AKG C518M Professional Miniature Clamp-On Condenser Microphone

The AKG C518M is a compact, lightweight condenser microphone engineered for instrument miking in live and studio settings. Its integrated clamp mount with flexible gooseneck and stabilizer provides secure positioning on drums, amplifiers, and other sound sources, while the pre-polarized condenser element delivers precise transient capture without requiring external polarization.

Design & Build

Built from durable metal construction, this microphone weighs just 220g and measures 47mm wide by 200mm tall, making it unobtrusive on stage or in the studio. The integrated shock mount isolates vibration transmission, and the vise-style clamp accommodates various mounting scenarios with minimal footprint.

Audio Performance

The cardioid polar pattern rejects off-axis sound effectively, while a 60 Hz–20,000 Hz frequency response captures the full spectrum of acoustic instruments and amplified sources. With a maximum SPL of 130 dB (1% THD) / 132 dB (3% THD), the C518M handles loud sources without distortion, and its 63 dB-A signal-to-noise ratio ensures clean recordings even in moderately ambient environments.

Key Features

Pre-polarized condenser transducer with cardioid polar pattern
Frequency response: 60 Hz – 20,000 Hz
Sensitivity: 5 mV/Pa
Maximum SPL: 130 dB (1% THD) / 132 dB (3% THD)
Equivalent noise level: 31 dB-A
Signal-to-noise ratio: 63 dB-A
Output impedance: 200 Ohms
Operating voltage: 9–52 V phantom power
3-pin Mini XLR female output connector
Includes 3m XLR cable with integrated high-pass filter
Integrated vise-style clamp with flexible gooseneck and stabilizer
Durable metal construction with integrated shock mount; 220g weight

The C518M combines professional audio performance with practical mounting flexibility, making it a reliable choice for drum overheads, guitar and bass amplifier miking, and other applications demanding a compact, rejection-focused condenser.

Condition	New
Country of Manufacture	China