AKG D40 Professional Dynamic Instrument Microphone
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- SKU
- 2815X00050
Description
AKG D40 Professional Dynamic Instrument Microphone
The AKG D40 is a compact, lightweight dynamic microphone purpose-built for capturing guitar rigs, drums, and percussion on stage and in the studio. Its ergonomic 104mm body and integrated stand adapter clamp securely to amplifiers and hardware, delivering tight, controlled pickup with minimal handling noise—essential reliability for touring and live gigging.
Design & Build Quality
Built tough with a metal body finished in distinctive dark stage blue, this microphone tips the scales at just 245g and measures 104mm in length with a 44mm diameter—small enough to position precisely on a guitar cabinet or drum without cluttering your rig. The patented Varimotion diaphragm uses unique laminated material to tame harsh high-frequency peaks and maintain smooth tone, while the wire-mesh cap shields the transducer from road knocks and dust.
Audio Performance & Specifications
The cardioid polar pattern locks onto your source and rejects bleed from the rest of the stage, crucial for keeping your guitar tone isolated in a loud band mix. Peak handling reaches 156 dB SPL at 3% THD, and the 50–20,000 Hz frequency response with 2.5 mV/Pa sensitivity captures every nuance of your playing without added coloration or artifacts.
Key Features
- Cardioid polar pattern for focused, isolated pickup
- Frequency bandwidth: 50 to 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 2.5 mV/Pa
- Maximum SPL: 147 dB (1% THD) / 156 dB (3% THD)
- Balanced 3-pin XLR male output
- Electrical impedance ≥ 600 Ohms
- Recommended load impedance ≥ 2,000 Ohms
- Equivalent noise level: 18 dB(A)
- Patented Varimotion diaphragm with laminated damping material
- Metal body with dark stage blue finish
- Compact dimensions: 104mm length × 44mm diameter
- Includes integrated stand adapter and H440 mounting bracket
The D40 delivers professional-grade isolation and SPL handling in a rugged, portable package suitable for touring musicians and recording engineers alike.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | China |
Reviews
At a Glance
The AKG D40 is a compact dynamic microphone built for close-miking drums, percussion, and guitar cabinets in live and studio settings, with a cardioid pattern that isolates your source and rejects bleed from neighboring instruments. Its 156 dB SPL ceiling and tight transient response make it ideal for high-impact sources and touring rigs where reliability and focused pickup are non-negotiable. Choose it when you need a workhorse mic that cuts through dense arrangements without coloration, handles stage abuse, and fits tight spaces on drums or amp cabs.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Drums
- ✓ Percussion
- ✓ Guitar Cabinets
Not the best pick for
- – Vocals
- – Ambient Recording
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the D40 suitable for recording drums and percussion in the studio?
Yes. The D40 excels at close-miking drums, toms, snare, and percussion in both live and studio environments. Its tight transient response, 147–156 dB SPL handling, and focused cardioid pickup make it well-suited for capturing punch and detail without coloration across the frequency range (50–20,000 Hz).
How does the D40 compare to the Shure SM7B and Audix D6?
All three are professional dynamic mics built for instruments and high-SPL sources. The D40 emphasizes compact portability and isolation with its cardioid pattern and Varimotion diaphragm, making it lighter and more unobtrusive on stage or in tight studio spaces compared to the SM7B (which is larger and better for broadcast and vocal work) and the D6 (which is end-fire cardioid and optimized for kick drums).
What is included with the D40, and how does it mount?
The D40 includes an integrated stand adapter and H440 mounting bracket, allowing you to position it on drum stands, snare stands, or mic clips without additional accessories. The compact metal body (104mm × 44mm) and mounting hardware keep setup quick and stable.
Can the D40 handle guitar cabinets and amplified instruments?
Yes. The D40's 156 dB SPL peak output, focused cardioid pattern, and minimal coloration make it well-suited for close-miking guitar cabs and other amplified sources. Its off-axis rejection helps isolate the cab from room reflections and nearby stage noise.
Is the D40 recommended for vocal recording?
No. The D40 is optimized for instruments and high-SPL sources like drums and percussion. For vocals, a large-diaphragm condenser or cardioid dynamic with presence peak tailored to the human voice would be a better choice.
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