Writers love to write. If you are a writer, well, you know what I mean. But sometimes our job gets tough. That’s the case right now because I have to tell you about a great new microphone, the AKG C4000B ($848 list). What’s so tough about this assignment? Well, try describing sound quality in printed words. It’s not just difficult, it’s darned near impossible. Still, I want to stay on the editor’s good side (I’ve been told he actually has one, though I have not yet seen it), so let’s dive in, shall we?

First of all, I probably don’t need to tell you about AKG, but a few of you may not know why the company has such a great reputation. For about 50 years or so, AKG has been one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high quality microphones, so the company has accumulated special know-how in designing and manufacturing high quality electroacoustic transducers. Translation: These guys have seen it, done it and darn well know a great mic when they build one. Actually, more than 1,400 international patents have been granted to AKG, and over 300 of these are developments that have had a strong influence on the audio industry.

AKG mics are a synthesis of aesthetic styling and optimum functionality. Ergonomic aspects, the way a product feels in the user’s hand, the choice of materials and finishes, weight and weight distribution, etc., are all major criteria for any AKG product design. Styling and innovation are also among the distinguishing features of any AKG product and have secured AKG a leading position in the international audio marketplace (gee, I feel like I’m writing one of those industrial documentaries here).

AKG calls the C4000B “The Universal Recording Tool.” Why? Well, they say it is the only Dual Electret Large Diaphragm Transducer in the world, making it an extremely cost-efficient multipurpose microphone for acoustically demanding recording and live sound applications. I can simplify: This mic is red hot at a cool price. This design provides for three different polar patterns that are selectable on the microphone. Note that the C4000B is derived from the already famous SolidTube, but uses a transistorized impedance converter/preamp instead of the tube circuit. The capsules of the two microphones, however, are very similar in terms of sound character and quality.

Although the C4000B delivers your typical large-diaphragm sound, its transformerless output stage ensures exceptionally accurate low-frequency response and the affordable pricing makes the C4000B very attractive for home and project studios. With its selectable polar patterns, this mic is extremely versatile. With one of its patterns being hypercardioid, the C4000B can be used for live concert miking on stage. This makes the mic a very interesting proposition for musicians who want to use it both for live performance and recording in their own studios.

The C4000B has an exceptional price-to-performance ratio when you look at the microphone’s features, specs, overall design, construction (an all-metal body), and standard accessories, which includes an H 100 spider type shock mount and external foam wind and pop screen. Features of the C4000B combine high sensitivity with extremely low self-noise. What’s more, like most of today’s top mics, this one can handle high SPLs that used to require dynamic mics. Three polar patterns are switchable on the microphone: Omni, cardioid, and hypercardioid and there’s a preattenuation pad (switchable) and bass-cut filter (also switchable).

All of this tells you that this mic has a lot going for it at a surprisingly affordable price. But what does it sound like? Like I said, this is where it gets tough. Plain and simple, this is a wonderful sounding microphone. I’ve personally had a chance to use it for vocals, acoustic guitar, flute (thanks, Smitty) and even acoustic bass and always felt I was getting all the detail I could possibly want without unwanted coloration or artifacts introduced by the mic. Personally, I would add a C4000B to my mic arsenal in a heartbeat, simply because this is a lot of mic for not a lot of money. AKG has given everyone from the home studio owner to the live performer and even pro recording engineer a mic they can use without a second thought.

If this sounds good to you, give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call today for your special low Sweetwater pricing on what is sure to be one of the best selling mics of 1999.