AKG C900 Handheld Condenser Mic


AKG C900 Handheld Condenser Mic
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AKG, makers of some of the most recognizable microphones for studio and stage, have recently added another vocal mic to the Emotion II Series called the C900. The C900 is a handheld condenser vocal mic designed for live use. This professional looking mic features an all black body dressed with a thin gold ring below the windscreen. The mic is very comfortable to hold with a rubbery finish and a body that is only slightly longer than the typical handheld mic. The cardioid capsule sits on a flexible shock mount to minimize handling noise and the XLR connector is gold plated for long wear. The mic comes with a blue nylon carrying pouch, a swiveling clip and the PB1000 presence boost attachment- a small plastic cap that fits directly over the capsule to modify the frequency response. In reality, the mic would never be used without the PB1000 installed and my mic came with it already in place.

The specifications of the mic are impressive, boasting a relatively flat frequency response from 80Hz to 20kHz with a small rise around 4 kHz. With the PB1000, the high frequency boost is a much broader range and moved up to center around 8kHz. The bass rolls off below 80 Hz and the off-axis response is very smooth, providing very good rejection from stage monitors. The mic requires phantom power and can handle SPL levels up to 139 dB.

In the studio, I recorded a male voice and compared the sound to my usual studio condenser mic and my usual "utility" dynamic vocal mic. The C900 sounded much more like the studio condenser than the dynamic mic, with good presence and clarity in the high frequencies. There was a slight dip in the frequency response around 1.5kHz which will reduce the peaky harshness of some vocalists. Low frequency boost from the proximity effect seemed typical of handheld mics and working the mic for dynamics was very natural. In a rehearsal hall the mic sounded great through the floor wedges and the vocals cut through the music mix without getting harsh or spitty. I did roll off the low end at around 100 Hz, a common procedure for singers who touch the windscreen with their lips when singing. Miking two congas from about ten inches above and between them yielded a very natural, balanced sound of the drums.

The C900 is a great sounding and rugged mic that is a step up from a standard dynamic vocal mic. MSRP is $250 and for more information, contact AKG Acoustics at 914 Airpark Center Dr. Nashville, TN 37217 Phone: 615-620-3800 or visit www.akgusa.com

is a Los Angeles-based engineer/producer and partner in Old Skool Productions.

Edited by: Barry Rudolph

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