Item: AKG C5, Live Vocal Condenser Microphone
Price: £120 (UK), $179 (US)
Quick Singer Assessment:
This microphone is designed to pick up the nuances of your voice and has good shock absorption, but with it’s tight pickup pattern, singers must be careful to stay fairly close to the mic.
At a Glance
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AKG’s C5 is a professional condenser vocal microphone designed for use on stage. It features an attachable presence boost adapter to offer the choice of two sound flavors, depending on the sound you are after for your voice. It has a tight cardioid polar pattern to minimize feedback problems, and AKG says it has been optimized for use with in-ear monitor systems. It has a tough zinc-alloy die-cast housing and a rugged grille construction to give you years of trouble-free use.
High Notes
The C5 has a detailed sound that helps pick up the nuances of your vocal tone. Its integrated shock absorber system is effective at eliminating unwanted handling noises and it has good rejection of plosive sounds. With the presence boost adapter in place, the microphone has a noticeably forward sound that helps you to cut through the mix. There is enough low-end, however to keep the overall tone sounding full and the hyped high frequency response is subtle enough not to cause too many problems with sibilance. The microphone comes with a stand adapter and carry pouch, and there is also a wireless version available.
Off Pitch
Its tight pickup pattern is good for reducing feedback; however it means that singers must be careful to stay fairly close to the mic to ensure a consistent level.
Audio-Savvy Reviewer Says…
Like most condenser microphones you will need to ensure that your mixing desk or vocal effects unit can provide a phantom power feed to the microphone, otherwise it will not work. With top quality live condenser microphones from manufactures such as Neumann, Shure and Sennheiser costing substantially more, the C5 is an impressive mic that in many ways represents a good bargain if you are looking for a quality live condenser microphone. On the other hand, as good as the C5 is, it is not quite as good as microphones costing twice the price – although it’s not as far off as you might expect. – Chris Kennedy
Manufacturer’s Website: akg.com
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Chris Kennedy is a songwriter, producer multi-instrumentalist and freelance journalist from the UK. He has performed extensively over Europe and written and produced over a dozen albums. Chris also has a passion for music technology and was the principal product reviewer and tech expert of the original Voice Council magazine.
