AKG C518 M Clamp-On Miniature Condenser Microphone

The C518 from AKG is a miniature clamp-on microphone that’s a great solution for miking drums and other percussion instruments…both on the stage and in the recording studio.

Capture your sound—and yours alone! The C518 boasts a cardioid polar pattern that offers high ambient noise rejection from the sides and rear, simultaneously protecting against overspill from any nearby instruments you’re sharing your space with. In short: you can aim the C518 at the sound source you want, confident that it won’t pick up surrounding sources.

Louder, capable of picking up wider frequency responses, and offering an expanded range compared to dynamic mic options, the C518 M’s condenser design enjoys enhanced sound sensitivity, allowing your instruments to sound more natural and detailed. The C 518 M will require an external power supply (sold separately).

Functional and flexible. The C518 M’s gooseneck is rugged and stable enough for reliable miking in the most demanding situations, yet it remains flexible enough to get precise placement, while, a special snap-on stabilizer helps keep the gooseneck at that position throughout your performance—no matter how rowdy it gets. A continuously adjustable vise-type clamp allows you to easily secure the mic onto the rim of drums or other instruments. Additionally, the mic comes with a flexible shock mount that effectively suppresses mechanical and handling noise.

Included with the C518 M Clamp-On Miniature Condenser Microphone are a 10 ft (3m) mini-to-standard XLR cable, a drum bracket, a windscreen to reduce noise, and a microphone bag to protect it from dust or other debris when not in use. The microphone cable is detachable for easier installation and maintenance.

The C518 M is available in a variant—C518 ML—which includes a mini-XLR cable and the unique A400 adapter plate. This adapter plate allows the mic to be easily mounted to wireless bodypack transmitters (compatible bodypacks: PT40/45/450/470).

AKG C518 M Features

• Requires an external power supply (sold separately)
• Cardioid polar pattern
• Full-metal housing with shock mount
• Integrated mounting clamp
• Included gooseneck holder
• Detachable microphone cable

• C518 M Clamp-On Miniature Condenser Microphone1
• W44 Windscreen1
• Microphone Bag1
• Mini XLR to Standard XLR Cable (3 m/10 ft.)1
• H518 Drum Bracket1

• Transducer TypeCondenser
• Polar PatternCardioid
• Frequency Response60 Hz - 20 kHz
• Output Impedance200 ohms
• Sensitivity5 mV/Pa
• Equivalent noise level31 dB-A
• Signal to Noise63 dB-A
• Powering Interface
  • Voltage: 9 to 52 V
  • Current: 2 mA
• Connector3-Pin Mini XLRF
• Dimensions
  • Width: 47 mm
  • Height: 200 mm
  • Net Weight: 220 g

About Condenser Microphones at Sound Productions

Achieve professional polish to your studio sound with condenser microphones from Sound Productions. A condenser microphone uses a capacitor that converts sound vibrations into electric currents. It is characterized by increased sound sensitivity than a dynamic mic, enabling it to capture more natural, detailed audio from vocals and instruments.

Use a large-diaphragm condenser mic (sometimes called a “capacitor mic”) to optimize the sound of vocals, acoustic guitar, and ambient room audio. Alternatively, choose a small diaphragm condenser mic (or “pencil mic”) for acoustic instruments including guitars, classical instruments, cymbals, and drum overheads. The smaller capsule and lightweight build make it easy to place perfectly in almost any miking application, while the consistent polar pattern makes a pair of small-diaphragm condenser mics the perfect choice for stereo miking.

Compared to the other popular option of dynamic microphones, condenser mics are louder, pick up a wider frequency response, and enjoy an expansive dynamic range—all aspects that make them ideal for studio recording.