AKG

AKG is an acoustics engineering and manufacturing company founded in 1947 by Dr Rudolf Gorike and Ernest Plass in Vienna, Austria. Originally, its main business was to provide technical equipment for cinemas: loudspeakers, film projectors and light meters. The business slowly expanded, and AKG started selling car horns, door intercoms, carbon microphone capsules for telephones, headsets and cushion speakers. 

The first AKG microphone was used by radio stations, theatres, jazz clubs and lounges. Years later, AKG’s condenser microphones are still highly coveted by most musicians. AKG produces the world-renowned C414 multipattern condenser microphone. Despite its steep pricing, the quality and warmth provided by the C414 are unrivalled, especially in its price range. Interestingly, it can be used to record both vocals and instruments without hassle. It has advanced features like three switchable bass-cut filters, nine selectable polar patterns, overload warning, and three attenuation levels. In addition to these features, the package includes a hard carry case, a wind filter and pop filter, and a shock mount. All in all, this is the best value for money, high-quality condenser microphone money can buy. If the C414 is out of your sphere, the P120 is AKG’s lowest-priced condenser microphone. It is optimal for causal recording and first-timers. It has AKG’s signature tone, which is entirely worth the investment. If you’re looking for a more permanent setup, the P420 is a noteworthy option. It has a high-performance dual capsule, three selectable polar patterns, low electronic noise, and diverse use-cases. However, if you’re looking for C414 characteristics in your condenser mic, consider the lower-priced C314 and C214 which have many of the C414’s features and tone signatures. If you’re looking for instrumental mics, AKG makes the P170 is a great beginner option with the C451 B on the higher ends and the C500 series with a clamping mechanism. As for drums, they have a dedicated segment of mics to suit both overhead recording and individual miking. The C414 matched pair is recommended for overhead recording.

Apart from condenser microphones, AKG also produces tube and modular mics, notably the C12VR and P820 tube in the former segment with the Blue Line series and ULS series in the latter segment. And then there are the Dynamic handheld microphones like the D5 and D7 which are commonly seen across performing artists globally. There are minor differences with the other offerings in the range, but mainly, most of them are made with quality externals and internals making for a durable, travel-friendly microphone for live performances and casual recording. 

Another quality product that AKG is known for is its studio headphones. Studio Headphones are designed to reproduce sound with a flat frequency response. This gives the content creator a chance to rectify and improve the audio. While AKG is generally respected for their pricier, high-quality products, they have managed to reduce costs significantly on studio headphones without affecting performance. The K15 and K52 are AKG’s answer to an affordable studio headphone. But if you don’t want any compromises, the K612 Pro, K702, K371BT (with bluetooth), and the K275 are worthwhile considerations.