AKG C5

Product overview

With the AKG C5 professional condenser vocal microphone, your voice will cut through the loudest mix, on any stage.

Its cardioid polar pattern ensures maximum gain before feedback and has been optimised for use with in-ear monitor systems. A 24-carat gold-plated transducer case protects the capsule from corrosion and humidity, an integrated shock absorber system eliminates handling noise, and the solid zinc-alloy die-cast housing with its spring-steel grille makes the C5 an easy to use, reliable companion for tough stage jobs.

Key features

• Delicate cardioid condenser capsule for detailed pickup of each voice's individual acoustic colour
• 24-carat gold-plated transducer case for maximum resistance to corrosion and humidity
• Integrated shock absorber system effectively eliminates unwanted handling noise
• Robust zinc-alloy housing and spring-steel grille for a long stage life
• Built-in windscreen and pop filter against pop and breath noise
• Frequency-independent cardioid polar response for high gain before feedback

Made for in-ear monitoring and loud stages

A frequency response tailored to vocal reproduction and a cardioid polar pattern provide a smooth sound and high gain before feedback. AKG has optimised the pattern for use with in-ear monitor systems, and the microphone is most sensitive to sound arriving from in front of it while picking up much less from the sides and rear.

Rugged condenser for the road

A front grille made of spring-steel wire mesh that is extremely resistant to deformation and a sturdy zinc alloy die-cast body protect the microphone and transducer on stage and on the road. The outer grille and a layer of special fabric form a very effective windscreen against pop, breath noise and sibilance.

In the box

• 1 x C5 microphone
• 1 x SA61 stand adaptor
• 1 x Microphone bag

AKG C5: frequently asked questions

What type of microphone is the AKG C5?

A professional cardioid condenser vocal microphone for lead and backing vocals on stage.

Does the C5 need phantom power?

Yes. As a condenser microphone it needs phantom power of 9 to 52 V (3 mA) from a balanced XLR input.

Is the C5 suitable for in-ear monitor systems?

Yes. AKG states that its cardioid polar pattern has been optimised for use with in-ear monitor systems.

Where can I buy the AKG C5 in India?

The AKG C5 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Lead vocal with in-ear monitors

Singers on stage using in-ear monitor systems.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the C5 with an XLR cable to a balanced XLR input.
2. Switch the phantom power on at the mixer.
3. Sing to one side of the microphone or above and across its top for a balanced, natural sound.

Tip: AKG has optimised the C5's cardioid pattern for in-ear monitor systems.

Workflow 2: Handheld vocal technique

Singers who move with the microphone on stage.

Connections

Setup

1. Hold the C5 by its body, not by the grille, so the integrated shock absorber can do its job.
2. Keep the front of the microphone pointed at your mouth as you move.
3. Turn the back of the microphone towards the monitors to use its cardioid rejection.

Tip: The built-in windscreen and pop filter reduce pop and breath noise at close range.

Workflow 3: Stage with floor monitors

Live sound where wedges sit in front of the singer.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the main speakers in front of the microphones, along the front edge of the stage.
2. Never point the microphone directly at a monitor or main speaker.
3. Use the cardioid pattern: the C5 picks up much less from its sides and rear.

Tip: With low-frequency room resonances, moving a little away from the microphone is often enough to stop feedback.

Workflow 4: Backing vocals

Bands with backing singers.

Connections

Setup

1. Never let more than two persons share one microphone.
2. Two singers sharing a C5 should stay within about 35 degrees of its axis.
3. Keep the channel fader at a level that stays clear of feedback.

Tip: Wider angles mean raising the fader further, which brings feedback closer.

Workflow 5: Using the proximity effect

Vocalists shaping their sound with distance.

Connections

Setup

1. Sing from less than about 5 cm (2 in) for a boost of low frequencies and an intimate, bass-heavy sound.
2. Increase the distance for a more neutral or more distant sound.
3. Change the working distance during a song to vary the character of the voice.

Tip: Closer gives a bigger, mellower sound; further away picks up more of the room.

Workflow 6: Care on tour

Keeping the microphone clean and sounding bright.

Connections

Setup

1. Clean the body with a soft cloth moistened with water.
2. Unscrew the front grille, remove the windscreen and wash it in soap suds.
3. Let the windscreen dry overnight, refit it and screw the grille back on clockwise.

Tip: No sound? Check that phantom power is switched on and the cable is sound.