AKG Professional Microphones and Accessories

Introduction

AKG has established a world-wide reputation for performance, dependability, and service in the field of microphones, serving diverse applications from television studios and concert halls to personal use.

AKG is synonymous with the highest standards in quality, performance, and dependability among professionals. Based on intensive scientific research, extensive knowledge of acoustics, precision tooling, and meticulous manufacturing, AKG has achieved numerous firsts in microphone development, holding over 600 worldwide patents.

AKG operates one of the largest research facilities dedicated to developing new condenser and dynamic microphones, headphones, and other acoustic products. It is staffed by over 40 scientists and engineers, utilizing advanced acoustical, mechanical, and electronic measuring equipment in extensive anechoic chambers. Ongoing research investigates areas like ultrasonic transducers, wireless techniques, digital delay lines, and materials analysis.

Product ruggedness and serviceability are continually improved without compromising quality. AKG is proud to be at the forefront of sound reproduction advancements.

Product Overview

This document details AKG's extensive range of professional audio equipment, including various microphone series, cables, stands, and accessories.

Microphone Series Featured:

Accessories and Related Products:

Individual specification sheets are available for all AKG microphones, providing detailed specifications, curves, measurements, and data.

Selecting a Microphone

While professional users typically understand their specific needs, AKG assists in selecting the most appropriate microphone type. Professionals working in diverse environments like motion-picture sets, recording studios, auditoriums, and broadcast facilities are familiar with the technical specifications such as response curves and polar patterns.

AKG encourages location testing of specific models, acknowledging that the environment can influence ideal results. AKG dealers are available to assist in confirming the proper microphone choice.

Key considerations for professionals are product quality and dependability. AKG quality ensures consistency in performance characteristics across identical microphone models. Dependability is achieved through the use of the finest materials and meticulous manufacturing, resulting in rugged units that maintain high acoustic quality.

AKG microphones are used globally in thousands of recordings and broadcasts, from classical to rock music, contributing to fine sound reproduction. For discerning users, acoustic quality, dependability, and serviceability are paramount criteria.

Impedance and Output Connections

Most AKG E- and EB- suffix microphones and preamp-capsule combinations are low-impedance, balanced-output units fitted with a standard 3-pin XLR-type connector. The nominal output impedance is 200 ohms, compatible with all low-impedance inputs (25-1000 ohms).

XLR Connector Pin Connections:

For phantom-powered condenser models, pins 2 and 3 jointly carry the positive powering voltage, while pin 1 carries the negative side.

Models without a suffix (e.g., C-24, D-110) also have a 200-ohm output impedance but are supplied with audio-output cables having stripped and tinned leads for custom installation. Color coding for these cables is as follows:

For high-impedance applications, AKG offers MCH 20T or MCH-20TS transformer cables. These are designed to maintain the advantages of low-impedance balanced-output microphones over the entire cable run to high-impedance inputs, preventing hum and high-frequency loss.

MCH-Series Heavy-Duty Microphone Cables

Historically, microphone cables presented a compromise between strength, flexibility, size, weight, and cost, often leading to wear and tear, resulting in dead or intermittent microphones and excessive RF or hum pickup.

AKG researched cable design problems and field information to develop cables that meet the demands of hard everyday use. The "MCH" series features a structural design similar to lightweight TV camera cables, offering strength, durability, flexibility, small diameter, and vastly improved reliability. These cables are available in four optional colors: red, green, blue, and black, allowing for easy microphone and input coding.

Available cable assemblies include:

Most MCH cable assemblies are approximately 20' long, except for the MCH-50.

Microphone Stands and Accessories

A complete line of "KM" microphone stands and accessories is available from AKG. Details and descriptive literature can be obtained from AKG dealers.

C-24 Stereo Studio-Condenser Microphone

The C-24 is designed for M-S and X-Y "intensity" stereophony techniques, popular in major recording companies and broadcast networks. Originally intended for true "concert-hall-sound" reproduction of orchestras and ensembles, these techniques are now applied in studio rock sessions.

Essentially two matched large diaphragm microphones in one housing, the C-24 is an updated "twin C-12," known for its professional use. It's a time-tested vacuum-tube unit, popular as both a location and studio microphone.

The C-24 features a co-planar (and rotatable) twin-capsule arrangement, inherently free of phase error. Its remote power supply allows dual-channel pattern selection. Each capsule can be individually aimed, with up to 180 degrees of angular offset. Each capsule's directional characteristic can be independently and remotely varied across nine patterns, from omnidirectional to cardioid, hypercardioid, and figure-eight.

The remote pattern selector can be installed at the console, offering fingertip control over stereo image width and spaciousness (ratio of direct-to-reverberant sound pickup). For more information on intensity stereophony, AKG offers a booklet titled "M-S Stereo Recording Techniques."

The C-24 contains two separate 1" dual-diaphragm capsules, designed for equal phase and amplitude response in all polar pattern combinations. Each capsule is followed by an impedance converter/preamplifier for a low-impedance, balanced output. A 66' multiconductor cable connects the microphone to its power supply/dual-pattern-selector unit. Each C-24 is supplied with individual proof-of-performance frequency-response curves for each capsule in its three basic directional modes: omni, cardioid, figure-eight.

Specifications:

C-414EB Polydirectional Studio-Condenser Microphone

The C-414EB, a fourth-generation descendant of the AKG C-12, represents years of design and application knowledge. It is an extraordinarily versatile and accurate large diaphragm studio condenser microphone.

Key features include a built-in pattern selector, pre-attenuator, and bass-roll off switches, allowing it to function as an entire system of different microphones. It offers hypercardioid, omni, cardioid, and figure-eight polar patterns. -10 dB and -20 dB pre-attenuation allow handling sound pressure levels up to 155 dB, while 0, 75 Hz, and 150 Hz roll-off points provide control over low-frequency material (14 dB/octave).

An optional H-17 shock mount/windscreen controls vibration and rumble effects. The C-414EB features a rugged die-cast housing, temperature/humidity resistant construction, and complete RFI protection, making it suitable for outside-broadcast or remote-recording applications. It may be phantom powered or battery operated.

Each microphone is supplied with individual proof-of-performance frequency-response curves (measured in each of its four directional modes), an SA-18/3 stand adapter, and a foam-lined vinyl case.

Specifications:

C-450 System Modular Condenser Microphones

The C-450 System is a modular microphone system with "quick-change" screw-on capsules and accessories of varied characteristics. This system expands the flexibility and capabilities of the microphone for different applications.

It offers a choice of three different preamplifiers, six different transducer capsules, and a variety of swivels, pre-attenuator pads, extension tubes, windscreens, shock mounts, and stand adapters. Components are available in matte nickel or satin black chrome finish and can be powered by 12 or 48-volt phantom power or associated equipment.

Four complete microphone combinations are available pre-packaged, but all components can be purchased separately to build custom configurations.

C-451E Basic Cardioid Combination

The essential microphone for a wide range of music and speech applications. Features a flat, wide-range response and uniform cardioid pattern. Preamplifier and transducer capsule finished in matte nickel. Includes C-451E basic 12-volt preamp, CK-1 cardioid capsule, SA-15/1 stand adapter, windscreen, and foam-lined vinyl case.

C-451EB Basic Cardioid Combination

Similar to the C-451E but for 48V phantom powering systems. Includes C-452EB 48V preamplifier with bass-rolloff switch, CK-1 cardioid capsule, SA-15/1 stand adapter, W-3 windscreen, and foam-lined vinyl case.

C-451EB/CK-9 Black Basic Shotgun Combination

Ideal for film and videotape dialogue recording, remote newsgathering, and theatrical sound reinforcement where extreme directionality is needed. Preamplifier and transducer capsule finished in black for minimum reflectivity. Includes C-451EB-Black 12-volt preamplifier with bass-rolloff, CK-9 shotgun capsule, B-46E battery power supply, SA-70/3 pistol-grip and boom-suspension adapter, H-7 pistol grip, W-19 foam windscreen, MCH-20 heavy-duty 20' cable assembly, and fitted carrying case.

C-451EB/CK-1/CK-9 Black Dual-Purpose Cardioid/Shotgun Combination

A versatile combination offering both cardioid and shotgun capabilities with interchangeable transducer capsules. Preamplifier and capsules finished in black. Includes C-451EB-Black 12-volt preamplifier with bass-rolloff, CK-1-Black cardioid capsule, CK-9 shotgun capsule, B-46E battery power supply, SA-15/1 stand adapter (for cardioid), SA-18/3 stand adapter, W-3 and W-19 windscreens, SA-70/3 pistol-grip/boom adapter, H-7 pistol grip, H-70 boom-suspension shock mount (for shotgun), MCH-20 cable assembly, and fitted carrying case.

Preamplifier Modules:

Transducer Capsules:

Special-Purpose Modules:

C-424 Quadraphonic Condenser Microphone

The C-424 is a unique quadraphonic microphone utilizing the CK-12 one-inch diameter dual diaphragm capsule, also found in the C-12, C-24, and C-414EB microphones.

Smaller than the C-24, the C-424 is phantom-powerable (9-52 volts) and provides four outputs grouped in two pairs. It uses two CK-12 capsules, each providing two cardioid-characteristic outputs (one from the front, one from the back). One CK-12 is fixed, while the other swivels 0-180 degrees. This allows for diagonally opposed outputs (LF & AB, AF & LB) fixed in 180° opposition, with an adjustable included angle between the pairs.

FET preamplifiers include a ganged 0/-10 dB/-20 dB pre-attenuator switch. The microphone is supplied complete with MK-42/20 cable, W-42 windscreen, H-15/9 suspension mount/stand adapter, and foam-lined carrying case. It has a matte nickel finish.

Specifications:

C-422 Stereophonic Condenser Microphone

The C-422 is an FET version of the C-24, applicable to concert hall and studio use. It is phantom-powered (9-52 V).

It features two one-inch diameter dual-diaphragm CK-12 capsules. One capsule is fixed, while the other is adjustable from 0° to 180° relative to the first. A remote-control unit allows independent adjustment of each capsule's polar response over nine patterns (omni, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure-eight), making it flexible for M-S or X-Y recording.

LEDs on the remote control indicate the direction of the in-phase axis of each capsule, aiding sight-alignment. The LED circuit is powered by a 9V battery in the remote control, which is trickle-charged by the phantom power if a rechargeable battery is used.

FET preamplifiers include a ganged 0/-10 dB/-20 dB pre-attenuator switch. The microphone is supplied with MK-42/20 cable, B-42E remote control unit, H-15/9 suspension mount/stand adapter, W-42 windscreen, and foam-lined carrying case. It has a satin-black chrome finish.

Specifications:

C-34 Stereophonic Condenser Microphone

The C-34 is a remotely-controlled polydirectional stereophonic microphone based on the C-450 System, offering the sound of the CK-1 capsule and variable pattern selection.

It contains two pairs of "twin" capsules; one pair is fixed, and the other rotates 0-180°. A remote-control pattern selector allows independent adjustment of each capsule's polar response over nine patterns (omni, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure-eight). The microphone is phantom powered (9-52 V).

It is supplied with MK-42/20 cable, S-42E remote control, H-15/6 suspension mount/stand adapter, W-34 windscreen, and foam-lined carrying case. Finish is satin black chrome.

Specifications:

C-33 Stereophonic Condenser Microphone

The C-33 is a fixed pattern (cardioid) version of the C-34, using two CK-1 type capsules as an economical approach to X-Y stereophonic recording. One capsule is fixed, while the other rotates 0-180°.

The microphone is phantom powered (9-52 V) and supplied with MK-33/20 cable, H-15/6 suspension mount/stand adapter, W-34 windscreen, and foam-lined carrying case. Finish is satin-black chrome.

Specifications:

D-58E Noise-Cancelling Dynamic Microphone

The D-58E is designed for close-talking use in noisy or feedback-prone environments. Its special combination of characteristics makes it ideal for broadcast, communication, and sound reinforcement applications. It is unexcelled as a talkback microphone in studio control rooms and provides optimal performance in newsrooms, communication centers, industrial plants, stadiums, and transportation centers.

The D-58E offers maximum noise reduction and intelligibility with minimum distortion or loss of natural speech quality. This performance is due to its tailored frequency response, tight hypercardioid polar pattern, and special differential design techniques at low frequencies.

It is a compact and lightweight unit, convenient when mated with optional flexible goosenecks (MSH-58E: 8" long; MSH-58E2: 20" long). The microphone is supplied complete with a foam-lined vinyl protective case.

Specifications:

D-110 Lavalier Dynamic Microphone

The D-110 is a compact microphone distinguished by its unobtrusiveness, both aurally and visually. It is a long-time favorite for on-camera use in film and television and has also found widespread use in theatrical and educational sound reinforcement.

Designed from numerous application criteria, the D-110 provides optimum results when worn against the user's chest. Whether worn exposed or concealed, it offers flawless natural speech reproduction, immunity to clothing and cable contact or rubbing noises, and a finish that aids in blending visually with surroundings. Its features result from specially contoured frequency response, internal shock suspension, moderate size, and non-reflective neutral finish.

The D-110 offers an unusually high output level (up to 6 dB higher than competitive microphones), ensuring sufficient signal to drive any mixer. Supplied complete with a 29 1/2' non-detachable lightweight cable, lavalier clip with adjustable clothing clasp, adjustable lavalier neck cord, and foam-lined vinyl case.

Specifications:

The Patented AKG Two-Way System

The AKG Two-Way microphone system divides the total response range between a high-frequency and a low-frequency transducer, each optimized for its specific range, similar to a two-way loudspeaker system. The two systems are connected by a crossover network with the crossover frequency at 500 Hz.

Internal Arrangement:

This unique arrangement achieves several performance characteristics previously unobtainable for cardioid dynamic microphones:

These features offer practical advantages:

D-202E Two-Way Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

The D-202E was the first two-way cardioid dynamic microphone and is now a classic in recording, broadcast studios, film sound stages, sound-reinforcement installations, and remote assignments worldwide.

The versatile D-202E exhibits the special characteristics unique to AKG's patented two-way microphones: exceptionally smooth, wide-range frequency response, unusually uniform directivity over most of its frequency range, and virtually no proximity effect.

It is recommended for applications where faithful music and speech reproduction (on and off axis) and effective, uniform rejection of background noise and feedback are paramount. An added feature is the three-position bass-rolloff switch (0, 7 dB, or 20 dB attenuation at 50 Hz) for control over low-frequency content and noise.

The microphone's distinctively shaped windscreen/pop filter is made of sintered bronze (an AKG exclusive) and protects the two-way transducer system against particles, dust, and spittle. Supplied complete with an individual proof-of-performance frequency-response/rejection curve, SA-16 stand adapter, and foam-lined vinyl case.

Specifications:

D-224E Two-Way Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

The D-224E is a top-ranking member of AKG's two-way cardioid dynamic family and is considered one of the world's great microphones. It is unsurpassed in accurate reproduction of instrumental, orchestral, and choral music, and unrivalled in its ability to reproduce desired off-axis information naturally while rejecting unwanted noise or feedback uniformly.

The sound of the D-224E is nearly indistinguishable from many condenser microphones, with an on-axis response that is exceptionally flat to 20 kHz and beyond. It is free from the added costs and maintenance requirements of condenser units. The D-224E's exceptionally uniform cardioid polar pattern, constant and symmetrical at virtually all frequencies, accounts for its superb off-axis reproduction and feedback rejection. Like other AKG two-way microphones, it exhibits virtually no proximity effect, enabling instruments near and far to be reproduced without false bass coloration.

The D-224E includes a three-position bass-rolloff switch (0, 7 dB, or 12 dB attenuation at 50 Hz) for controlling low-frequency content and noise. Supplied complete with an individual proof-of-performance frequency-response/rejection curve, SA-18/3 stand adapter, W-2 front windscreen, W-2A rear windscreen, and foam-lined vinyl case.

Specifications:

D-900E Shotgun Dynamic Microphone

The D-900E is a proven "workhorse" for film and videotape dialogue recording and theatrical sound reinforcement. It combines extreme directionality, high sensitivity, and versatility at a moderate cost, making it a top value among shotgun microphones.

The D-900E achieves its performance by coupling a highly efficient pressure-gradient transducer to an acoustic-interference tube over 19 inches long. In non-reverberant environments, it can be used at up to three or four times the working distance of a standard cardioid while maintaining similar source-to-noise ratios and output levels.

A built-in three-position bass-rolloff switch (0, 7 dB, or 20 dB attenuation at 50 Hz) provides control over low-frequency wind noise, building rumble, and boom vibration. The lightweight D-900E can be used virtually anywhere: suspended from a fishpole or boom, mounted on a stand, clamped to rigging, or hand-held with the optional H-7 pistol grip.

Complete with SA-16/1 stand adapter and zippered vinyl carrying case with protective foam packing.

The D-900E is also available as part of a complete packaged system for any shotgun assignment, including the microphone, W-19 windscreen, SA-16/1 stand adapter, SA-70/3 pistol-grip/boom adapter, H-7 pistol grip, H-70 boom-suspension shock mount, MCH-20 cable assembly, and fitted carrying case.

Specifications:

Accessories

Windscreens:

Stand / Pistol-Grip / Boom-Suspension Adapters (%"-27 Thread):

Pistol Grip, Stereo Bar, Shock Suspensions (%"-27 Thread):

Flexible Goosenecks:

Table Stands:

Phantom-Power Supplies and Adapter Module

These units provide phantom power for AKG microphones and preamp-capsule combinations.

Note: Units marked with "Must be used with inputs which are balanced and floating to prevent shorting-out of DC phantom power" require specific input configurations.

D-222E Two-Way Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

The D-222E is an improved, smaller version of the classic D-202E, incorporating further refinements of the patented AKG two-way design principle. It exhibits exceptionally smooth, wide-range frequency response, nearly ideal directionality, and virtually no proximity effect.

Equipped with switchable bass roll-off (0, 6, or 12 dB attenuation at 50 Hz) and internal shock suspension, the D-222E is suitable for most acoustic environments. It is highly recommended for applications requiring faithful music and speech reproduction with natural, uniform, and uncolored tonal quality, regardless of performer position or distance, while providing effective, uniform rejection of background noise and feedback.

Internally, dual transducers and the crossover network are elastically suspended within a field-replaceable module, providing isolation against handling noise, mechanical shocks, and vibrations. The microphone's windscreen/pop filter is made of sintered bronze.

Supplied complete with proof-of-performance frequency-response and 180° rejection curves, SA-12/1 Black stand adapter, and foam-lined vinyl case.

Specifications:

C-450 Modular Condenser Microphone Additions

CK-4 Figure-Eight Capsule

This bidirectional capsule is invaluable for M-S or Blumlein stereo arrays, coverage of performers facing each other, and superior side rejection of noise or feedback. The CK-4 features virtually identical front and rear frequency response and sensitivity, plus exceptionally high front-to-side discrimination.

Its two closely matched transducer elements are oriented back-to-back. An integral wire-mesh windscreen with polyurethane-foam lining minimizes breath "pop" and wind noise. The capsule is finished in satin black chrome with a white dot indicating its "front" (in-phase axis of maximum sensitivity). Supplied with an individual proof-of-performance frequency-response curve and foam-lined vinyl case.

Specifications:

CK-22 Omni-directional Capsule with Integral Pop Filter

This capsule features extraordinarily flat and extended on-axis response coupled with uniform non-directional pickup. Slightly longer than the original CK-2, the CK-22 contains an integral pop/blast filter for hand-held vocal applications like television, music, variety, and game shows, or interviews/news gathering. It is recommended for applications requiring emphasis on acoustic ambience, faithful reproduction of deep-bass fundamentals and high-treble overtones, non-discriminating coverage of multiple performers, or close-miking free of proximity effect.

Specifications:

See pages 7 through 12 for other components of the C-450 Modular Microphone System.

C-414EB/Remote Comb

The C-414EB polydirectional studio condenser microphone has been adapted for use with the S-42E1 Remote Pattern Selector, providing independent adjustment of the capsule's polar response over nine patterns (omni, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure-eight).

The S-42E1 controls one or two C-414EB/Remote microphones and is phantom powered (9-52 volts). The unit comprises one C-414EB/Remote microphone, MK-23120 cable, S-42E1 remote control, SA-18/3 clamp stand adapter, W-26 windscreen, and foam-lined carrying case.

Additional Accessories

Philips Audio Video Systems Corp.

91 McKee Drive, Mahwah, NJ 07430 (201) 529-3800

Printed In the U.S.A.

© Philips Audio Video Systems Corp. 1978

Products are subject to modification and design changes without notice.

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