AKG Sound Grabber II Hemispherical Boundary Layer Microphone
Description
AKG Sound Grabber II Hemispherical Boundary Layer Microphone
The AKG Sound Grabber II mounts flush to surfaces and captures the true acoustic character of your instrument and playing space with clarity and presence. Its hemispherical boundary layer design faithfully reproduces the tonal nuances of your guitar, whether you're tracking intimate solo performances, full band recordings, or live-to-tape sessions where room warmth and authenticity matter. The compact form factor and self-contained battery operation let you position this mic exactly where you need it, adapting instantly to your recording setup.
Design & Build
Finished in satin black and weighing just 115 grams, the Sound Grabber II mounts securely to surfaces or stands while keeping a clean, unobtrusive profile. Its hemispherical polar pattern and boundary layer configuration ensure consistent, even pickup across your playing space, while the included 10-foot cable with multiple adapter plugs—1/8" mini phone, 1/4" phone, and micro phone—connects straight into recorders, mixers, and portable interfaces without hassle.
Audio Performance
The electret condenser transducer delivers a smooth frequency response from 50 Hz to 16 kHz, capturing the full voice of your acoustic guitar with both low-end body and high-frequency sparkle at a sensitivity of 20 mV/Pa. With a maximum SPL of 120 dB and an equivalent noise floor of 21 dB (A-weighted), the Sound Grabber II tracks everything from delicate fingerpicking to aggressive strumming and full ensemble recordings without breaking up or introducing noise.
Key Features
- Electret condenser transducer with hemispherical polar pattern
- Frequency response: 50 Hz to 16 kHz
- Open-circuit sensitivity: 20 mV/Pa (–54 dBV/Pa)
- Maximum SPL: 120 dB with 3% distortion
- Equivalent noise level: 21 dB SPL, A-weighted
- Impedance: 1,600 ohms unbalanced (10 kΩ minimum load recommended)
- Powered by single AAA 1.5V battery
- Unbalanced 3.5mm jack output with multi-adapter cable included
- 10-foot cable with 1/8" mini phone, 1/4" phone, and micro phone adapters
- Weight: 115 grams; dimensions: 7 x 15 x 1.86 cm; satin black finish
The Sound Grabber II delivers balanced, transparent reproduction across jazz, folk, classical, and contemporary recording projects where authenticity and consistent performance define success.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | China |
Reviews
At a Glance
The AKG Sound Grabber II is a compact boundary layer microphone that mounts flush to surfaces—walls, ceilings, or instrument bodies—to capture the natural acoustic warmth of your recording space with transparent, low-noise clarity. Built for home studios, ensemble sessions, and acoustic recording where room character matters, it pairs well with guitars, vocals, and full-band setups that need honest, organic capture without coloration. Its rugged electret design, wide frequency response, and battery-powered simplicity make it a reliable workhorse for tracking and archiving live acoustic performances indoors.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Home Recording
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Acoustic instruments
- ✓ Ensemble recording
- ✓ Theatrical applications
Not the best pick for
- – Live Performance
- – High-SPL percussion
- – Touring
Skill level: Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'boundary layer' design do, and where should I mount it?
Boundary layer design exploits the acoustic properties of surfaces—mount the mic flush against a wall, ceiling, or instrument body to capture natural room warmth and reduce phase cancellation. This placement translates genuine tonal character into pristine recordings of ensembles, acoustic instruments, and theatrical performances.
What's included in the box, and what do I need to connect it?
The Sound Grabber II comes with a 10-foot cable featuring three adapter plugs—1/8 inch mini phone, 1/4 inch phone, and micro phone—so you can connect directly to recorders, mixers, portable devices, and interfaces. It runs on a single AAA 1.5V battery and outputs unbalanced audio.
Can it handle loud acoustic instruments or ensemble recordings without distortion?
Yes. The Sound Grabber II has a maximum SPL of 120 dB with 3% distortion and an equivalent noise floor of 21 dB (A-weighted), so it captures everything from delicate fingerpicking to loud ensemble work cleanly and transparently.
Is this mic suitable for live performance or touring?
No. The Sound Grabber II is designed for studio and home-recording applications—it is not rated for live performance, high-SPL percussion reinforcement, or touring environments.
What frequency range does it cover, and what genres work best?
The frequency response spans 50 Hz to 16 kHz, capturing both low-end warmth and high-frequency detail. It excels on jazz, folk, classical, and contemporary acoustic recordings where authenticity and consistent, uncolored performance define the session.