AKG C516 ML Professional Miniature Condenser Instrument Microphone
Description
AKG C516 ML Professional Miniature Condenser Instrument Microphone
The AKG C516 ML is a miniature condenser microphone engineered for direct instrument mounting that won't compromise your playing comfort or freedom of movement. Its compact form factor and featherweight design—just 46 grams—stay completely unobtrusive once positioned, letting you play with full attention to your technique and tone. This professional-grade condenser captures every harmonic detail and nuance with exceptional clarity across a wide frequency range, making it the go-to choice for classical strings, woodwinds, acoustic percussion, and ensemble gigging situations where transparent, faithful reproduction matters.
Audio Performance
The C516 ML delivers a frequency response of 60 to 20,000 Hz with a cardioid polar pattern that isolates your instrument's voice from room reflections and surrounding stage noise. With a maximum SPL of 130 dB (1% THD) and 132 dB (3% THD), this microphone tracks both delicate fingerpicking and hard-hitting dynamics without breaking up, while the 63 dB signal-to-noise ratio ensures crystalline, noise-free audio whether you're recording live or in the studio.
Design & Build
Built from durable metal construction with a matte black finish, the C516 ML measures just 235 mm (9.3") in length and 47 mm (1.9") in width, weighing only 46 grams (1.6 oz) for minimal load on your instrument. Its mini XLR (3-pin female) connector requires a standard 2 to 12 V power supply at 2 mA, with 200 Ohm electrical impedance and a recommended load impedance of 2,000 Ohms.
Key Features
- Condenser microphone with cardioid polar pattern
- Frequency response: 60 to 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 5 mV/Pa
- Equivalent noise level: 31 dB-A
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 63 dB-A
- Maximum SPL: 130 dB (1% THD) / 132 dB (3% THD)
- Mini XLR (3-pin female) connector
- Electrical impedance: 200 Ohms with 2,000 Ohm recommended load
- Power requirement: 2 to 12 V, 2 mA
- Metal body with matte black finish
- Dimensions: 235 mm length × 47 mm width; Weight: 46 g
- Includes A400 adapter plate, mounting hardware, microphone bag, adhesive pads, and W44 windscreen
The AKG C516 ML delivers transparent, accurate sound reproduction that captures the true character of your instrument's voice in any performance setting.
More Information
| Condition | New |
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At a Glance
The AKG C516 ML is a miniature condenser mic that clips directly onto acoustic instruments—strings, woodwinds, percussion—without getting in your way, capturing every harmonic detail with transparency and clarity. Built for studio and ensemble sessions where accuracy matters more than portability, it handles both delicate and aggressive playing dynamics cleanly across a wide frequency range. Choose it when you need professional-grade instrument isolation and harmonic accuracy in a controlled recording environment.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Classical strings
- ✓ Woodwinds
- ✓ Acoustic percussion
- ✓ Ensemble recording
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Live Performance
- – Touring
- – High-movement playing
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What instruments is the C516 ML designed for?
The C516 ML works best on classical strings, woodwinds, acoustic percussion, and ensemble instruments in studio settings. It is not designed for live performance or touring situations where movement or durability under stage conditions is required.
How does the cardioid pattern help with recording?
The cardioid polar pattern isolates your instrument's sound from surrounding noise and ambient room reflections, keeping the mic focused on the source and minimizing unwanted background pickup.
What comes in the box?
The package includes the C516 ML microphone, A400 adapter plate, mounting hardware, adhesive pads, a W44 windscreen, and a microphone bag for storage and transport.
What are the power requirements?
The C516 ML requires 2 to 12 V phantom power at 2 mA and connects via a mini XLR (3-pin female) connector, standard on most professional audio interfaces and preamps.
Can this mic handle dynamic playing?
Yes—it handles a maximum SPL of 130 dB (1% THD) and 132 dB (3% THD), so it captures both delicate passages and aggressive playing without distortion.
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