Perhaps the best commemoration of AKG's heritage on display is the limited anniversary edition of the C414 large-diaphragm recording mic. Only 2007 of these mics are being made worldwide, and only during this year.
Two of AKG's biggest launches this year are the D5 and C5 vocal microphones. The supercardioid D5 is a hard-wearing handheld dynamic mic (also available as the D5S with an on/off switch), while the C5 is a rugged cardioid condenser mic. Both mics are designed for recording or stage use, and use some of AKG's most recently developed microphone technology, including a laminate diaphragm in the D5 and a 24-carat gold-sputtered capsule housing in the C5 as a protection against humidity and moisture build-up. Both mics have a built-in shock absorber system to reduce handling noise in a live situation, and are supplied with a stand adaptor and soft zip-lock case.
Also on show is the new MicroMic range of miniature gooseneck instrument and vocal microphones. AKG did some pioneering work in the field of miniature mics with the original MicroMic series in the late 1980s, and have continued to refine their designs every few years. The new mics take advantage of recent technological and design improvements, including elastic suspensions, optional wireless adaptor plates for the instrument mics in the range, and adjustable headbands and left/right swappable boom arms for the headset microphones.
(Jim Evans)