AKG D550 – Cardioid Dynamic Bass Instrument Microphone

The D 550 is a cardioid dynamic microphone. It has been designed primarily as a bass instrument microphone for tough onstage use on bass drum, tuba, trombone, bass amps, etc. The wide frequency response of the D 550 that slightly favors the low frequency and treble ranges ensures a very powerful sound and good intelligibility.

The term "cardioid polar response? means that the D 550 is most sensitive to sound arriving from in front of it, less sensitive to sound arriving from the sides, and least sensitive to sound arriving from the rear. This polar pattern is virtually the same for all frequencies (“frequency independent?). A shock absorbing wire-mesh outer grille and plastic housing protect the the transducer system from damage. The outer steel wire mesh grille and a layer of a special textile material form a very effective windscreen against pop and wind noise.

The D 550 features a standard 3-pin male XLR-type connector. This connector type is internationally standardized so that you can connect the microphone to the rest of your equipment using any commercial microphone cable with a female 3-pin XLR-type connector. The supplied H 440 clamp lets you mount the microphone directly on a snare drum, tom tom, or similar percussion instruments.

Features
High-output neodymium transducer
Cardioid instrument microphone
Designed specifically for bass instruments
Extremely rugged
Mounts on stands or instruments

Specifications

Polar pattern: cardioid
Frequency range: 20?20,000 Hz
Sensitivity: 2.5 mV/Pa (-52dBV re 1V/Pa)
Equivalent noise level: 18 dB-A (DIN 45412)
Max. sound pressure level for 1 %/3 % THD: 147/156 dB SPL
Electrical impedance: =600 Ohms
Recommended load impedance: =2,000 Ohms
Connector: 3-pin male XLR
Finish: matte black enamel
Size: 104 mm (4.09 in.) H x 121 mm (4.76 in.) L x 46 mm (1.81 in.) ?
Net/shipping weight: 203/563 g (7.2 oz./1.2 lb.)

Precise artistic work deserves precise artistic craftsmanship. A classic by now, the CMS Series CK 1 capsule from AKG was a best seller from the moment it was launched in 1969. Comprising a range of interchangeable capsules and preamps as well as then innovative, dedicated accessories, the CMS Series from AKG quickly became a legend. It was discontinued in 1993. Responding to growing demand from recording engineers, AKG decided to produce the C 451 B with identical acoustical behaviour of the popular original C 451 EB + CK 1 microphone again, with dramatically improved specifications and outstanding price/ performance. The capsule of the new version is fixed permanently to the preamp to eliminate the mechanical problems of the screw joint. Using an extremely light diaphragm, the new C 451 B is almost totally insensitive to handling noise. An all-metal body provides excellent protection from RF interference and the microphone is rugged enough to give excellent results even under very harsh conditions.

The C 451 B is an excellent tool for accurately capturing signals rich in transients such as drums, overhead miking, or other instruments with a percussive sound. The airy sound, high overload limit of the capsule and electronic circuitry, and improved engineering details of the C 451 B are a solid foundation for creating another legend.

The matched pairs consist of two microphones that are within 1 dB to each other in sensitivity and also within 1 dB to each other in the range of 200 Hz to 15,000 Hz of the individual frequency response when used in cardioid mode and are selected from a large quantity of individual microphones using the described criteria by using a proprietary computer program.

Using this matched pair for stereo recordings utilizing various techniques will provide for a good and stable balance without frequency-dependent shifting of the stereo panorama.

The kit includes all the standard accessories of the individual package along with a stereo bar and proof of performance charts in an attractive carrying case (Soundtool case, middle size).

Features:

• Identical acoustics of the legendary CK 1.
• Rugged construction.
• Ruler-flat on-axis frequency response.
• Precise, nearly frequency independent cardioid.
• Extremely accurate signal transfer.
• Transformerless output stage for minimum distortion at low frequencies.
• Protected against electrostatic and magnetic interference.
• Selectable 10-dB and 20-dB preattenuation pads.
• Switchable highpass filter (75 Hz or 150 Hz, 12dB/octave).
• Operates on phantom power to DIN/IEC between 12 V and 48 V.
• Complete with SA 40 stand adapter and W 90 windscreen.
• Each microphone comes with its own individual frequency response plot.

Specifications:

• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency range: 20 to 20,000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 9 mV/Pa (-41 dBV)
• Max. SPL: 135/145/155 dB (0/-10/-20 dB) (k=0,5%)
• Equivalent noise level (CCIR 468-3): 29 dB
• Equivalent noise level: 18 dB-A
• Signal/noise ratio (A-weighted): 76 dB
• Preattenuation pad: 0 dB, 10 dB, 20 dB selectable
• Bass filter: Flat, 12 dB/octave at 75 or 150 Hz, selectable
• Impedance: 1000 ohms
• Supply voltage: 9 to 52 V phantom power to DIN 45596
• Current consumption:

• A mechanical polar pattern switch for highly consistent cardioid and true omnidirectional polar patterns. Provides flexibility in a wide variety of recording applications
• Ultra-thin, 2.5 micron, 24 karat gold-layered, low mass Mylar? diaphragm for superior transient response
• Class A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier for transparency, extremely fast transient response, no crossover distortion, and minimal harmonic and intermodulation distortion
• Premium electronic components, including gold-plated internal and external connectors
• Subsonic filter eliminates low frequency rumble (less than 17 Hz) caused by mechanical vibration
• Three-position switchable pad (0 dB, 15 dB, and 25 dB) for handling extremely high sound pressure levels (SPLs)
• Three-position switchable pad (0 dB, 15 dB, and 25 dB) for handling extremely high sound pressure levels (SPLs)
• Three-position switchable low-frequency filter to reduce background noise and counteract proximity effect

• Extended frequency response
• Low self noise
• Exceptional reproduction of low-frequency sounds
• Can withstand high sound pressure levels (SPL)
• High output level
• No crossover distortion
• Uniform polar response
• Superior common mode rejection and suppression of radio frequency interference

• Acoustic instruments -- such as piano, guitar, drums, percussion, strings
• Wind instruments -- brass and woodwind
• Low frequency instruments -- such as double bass, electric bass, kick drum
• Overhead miking -- drums or percussion
• Ensembles -- choral or orchestral
• Room ambiance pick-up -- guitar amplifier or drums

• Tailored frequency response provides drums, guitars, vocals, and horns with studio quality sound
• Uniform supercardioid pattern for high gain-before-feedback and superior rejection of off-axis sound
• Hardened steel mesh grille that facilitates use of proximity effect and resists wear and abuse
• Neodymium magnet for high signal-to-noise ratio output
• Advanced pneumatic shock mount system that minimizes transmission of mechanical noise and vibration
• Frequency response: 50 to 16,000 Hz