q: 10. I am updating my Samson MTR 231, what differences should I expect between both mics, please?

A: In comparison, the Sennheiser is the more feature rich. 3 step low cut filter and 3 step pad. You are also getting more selectable pickup patterns. These allow you to more precisely tailor the mics performance to a specific application. Comparatively the mic are similar in self noise, however the Sennheiser offers better specs in dynamic range as well as signal to noise ratio. Regarding frequency response, the Sennheiser is relatively flat, with the Samson featuring a slight boost in the higher frequencies. This will generally be interpreted as the Sennheiser having a warmer sound.