AKG C1000 S High-Performance Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Description
AKG C1000 S High-Performance Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
The AKG C1000 S is a lightweight, hand-held condenser microphone built for capturing acoustic and electric instruments with studio-grade clarity on stage and in the rehearsal room. Its compact 229 mm frame and 32-gram weight make it easy to position on any rig, while the switchable polar patterns and onboard controls let you dial in exactly the tone you need—from tight cardioid isolation to hyper-cardioid rejection. This is a workhorse small-diaphragm condenser that delivers transparent response and practical versatility when you're tracking live performances or crafting tones in tight spaces.
Design & Build Quality
The microphone features a metal body finished in matte grayish blue with a gold-sputtered capsule housing that resists oxidation and maintains signal integrity over time. Dual power options—9 to 52 V phantom power or two standard AA batteries (up to 120 hours operation)—ensure reliable performance in a studio or on location.
Audio Performance
The small-diameter electret condenser capsule delivers a frequency response from 50 Hz to 20 kHz with a self-noise floor of just 21 dB-A and a signal-to-noise ratio of 73 dB-A, capturing detail without coloration. A maximum SPL of 137 dB (1% THD) handles loud sources, while the switchable -10 dB pad and bass-cut switch give you real-time control over tone and headroom—essential when mic'ing instruments at volume or managing feedback on a crowded stage.
Key Features
- Switchable polar pattern: cardioid to hyper-cardioid
- Frequency response: 50 Hz to 20 kHz
- Self-noise: 21 dB-A
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 73 dB-A
- Sensitivity: 6 mV/Pa
- Maximum SPL: 137 dB (1% THD)
- Balanced Male XLR output with 200 Ω impedance
- Phantom power: 9 to 52 V, or AA battery operation
- Switchable -10 dB pad and bass-cut switch
- Three selectable frequency settings
- Compact dimensions: 229 mm length, 34 mm diameter
- Net weight: 32 grams
The C1000 S combines transparent audio capture, rugged construction, and hands-on control into a compact format that performs reliably across studio sessions, live gigs, and field recording applications.
More Information
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At a Glance
The AKG C1000 S is a lightweight, hand-held small-diaphragm condenser microphone with switchable polar patterns and onboard pad/bass-cut controls, designed for transparent instrument and vocal recording in studio, live, and field settings. Its 32-gram weight, dual power options (phantom or AA batteries), and 137 dB SPL handling make it road-ready for touring musicians and sound engineers who need studio-grade clarity without the bulk. Choose it for dependable, detail-capturing performance across venues and recording locations without compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What polar patterns does the C1000 S offer?
The microphone features a switchable polar pattern that ranges from cardioid to hyper-cardioid, giving you control over rejection characteristics and on-axis pickup for different recording environments and source distances.
Can I use this microphone on batteries, or do I need phantom power?
The C1000 S supports both: phantom power (9 to 52 V) or two standard AA batteries for up to 120 hours of operation, making it flexible for studio sessions and remote recording without AC power.
What is the self-noise rating, and is it suitable for quiet recording?
The self-noise floor is 21 dB-A with a 73 dB-A signal-to-noise ratio, which is clean enough for detailed instrument and vocal recording in controlled studio environments and quiet locations.
Does the C1000 S handle loud sound sources?
Yes; it has a maximum SPL of 137 dB (1% THD) and includes a switchable -10 dB pad, allowing it to capture loud instruments and vocals without distortion or clipping.
What onboard controls does the microphone have?
The C1000 S includes a switchable -10 dB pad for headroom, a bass-cut switch, three selectable frequency settings, and switchable polar patterns for real-time tone and pickup adjustment.
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