AudioMedia - January 2009 - (Page 18)

The newest branch on AKG’s ‘C’-series family tree leans towards the ‘bright’ end of the spectrum, says ROBIN GIST. he latest release from AKG’s lauded microphone stable is the C side-address condenser. Adding its name to a (lengthy) string of classic microphones that date back to (when the legendary C valve microphone was first introduced), the C has quite a reputation to uphold. Designed, engineered, and built in Vienna, the fixed-cardioid pattern C is intended as a cost-effective alternative to the C- , while still offering large diaphragm performance, wide dynamic range, rugged construction, and a sound similar to that of the CB-XLS. The AKG Cwith its myriad suffixes and variations, is in turn, a direct descendant of the C A, which was the first mic in the AKG lineage to sport the highly recognisable faceted body styling. T emulate the original ‘brass ring’ sound, and this version was used in the CB-TLII and C VR microphones that were released in the early ’ s. While researching this review, I came across a brochure supplied by AKG that states about the new microphone: “Because the C uses the same one-inch diaphragm as the C- , the essence of that heralded Csound has been captured in this newest model.” Actually, while the Cuses a DC-polarised capsule, the C uses an electret capsule that is technically closer to those found in the AKG C and C microphones. The C ’s capsule is, in fact, only one half of a capsule, with Not The G olden R ing AKG C214 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone As with any microphone, the capsule is the all-important heart of the device. Arguably one of the most revered and famous capsule designs is the precision built AKG ‘brass ring’ CK , found in the valve C microphone and later C A(&B) models, which also incorporated the metal cased Nuvistor valve. For commercial and export reasons the CK was also used in the Elam/ Telefunken M and M microphones, but with different valves and electronics. The ‘brass ring’ CK was later replaced by a different sounding nylon version that was cheaper to produce. AKG later designed yet another capsule that tried to Encapsulating The H istor y the addition of the ‘patented back-plate’, which turns the combination into an electret capsule. As a result, the C has a higher noise floor – at dBA – when compared to the C- ’s lower dBA. There’s nothing wrong with modern electret condenser microphones of course, except for this higher noise floor. THE REVIEWER ROBIN GIST is an audio engineer and regular contributor to Audio Technology magazine, Australia. Like all previous AKG ‘C’-series mics, the C is a solidly built microphone, constructed from a scratch resistant, die-cast metal body that will likely withstand the rigours of whatever life throws at it – either in the studio or on the road. The sturdy double-mesh grille surrounding and protecting the capsule is simultaneously designed for high RF rejection, plosive control, and acoustic C For Construc tion www.ultrasone.com Natural Surround Sound headphones PRO PRO THE headphone company E xquisitely faithful sound E xclusive design Precision meet the most exac ting needs of professionals 18 AUDIO MEDIA JANUARY 2009 http://www.ultrasone.com http://www.ultrasone.com

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AudioMedia - January 2009 Contents Recording News Post News Broadcast News Geo Focus: India What's Up UK? Special Report: Pimp My Ride AKG C214 Sony Acid Pro 7.0 Final Cut: Mirror's Edge Opportunities in the Reality World She's Got the Look The X-Factor Sadie LRX2 Source Elements Source-Connect 3.1 Buying a Recorder In Control Product Sampler: Trade Shows Video Guide AMSR News Digico SD8 The Last Picture Show File Server

AudioMedia - January 2009

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