SANKEN Microphones are precision-engineered in Japan, reflecting decades of collaboration with NHK Science & Technical Research Laboratories. This continuous innovation has established Sanken as a leading manufacturer of professional-grade microphones used worldwide in film, broadcast, and high-resolution music production.
Sanken’s range includes microphones for studio recording, film and television production, and live performance applications—each built to deliver exceptional clarity, low noise, and long-term reliability.
Among the company’s signature products, the CUX-100K and CO-100K stand out for their groundbreaking 100 kHz frequency response. The CO-100K is the world’s first 100 kHz omni-directional condenser microphone designed specifically for professional recording, offering ultra-high-frequency transparency ideal for high-resolution and immersive audio formats. The CUX-100K extends this capability to directional recording, with superior transient response and spatial accuracy.
Both models excel in high-resolution and surround recording configurations such as ORTF, X-Y, and Decca Tree setups. They are favoured by internationally recognized engineers, including Masaki Sawaguchi, the “Surround Shogun,” known for his use of Sanken microphones in immersive, multi-channel productions.
CUX-100K
The Ultimate Mic for Capturing the Full Breadth of Music
Perfect for truly capturing beautiful sounding instruments in acoustics spaces, but equally suited as a mic for sound effect and Foley recording
With a 20Hz ~ 100kHz range, the Sanken CO-100K omni-directional condenser microphone is the world’s first 100k microphone designed specifically for professional recording, not for analytical purposes. There is a high frequency boost that starts at around 16khz with a 20dB bump above 50kHz to capture the high frequency details usually lost between the source and the mic – you don’t need to close mic to get a superb high end response, perfect for high SPL sources and distant overheads.
Utilizing this new technology to create a generation of microphones to meet the needs of today’s top recording professionals, the actual physics employed in the operation of the CO-100K builds on the Sanken legacy of incorporating new and innovative design perimeters. Even the contour of the mic near the capsule and the unique capsule material design are perfectly optimized for a stunning high frequency response.
Because of the way in which analog to digital converters operate, the CO-100K takes advantage of the heightened frequency response of the new hi-resolution digital audio formats. As X-Y, ORTF, or Decca tree overheads the CO-100Ks excel, where fidelity is without compromise, to capture the spatial reality of a great sounding room.
Initially the mic was used for classical and Broadway recordings but now the CO-100K is finding applications as diverse as Foley, location, as well as for instrument and drum, or percussion overhead recording.
World’s first 100k microphone designed specifically for professional recording
20Hz to 100kHz Frequency Response
HF boost above 16khz with a 20dB bump above 50kHz to capture HF information normally
lost between the sound source and the micA superb high end response without the need for close miking techniques
Perfect for high resolution recording formats, taking advantage of the lack of artifacts as a result anti-aliasing filters
Contour of the mic and unique capsule material design are perfectly optimized for a stunning high frequency response
Excels as X-Y, ORTF, or Decca tree overheads
Compact size and unobtrusive appearance
Designed by Sanken in conjunction with NHK Science and Technical Research Laboratories
The Ultimate Mic for Capturing the Full Breadth of Music
Perfect for capturing the sound of room or performance space in omni mode with the option of directional cardioid near and far. Take control of your sound with the CUX-100K.
In Omni mode, which is the same as the CO-100K, the CUX-100K captures spacial and ambient sounds to perfection typically at least 5 yards from source. With a stunning response up to 100kHz the mic enables subtle nuances of the performance to enhance recordings with a clarity and depth not possible with standard microphones.
In Cardioid (Far) mode, for closer recordings around 3 ~ 4 yards, the CUX-100K records a mix of moderate ambience and the main performance sources. In this mode, rear and the high frequency responses are effectively reduced, in order to reject too much ambience, to suit recordings in smaller spaces.
In Cardioid (Near) mode, less than 3 feet, the CUX-100K can act as the main source mic. In order to reject some of the ambience, the frequency response is limited to 50kHz. The frequency response is flat up to 50kHz, ideal for high quality music.
Because of the way in which analog to digital converters operate, the CUX-100K takes advantage of the heightened frequency response of the new hi-resolution digital audio formats. As X-Y, ORTF, or Decca tree overheads the CUX-100Ks excel, where fidelity is without compromise, to capture the spatial reality of a great sounding room.
100k microphone designed specifically for professional ultra hi-def recording
3 modes for flexibility in recording – Omni, Cardioid (Far), Cardioid (Near)
Omni mode for ambient and spacial recording
Cardioid (Far) for ambient with source focus
Cardioid (Near) for high resolution close performance mic
20Hz to 100kHz Frequency Response – Omni and Cardioid (Far) modes
A superb high end response without the need for close miking techniques in Omni mode
Perfect for high resolution recording formats, taking advantage of the lack of artifacts as a result anti-aliasing filters
Contour of the mic and unique capsule material design are perfectly optimized for a stunning high frequency response
Excels as X-Y, ORTF, or Decca tree overheads
Designed by Sanken in conjunction with NHK Science and Technical Research Laboratories
CO-100K
Advanced Design Excels In Every Application
Perfect for vocals and music delivering all the magic
Over 90 years of technological innovation and artist feedback have gone into the design of this unique microphone. No other manufacturer includes the features of the CU-51. What you hear in the studio is what you capture in the control room. The CU-51 offers a new dual-capsule design pioneered by Sanken, providing an exacting cardioid pattern ideal for vocals and a wide range of musical applications. The CU-51 also has a very low proximity effect making vocals and instruments seem bigger than life.
A very special characteristic of the CU-51 is its ability to maintain uniform response in both on-axis and off-axis positions. It is common knowledge that varying the direction of a microphone will change the frequency response and tone.
The tone and response of the CU-51 remains consistent through changes in the axis angle while maintaining the benefits of a large capsule design. The CU-51’s frequency response is truly flat at 90 degrees, essential in maintaining sonic transparency.
The CU-51’s specially designed double capsule has one diaphragm that is optimized for low frequencies, while the other one captures the higher frequencies with guaranteed phase coherency between the two capsules in a meticulously engineered microphone that achieves totally transparent high-resolution results. The PPS (Polyphenylene) membranes are immune to the effects of humidity and temperature change, resulting in consistent response, regardless of the recording environment.
The CU-51 consistently delivers a high transient, natural and uncolored sound with vivid sonic imagery.
Perfect for vocals and acoustic instruments
Dual phase coherent capsules – low and high
Uniform response in both on-axis and off-axis positions
Truly flat frequency response even at 90 degrees
Low proximity effect
CU-51
Small Mic Packs A Powerful Punch
Affordable premium quality mic perfect for all instruments, acoustic, electric and percussion, in addition to vocals
This new generation microphone is flat even at 90 degrees, flat on axis, with very little proximity effect. The CU-55 uses the same diaphragm material as Sanken Chromatic’s remarkable CU-100 and CUW-180 mics. Ideal for acoustic instruments like guitars, cello, harp and piano, the CU-55 can also handle the explosive levels of big brass and pounding tympanis. Try it on a snare drum, it fits nicely into tight spaces.
It features a built in resonant chamber that mates with the capsule to optimize pattern and minimize proximity effects. Stereo pairs are truly matched.
The affordably priced CU-55 is a fitting addition to the Sanken line of fine studio microphones. The response is very warm and natural sounding, very musical, without any coloration or artificial boost. If you are wrestling with some high SPLs, have no fears – the little CU-55 can handle whatever you throw at it. It can also bring out the best in softer, subtler sounds, and as a compact side-address microphone it is very easy to maneuver into tight spaces.
Like all Sanken microphones, the CU-55 provides optimum quality audio and reliability, and is a solid investment for the ambitious recording engineer/producer.
Rich vintage sound from a modern mic
Perfect cardioid pattern
-10dB attenuation switch for two sensitivity settings
Flat frequency response (40Hz to 20kHz)
High maximum SPL of 137 dB at 1% THD and 15dB EN
Small form factor
Finely tuned resonant chamber that mates with the capsule
Very low proximity effect
CU-55
Transformerless, Cardioid Double Condenser
Revolutionary design favored by top musicians, engineers and producers
The CU-44x MK II has a revolutionary design featuring two titanium matched capsules for low and high, with 100 volt internal power for super wide dynamic range and headroom. The transformerless design, with a slight bump above 14kHz gives a very pleasing air in the high end with remarkable transient response. Perfect for vocals, overheads, and acoustic instruments delivering a very pleasing natural sound. Match this with a modern preamp for ultra-low noise and a sonic clarity that is immediately obvious to the ear.
The CU-44X MK II compares very favorably with the older vintage mics in the bottom end but has a much more pleasing high end. This mic has a proven record of great recordings on vocals or instruments.
The unique dual-capsule Sanken CU-44X Mk II sports a versatile cardioid pattern ideal for a wide range of recordings. The ability to withstand high SPLs insures clean, distortion-free recording on explosive percussion and other instruments with harsh dynamics. When used in pairs, the result is impeccably clear stereo imaging.
The CU-44X MkII features a specially designed double titanium capsule with a unique mounting scheme that guarantees phase coherency – a larger one for the bass and a smaller one for the high frequencies. They are immune to the effects of humidity and temperature change, resulting in totally consistent response, regardless of the recording environment.
The CU-44X Mk II’s frequency response is totally flat – on axis, at 90 degrees – essential in maintaining sonic transparency.
Transformerless design for high transient, natural and uncolored sound with vivid sonic imagery
Internal high voltage power supply for wide dynamic range and headroom
Low noise
Dual coherent titanium membranes immune to the effects of humidity and temperature change
Superior off-axis response
Smooth cardioid polar pattern
Withstands high SPL
Flat frequency response (20Hz to 20kHz)
CU-44x MK II
