AKG C430 Professional Miniature Condenser Microphone 2795X00040
Description
AKG C430 Professional Miniature Condenser Microphone
The AKG C430 is a compact condenser microphone built for capturing acoustic instruments and overhead sources with precision and clarity. Its diminutive 79 mm height and 19-gram weight disappear on drum kits, above string sections, or in tight live rigs, while delivering the neutral, detailed response that translates well through PA systems and recording chains. This is a road-tested workhorse that has earned its reputation in touring rigs and serious studios through sheer reliability and honest audio character.
Audio Performance
The cardioid polar pattern locks in on the source you're miking and rejects off-axis spill, making the C430 ideal for isolating individual instruments in multi-mic drum setups or string sections. With a 61 dB signal-to-noise ratio and an equivalent noise level of 33 dB-A, this mic captures every articulation and dynamic nuance without adding hiss—essential for live overhead miking, classical acoustic instruments, and recordings where every detail counts.
Design & Build
Built in a rugged matte black metal body, the C430 shrugs off handling noise and the bumps that come with touring. The balanced XLR 3-pin male connector plugs into any standard mixing console or interface, while the mic's minimal power draw—only 2 mA at 9–52 V phantom power—means you can run it from virtually any preamp or snake without ground loop headaches.
Key Features
- Cardioid polar pattern for controlled directionality and off-axis rejection
- Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz (full audio spectrum)
- Sensitivity: 7 mV/Pa
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 61 dB-A
- Equivalent noise level: 33 dB-A
- Electrical impedance: 200 Ohms
- Recommended load impedance: 2000 Ohms
- Balanced XLR male 3-pin connector
- Phantom power requirement: 9–52 V at 2 mA
- Compact dimensions: 79 mm height × 19 mm diameter
- Lightweight construction: 23 grams
- Durable metal body with matte black finish
The AKG C430 delivers professional capture in a format that mounts anywhere—a smart addition to any player's mic locker or a proven piece of gear at secondhand value.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | China |
Reviews
At a Glance
The AKG C430 is a compact condenser microphone built for precision instrument miking and overhead recording, weighing just 19 grams and standing 79 mm tall so it fits anywhere on a drum kit or in tight stage setups. Its cardioid pattern and low noise floor (61 dB SNR) deliver transparent, detailed capture without self-noise—trusted by live sound techs and session players for reliability night after night. Choose it when you need a workhorse overhead or instrument mic that won't clutter your rig and delivers honest, neutral tone at a secondhand price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AKG C430 best suited for?
The C430 excels at overhead and instrument miking in studios and live rigs—drums, strings, acoustic guitar, and piano. Its cardioid pattern isolates each source, and its low noise floor (33 dB-A) preserves transparency, making it ideal for classical, jazz, and multi-mic drum setups.
How small and light is it, and will it work with my existing gear?
At 79 mm tall and 23 grams, the C430 fits into tight spaces and mounts easily on drum kits or stands. It uses a standard balanced XLR male connector and requires 9–52 V phantom power at just 2 mA, making it compatible with any professional mixing console or audio interface.
What kind of noise performance does it have?
The C430 delivers a 61 dB signal-to-noise ratio and an equivalent noise level of 33 dB-A, ensuring clean, transparent recordings without audible self-noise—essential for classical, acoustic, and overhead recording where detail matters.
What does its cardioid polar pattern do?
The cardioid pattern provides controlled directionality and off-axis rejection, isolating the sound in front of the mic while rejecting room noise and leakage from nearby instruments—perfect for multi-mic setups where separation is critical.
What should I know about the condition of this unit?
This is a fully functional professional microphone with minor cosmetic imperfections typical of secondhand stock. Audio performance and reliability are uncompromised—it delivers the same neutral, detailed response and durability that professionals have relied on for years.