Sony C16a (#8B018) w/CP2 PSU - Vintage Tube Microphone

This is one of the only known fully working Sony C16a microphones in existence. Direct from Russian Recording’s working mic locker, this early small-diaphragm tube condenser was manufactured during Sony’s transition from Tsushin Kogyo and restored for full professional studio operation.

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Sony C16a (Late 1950s)
Extremely rare small-diaphragm tube condenser from Sony’s early Tsushin Kogyo era

The Sony C16a is an extraordinarily rare small-diaphragm tube condenser microphone from the late 1950s. As far as we know, this is the only C16a that has ever reached the market. We first learned of its existence from a 1992 Studio Sound magazine article on the history of Sony microphones, which is included in the photos. Years later, we miraculously located one in Japan and restored it for studio use.

The C16a was produced for a very short time near the transition from Tsushin Kogyo to Sony, during the “old logo” era of that period. We’ve never seen another example, so it’s likely that only a handful were ever made. Both the design and circuitry strongly resemble the American Altec M150 “Coke Bottle” with its 21D capsule. Both use nearly identical interchangeable small-diaphragm omni capsules, a tapered body, a 6AU6 tube in a cathode follower circuit, and power supplies that house the output transformer and other audio electronics. The C16a uses the CP2 power supply, the same one used with Sony’s C37a, C17b, and C19b microphones of that era.

The microphone has a wonderful mellow sound reminiscent of Sony’s other tube mics. It works especially well on acoustic instruments, as an ambient mic, and likely on guitar amps as well.

This C16a comes complete with its original case, original metal mic clip, and proprietary cable.

If you’re interested in hearing it in use, we can provide the original recording session featuring every instrument tracked with this microphone, including stems, unprocessed mixes, and a final mix.

Included:
• Sony C16a Microphone
• Original CP2 Power Supply
• Original metal mic clip
• Proprietary cable
• Original case

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SERVICE AND BACKGROUND

This microphone has been fully serviced, inspected, tested, and verified to perform to original specifications.

At Russian Recording and Soviet American Audio Systems (SAAS Vintage), we specialize in sourcing, restoring, and preserving rare and obscure recording equipment from the Soviet Union, Japan, and beyond. Every microphone is bench-tested before shipping, and every stage of packing is photographed for transparency and documentation.

With over two decades of experience researching and restoring hundreds of rare microphones, Mike Bridavsky founded Soviet American Audio Systems (SAAS) to provide accurate information and make reliable, functional examples of historically important microphones available to other engineers.

Soviet American Audio Systems (SAAS Vintage) and Russian Recording have supplied restored and hard-to-find equipment to engineers and artists worldwide, including Sylvia Massy, John Congleton, Ben Baptie, Jonathan Rado, Sufjan Stevens, Kenny Beats, Wayne Sermon (Imagine Dragons), D.A. Got That Dope, and others.

We can provide detailed photos, audio samples, or video demonstrations upon request and are happy to answer any technical questions in full detail.

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SHIPPING
• Domestic U.S. shipping included.
• International shipping calculated by destination.
• All international shipments declared at full value; buyer pays duties and taxes.

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CONDITION AND POLICY

These are vintage microphones, typically between 30 and 80 years old. Although serviced and tested for full functionality, all vintage equipment will eventually require maintenance.

All sales are final unless the microphone is non-functional within three days of delivery.

Ships securely from Russian Recording in Bloomington, Indiana.