The AKG C104 utilises a 22mm electret condenser diaphragm with a nickel-sputtered coating on one side. This design prevents shorting to the back electrode even at extremely high sound pressure levels, ensuring reliable performance across a wide range of sources. The microphone is equipped with a precision cardioid polar pattern, which captures sound primarily from the front while rejecting noise from the rear, making it ideal for isolating specific sound sources in noisy environments.
Engineered with an optimised transformerless FET circuit, the AKG C104 achieves a self-noise level of 14dB(A) SPL and a signal-to-noise ratio of 80dB re 1 Pa. This configuration supports an ultra-wide dynamic range, allowing the microphone to handle sound pressure levels up to 143dB SPL for 0.5% THD without introducing perceptible distortion. This high headroom enables clear capture of both loud sources, such as electric guitars, and faint details, such as whispers.
Sustainability is integrated into the industrial design of the AKG C104. The microphone body is crafted from 100% recycled PIR metals and alloys, while the packaging and accessories are engineered for minimal environmental impact and are fully recyclable. The device requires 48V phantom power to IEC 61938 standards and consumes no more than 5 mA of current. It connects via a 3-pin XLR connector with pin 2 hot, providing a balanced output suitable for standard audio interfaces and mixers.
The AKG C104 is versatile for various applications, including music recording, podcasting, video blogging, web streaming, web conferencing, gaming, and broadcasting. It is suitable for capturing vocals, piano, strings, horns, woodwinds, drums, percussion, and guitar or bass amps. The package includes the AKG C104 condenser microphone and an H81 screw-on microphone stand mount. The operating temperature range is -5 to 50 °C, ensuring stability in typical studio and on-stage conditions.
Features
- Large diaphragm condenser design
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Black finish