Sony C-80

The sound is great. It's a bit different from other microphones as it has a lot of clarity in the mids. They are controlled and focused. When recording vocals they almost sound compressed, I barely have to mix them for them to cut through in a mix. Now, I produce and record a lot of modern pop music. This microphone certainly has that "modern" sound. If you are going for that sound then you'll find this mic useful. However, I wouldn't use it on a vocal in an acoustic performance for example.

Con: The only giveaway that it's on the cheaper side sound-wise is in the highs and high-mids. There isn't a lot of "air" to this microphone, which isn't a problem in dense songs, but definitely more audible in minimalistic/organic songs. Air can be added in the mixing stage however.

Conclusion: I own a lot of microphones and this one blew my "famous brand"-microphones that are 3 times the price out of the water.