AKG C420 Headset Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Microphone with adjustable head band and ear pieces; terminated in XLR connector. 20-20kHz response and max SPL of 126 dB @1% THD. Requires 9-52 VDC phantom power and includes windscreen and cable clip.

This product is no longer available at zZounds.

Shop our website for related products:

(In most cases, a product is unavailable because it has been discontinued by its manufacturer.)

AKG C420 Headset Cardioid Condenser Microphone reviews

Rate and Review This Product:

28 People rated this product : * * * * * * * * * * 8 out of 10

 

3 People wrote reviews

Read all AKG C420 Headset Cardioid Condenser Microphone reviews...
* * * * * * * * * * 9 out of 10 zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.

"Excellent sound, comfortable and rugged."

Feature:
This mic has no accessories. It requires phantom power, which may be in a problem in certain on-the-road situations. So far, it has been durable. I have carried it around at times in the ample-sized foam-lined cardboard box in which it came. I guess a real travel-case would be even better (like the 414 comes in) But I have had no problems! I find the "behind the neck" style very comfortable and unobtrusive. I regularly wear it with headphones over it and it doesn't squish my ears enough to be a problem. Because so little of the unit is beside or in front of my face, I would consider this a good performing mic. It doesn't obscure my face. But I have used it strictly for recording.

Quality:
This has been reliable throughout the three years I have owned it. I am very satisfied and would recommend it to anyone who has the ability to eq the bass and can accommodate the phantom power and XLR connector.

Value:
I paid $320 about 3 years ago. At its current price of about $200, it's a steal!

Desirability:
I traded in a supposedly "top of the line" headset for this one. The other was uncomfortable and obtrusive. I could never get used to it. This one just sits lightly and moves easily with my head. For that and the excellent sound quality, it's very cool.

Sound:
Very good sound quality. I have made over 30 commercial recordings (voice only) using this mic, and I have been very happy with the sound. I prefer a headset to my AKG 414, since its high ambient-sound rejection allows me to record in a normal room. The 414 has superior sound but requires a quieter space. I also prefer the headset because I can look down at notes, etc., without changing my mouth's relationship to the mic. If I could make one change to this mic, it would only be to reduce the proximity-effect low end boost. This is not a deal-breaker, but it means that every recording needs immediate eq to reduce the extra bass. Note: this may not be a problem with a female voice!

Ease of Use:
The greatest conveniences are the easy fit and the shirt-collar clip for the cord. The clip keeps clothing moving from causing spurious sounds in the mic. It's a nice touch, well done. The ony inconvenience is having to eq the bass boost.

Support:
This has been so reliable I have needed no support!

Overall:
I have no plans to change this. If there were even better sound quality I would consider another headset - but it would have to be as easy to wear as this one. This is one of my favorite pieces of gear!

Submitted: 3/19/2006

Style of Music: Folk. Spoken word.

Did you find this review helpful?

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?
 
 
* * * * * * * * * * 8 out of 10

AKG C420 Headset Mic Customer Review

Great mic. Very comfortable to wear. Had mine 2 years now and not let me down after three hours a day useage, twice a week. I'd recommend this to my friends.

Submitted: 9/2/2001

Style of Music: karaoke compere

Did you find this review helpful?

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?
 
 

Read all AKG C420 Headset Cardioid Condenser Microphone reviews...

Additional Images:

Main
Main
Specs
Specs
From Back
From Back
At Mouth
At Mouth
With Flute
With Flute
W 44 Windscreen
W 44 Windscreen

iconPersonal use items that are used at your mouth or in your ear cannot be returned once opened due to health laws. This includes all microphones, guitar talk boxes, ear plugs, and in-ear earphones. details

About This Product!
Description
Docs
The second generation of the AKG MicroMics is the result of long-lasting research work conducted with well-known musicians and experienced sound engineers. Several different types of microphones serve every possible situation for vocal and instrumental users:

The C420 includes an elastomer shock mount suspension system that isolates the capsule. It offers a 20-20kHz resonse, and a max SPL of 126 dB @ 1% THD.The C 420 is a vocal microphone with a new, behind-the-ear band for anyone who needs high-quality vocals in a handsfree application.

Technical Info

Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Sensitivity: 7 mV/Pa (-43 dBV)

Impedance: 200 ohms

Connector: XLR

Maximum SPL for 1% THD: 126 dB

Size: 130 mm (appr. 5.1 in. circular)

Net/Shipping Weight: 30/540 g (1.1/19 oz.)
catalog

what our customers say about zZounds

"Thanks so much, my holidays rocked because of you!" - customer on December 26, 2008

Free Catalog

First Name Last Name
Address 1 Address 2
City State
Zip Email

Would you like to receive periodic email notices of new items, special buys, and promotions? WE WILL NOT SHARE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS WITH ANYONE ELSE. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Tell us

Is there something you want to tell us? How can we serve you better? Want to see different products? Is this shirt ugly? Let us know!