AKG C3000B Condenser Microphone


AKG C3000B Condenser Microphone
by Bryan Golder
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The C3000B is a new member of AKG's line of modestly priced, large diaphragm condenser microphones. The C3000B is a very attractive and solidly constructed cardioid condenser microphone utilizing a one-inch diameter, six micron thick "active-mylar" diaphragm. An internal -10dB pad is included for use in high SPL (sound pressure level) environments, and a switchable 6dB per octave low-frequency cut filter will remove unwanted low frequencies and compensate for proximity effect. An internal 3mm thick windscreen protects the capsule from subtle "pops" and other "plosive" vocal sounds.

Packaged with the C3000B is the H100 spider suspension mount. This easy-to-use accessory was a very pleasant surprise upon opening the box! The C3000B simply drops into the center of the H100, and a slight turn of the locking knob holds the microphone firmly in place. The combination of the H100 mount and the internal damping of the microphone diaphragm makes a microphone that is well isolated from low frequency vibrations and handling noise.

I use the C3000B on three different vocal sessions. The microphone has a very pleasant sounding midrange (what I like to refer to as a "nice presence") that gave the male vocalist I was recording a warm and intimate sound. The C3000B also has an "airy" top end without sounding harsh or overly bright. Off axis frequency response was smooth and even so that even when my singer moved to the side of the microphone for a moment during his performance, high frequency response remained consistent. Overall, I would say the microphone captured the entire performance very well.

Next, I couldn't resist putting this microphone in front of a Marshall JCM900/1960 cabinet and recording some heavily distorted electric guitars. I typically use an AKG C-414 and a Shure SM57 to record heavy guitar sounds. This time I exchanged my 414 for the C3000B. The C3000B handled the volume levels without any problem and did a fine job of capturing the "sizzle" and string attack that I normally like to capture with a 414. I also placed the microphone on a friend's DW drum kit and recorded numerous snare, kick, tom, and hi-hat hits for my sample library. The SPL rating of this microphone appears to be conservative, because I never needed to engage the -10dB pad...something I don't like to do unless absolutely necessary. Low frequency response was consistent and tight, and the transients were nicely captured from all the drums. This is a definitely a good microphone for tom-toms.

With a suggested retail price of $498, I found the AKG C3000B to be an outstanding performer in its price range and an excellent addition to the microphone arsenal of any home studio. AKG Acoustics U.S.A. can be contacted at 1449 Donelson Pike, Nashville, TN 37217 615-360-0499 or Fax 615-360-0275.

Bryan Golder produces and records all kinds of really nifty sounding music in Hollywood, CA, and prefers the unconventional sounding job descriptions such as "Certified Professional Music Listener", or "Audible Spectrum Waveform Stylist", over the more traditional sounding "Recording Engineer". Bryan also likes to tell people he has been approved for use by the FDA, when in fact, he has not.

Edited by: Barry Rudolph

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