2577X00120 vs 2965H00130 — Compare
AKG C417 PP Professional Lavalier Microphone vs AKG CGN99 C Cardioid Condenser Gooseneck Microphone
The AKG C417 PP is a lavalier designed for mobility and discretion in theater and broadcast, while the AKG CGN99 C is a gooseneck mic built for fixed podium and lectern installations. Choose the C417 PP if you need a wireless-body-pack-ready microphone that moves with the speaker; choose the CGN99 C if you need a permanently mounted mic for a stationary speaking position.
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AKG C417 PP Professional Lavalier Microphone
AKG CGN99 C Cardioid Condenser Gooseneck Microphone
Specs side by side
| AKG C417 PP Professional Lavalier Microphone | AKG CGN99 C Cardioid Condenser Gooseneck Microphone | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $201.00 | $212.00 |
| Brand | AKG | AKG |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose AKG C417 PP Professional Lavalier Microphone
- ✓ Lightweight (68g) and compact (15mm capsule) — genuinely unobtrusive when clipped to clothing
- ✓ Pre-polarized condenser requires no phantom power — simpler wireless bodypack compatibility
- ✓ Omnidirectional pattern captures clear sound from multiple angles without proximity coloration
- ✓ Includes tie clip, tie pin, windscreen, and carrying bag — ready to deploy immediately
Why choose AKG CGN99 C Cardioid Condenser Gooseneck Microphone
- ✓ Better signal-to-noise ratio (73 dB-A vs. 60 dB-A) — cleaner audio in low-noise environments
- ✓ Cardioid pattern rejects off-axis noise — reduces ambient clutter in moderate-noise venues
- ✓ Flexible 380mm gooseneck allows quick repositioning without fatigue or tool use
- ✓ Integrated XLR connector and fixed installation design — eliminates cable management for permanent setups
Frequently asked questions
Which one works better with wireless bodypack transmitters?
The C417 PP is purpose-built for bodypack wireless systems — its pre-polarized design eliminates phantom-power requirements, and the 1.5m cable is designed to run to a transmitter clipped at the waist. The CGN99 C's integrated XLR connector and fixed gooseneck make it unsuitable for wireless bodypack applications.
How much difference does the signal-to-noise ratio make?
The CGN99 C's 73 dB-A SNR is 13 dB better than the C417 PP's 60 dB-A, meaning it produces noticeably cleaner audio in quiet rooms and venues with low ambient noise. For moderate to noisy venues (theater stages, broadcast studios with some ambient sound), the difference is less critical.
Which polar pattern is better for my application?
The C417 PP's omnidirectional pattern captures consistent sound from multiple angles — ideal when a speaker's head moves unpredictably or when you need audio regardless of mic orientation. The CGN99 C's cardioid pattern rejects side and rear noise — better for fixed positions where you can point the mic directly at one speaker and suppress noise from other sources.
Can I use either one for instrument or music recording?
Both are speech-optimized and not recommended for music recording. The C417 PP's omnidirectional pattern and the CGN99 C's 70 Hz lower frequency cutoff limit their utility for instruments; music applications require wider frequency response and different polar characteristics.