AKG CK80 High Performance Shotgun Condenser Microphone Capsule
Description
AKG CK80 High Performance Shotgun Condenser Microphone Capsule
The AKG CK80 is a compact, lightweight shotgun capsule built for live sound capture and studio recording work. Its 146 mm length and 15 g weight make it exceptionally portable for gigging musicians and sound engineers, while the matte dark gray finish resists reflections in stage and venue environments. This hypercardioid design delivers focused, instrument-optimized audio capture with minimal handling noise—essential for isolating your sound on stage or in the studio.
Audio Performance
The 80° pickup angle with hypercardioid polar pattern provides excellent rejection of off-axis sound, ideal for isolating your instrument and primary sources in live and multi-source environments. A 60–15,000 Hz frequency response captures vocal and instrument clarity, while the 77 dB-A signal-to-noise ratio and 17 dB-A equivalent noise level ensure clean, professional-grade audio with minimal self-noise—critical for maintaining the integrity of your sound during performance.
Design & Build
This capsule integrates seamlessly into any DAM Series mounting module, offering flexibility for live rigs, studio setups, and various field configurations. Gold-plated contacts with deep threads guarantee reliable connections and long service life—crucial for touring and repeated gigging—while the included professional windscreen manages wind and breath noise effectively in outdoor performances and close-mic applications.
Key Features
- 80° pickup angle with speech-optimized frequency response
- Hypercardioid polar pattern for focused source capture
- Audio frequency bandwidth: 60–15,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 30 mV/Pa
- Equivalent noise level: 17 dB-A
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 77 dB-A
- Electrical impedance: 600 Ohms / Recommended load: 2,000 Ohms
- Powering interface: 9–52 V DC, 3 mA
- Compact dimensions: 146 mm height × 13.5 mm diameter, 15 g weight
- Gold-plated contacts with deep threads
- Compatible with all DAM Series mounting modules
- Includes professional windscreen
The CK80 delivers stage-ready rejection and tonal clarity in a professional capsule engineered for demanding live and studio work.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | Slovakia |
Reviews
At a Glance
The AKG CK80 is a compact shotgun condenser capsule engineered for speech-focused location recording and broadcast work, offering hypercardioid rejection to isolate dialogue and primary sources in multi-mic live and touring setups. Its 146 mm length, 15 g weight, and low self-noise (17 dB-A) make it road-ready for venues and outdoor gigs where clean, isolated audio matters. Choose it for reliable, focused capture in demanding sound-reinforcement and broadcast applications where minimal handling noise and excellent off-axis rejection are non-negotiable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that this is a capsule, and what do I need to use it?
The CK80 is a microphone capsule only—the audio transducer element—and must be paired with a DAM Series mounting module to function. It connects via gold-plated contacts and is compatible with all AKG DAM Series mounting systems, offering flexibility across different studio and field configurations.
Is this microphone suitable for recording dialogue and interviews?
Yes. The 80° hypercardioid pickup pattern and speech-optimized 60–15,000 Hz frequency response are engineered specifically for dialogue isolation and vocal clarity in broadcast and location recording, with excellent rejection of off-axis noise.
How portable and durable is the CK80?
At 146 mm long and 15 g, the capsule is exceptionally lightweight and compact for field work. It features gold-plated deep-threaded contacts for reliable, long-life connections and includes a professional windscreen for managing wind and breath noise in outdoor and close-mic applications.
What is the self-noise and signal-to-noise ratio?
The CK80 delivers a 17 dB-A equivalent noise level and 77 dB-A signal-to-noise ratio, ensuring clean, professional-grade audio capture with minimal self-noise even in quiet recording environments.
What power does the CK80 require?
The capsule operates on 9–52 V DC phantom power at 3 mA, making it compatible with standard professional audio interfaces and mixing consoles that supply phantom power.
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