New from AKG are the C-Series Professional Condenser Microphones. With microphone design excellence dating back to 1947, AKG microphones are recognized as being among the finest in the world and are featured in most professional recording studios. The C-Series is intended to be economical alternatives to their high-end microphones, while still offering a fully professional experience. Designed with musicians, podcasters, YouTubers, and streamers in mind, the new C104, C114, and C151 models promise AKG’s “signature detail and clarity. Their broad frequency response ensures the full richness of every sonic element is faithfully preserved.”
The new models include the C104 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone and the C114 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone, both the “little brother” of the iconic C414 which has been in continuous production since 1971. Additionally, the new C151 Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone is the “little brother” of the seminal C451, which in 1968 became AKG’s first FET microphone that did not require a vacuum tube. Each mic in the series features a transformerless field effect transistor (FET), circuit that delivers an ultra-low noise floor, expansive dynamic range, and with a max SPL for 0.5 percent THD of 143dB SPL, 145dB SPL, and 147dB SPL respectively, these mics can take high levels before distortion.
The C104 is a bare bones cardioid only mic with no pads or filters on it and is intended for vocals, speech, and general recording. It has a pronounced proximity effect that gives a nice bass sound on human voice for that “radio sound.” The C114 offers cardioid, omnidirectional and figure eight pickup patterns to enhance versatility and will make a good studio workhorse. The proximity effect is more moderate, and the high end more detailed and extensive. The AKG C104 uses a 22mm electret condenser capsule, while the AKG C114 uses a larger 26mm gold-sputtered dual-diaphragm true condenser edge-terminated capsule inspired by classic AKG models like the C12 and C414. While their electronics specifications are nearly identical, the difference in capsule construction contributes significantly to their different sound profiles. The AKG C151 is a small diaphragm electret condenser optimized for instruments like acoustic guitar, drums, and percussion. It sounds very smooth with a moderate low-end taper that pencil mics are known for.
MC spoke with AKG Product Manager Phil Feinman who spent two years working on making these microphones unique. He stated that the goals were to make accessible microphones that retained the quality of the higher end industry standard mics, to have them be visually recognizable as AKG mics, look great on camera, and ensure that sustainability was part of the mic construction and packaging. All the mic bodies are crafted from 100 percent post-industrial recycled metal and every aspect, from packaging to accessories, has been engineered for minimal environmental impact.
Featuring cardioid and multi-pattern designs, the new AKG C-Series microphones are easily adaptable to any audio environment. The concept is to simply plug in and start capturing. This flexible functionality supports professional grade audio capture of vocals, speech, instruments and other sound sources. The C Series offer high quality at entry level price points. All mics require +48v phantom power.
C104 $129
C114 $229
C151 $129
