AKG C518M Professional Miniature Clamp-On Condenser Microphone
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- SKU
- 3064X00010
Description
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, capturing your amp's voice without crowd noise or stage bleed, while a 60 Hz–20,000 Hz frequency response faithfully reproduces the full spectrum of your guitar tone, bass punch, and drums. With a maximum SPL of 130 dB (1% THD) / 132 dB (3% THD), the C518M handles screaming tube amps and crashing cymbals without distortion, and its 63 dB-A signal-to-noise ratio keeps your recorded performances clean and articulate even in live venues.
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 delivers professional-grade clarity for drum overheads, guitar and bass amplifier miking, and live recording applications where you need a compact, focused condenser that rejects room noise and isolates your sound on stage or in the studio.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | China |
Reviews
At a Glance
The AKG C518M is a compact condenser microphone built to clamp onto drums, amplifiers, and other instruments on stage or in the studio. It delivers precise transient capture with a cardioid pattern that rejects off-axis noise, handling loud sources up to 130 dB without distortion. Choose it for reliable, unobtrusive instrument miking that cuts through live-sound mixes and captures tight, detailed recordings in tight spaces.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Drum recording
- ✓ Amplifier miking
- ✓ Live sound reinforcement
- ✓ Studio instrument miking
Not the best pick for
- – Vocal recording
- – Room ambience capture
Frequently Asked Questions
What is B-Stock?
This product is not listed as B-Stock; it is new.
What sources is the C518M best for?
It excels at drum recording (overheads, toms, kick-in), guitar and bass amplifier miking, and live sound reinforcement. Its cardioid pattern and compact size make it ideal for close-miked sources where off-axis rejection is important.
Can it handle loud instruments without distortion?
Yes. The C518M handles a maximum SPL of 130 dB (1% THD) or 132 dB (3% THD), making it suitable for loud drums, snare, and amplifiers without audible distortion.
What's included and what do I need to connect it?
The package includes a 3-meter XLR cable with an integrated high-pass filter. You'll need a microphone preamp or audio interface with phantom power (9–52 V) to use it; it connects via 3-pin Mini XLR output.
How does the clamp mount work?
An integrated vise-style clamp with flexible gooseneck and stabilizer secures the microphone to drums, amp cabs, or other mounting points. The shock mount isolates vibration, and its lightweight design (220g) minimizes load on the clamp.
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