AKG C3000

If you're looking for a high-quality microphone to equip your professional recording studio or home studio, try the AKG C3000. This condenser microphone is renowned for its good sound quality and versatility. You want to know more ? Here is the complete test of the C3000 microphone from the AKG brand.

Focus on the AKG brand

AKG is a renowned brand in the world of audio. Professional studio, home studio, radio station, spectral room… Microphones and headsets from this Austrian manufacturer can be found everywhere. Along with Telefunken and Neumann, AKG is among the best microphone brands in the world. A little history of the AKG brand before discovering the C3000 test.

It all began in Austria, more precisely in Vienna in 1947: Rudolf Goerike and Ernst Pless decided to create the AKG company. The company distinguished itself for the first time with the DYN series microphones . Handcrafted, these microphones were quickly adopted by professionals at the time. These were notably used in concert halls and radio stations.

Two years after the creation of the AKG brand, in 1949, the company began producing headphones . At the beginning of the 1950s, she began designing several series of microphones. Some of the most successful ones include the D12 cardioid microphone, the C12 tube condenser microphone and the D36 dynamic microphone.

At the end of the 1950s, AKG began to become known. Its products are now exported to Europe and almost everywhere in the world.

Over the years, the AKG brand has continued to impress audio engineers. Moreover, legendary artists such as Frank Sinatra, Falco and Roger Whittaker have delivered memorable performances with legendary microphones adorned with the AKG logo . Furthermore, products from this brand were used during the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games.

Suffice it to say that AKG is a reliable microphone brand that has proven itself.

Among the best models from this Australian brand, here are some examples:

• AKG Lyra
• AKG P220
• AKG C414 microphone
• AKG C314
• AKG P420
• Microphone AKG C214
• AKG P170
• The C1000S model
• and the AKG C3000 microphone

The list is still long. But in this article, let's focus on the latter model. Let's discover its construction quality, its different options, its areas of application and its sound quality. We will also give you our opinion on the AKG C3000 at the end of the test.

AKG C3000 Microphone Overview

The AKG C3000 is an electret condenser microphone. This type of microphone differs from so-called “true condenser” microphones in that it does not require a bias voltage. In fact, on its back plate, it has a magnetic layer.

The AKG C3000 comes in a stunning aluminum case . Its finish is just a real feast for the eyes.

This microphone benefits from an entirely metal housing. This protects it from extraneous noise when used simultaneously with other microphones or near a transmitter.

Since this model belongs to the condenser microphone family , an external power supply is therefore required to turn it on. The manufacturer recommends, among other things, the use of 9 to 52 V phantom power .

The AKG C3000 is a microphone that benefits from low self-noise ( 14 dBA ). Added to this is a very low risk of overload.

The AKG C3000 comes with a thread adapter . Additionally, you will also have a microphone clip that will allow you to attach and connect it to a stand. Note that the clip delivered with the microphone is very easy to assemble. Furthermore, this device benefits from a solid design .

So you can hang this microphone upside down without risking it falling. And the icing on the cake: an elastic suspension in the shape of a spider is also included in the box. This is a device that will help you get rid of unwanted vibrations . Enough to optimize the quality of your recordings in your professional studio or your home studio.

If you are used to traveling regularly, you will certainly like the C3000. In fact, it weighs only 320 g and is easy to transport .

The polar patterns of the AKG C3000 microphone

The large diaphragm of this condenser mic is similar to that of the AKG C414 microphone . The only difference: a small diaphragm capsule is located behind this main diaphragm. This notably allows it to provide a cardioid and hypercardioid response .

So, you can change the sensitivity of the microphone depending on the type of source you want to record. By opting for cardioid polar pattern , you make this microphone sensitive only to sounds in front of it. Sounds from the side will be greatly reduced. On the other hand, this kind of polar pattern completely rejects sound sources coming from behind.

If you want the mic to slightly pick up sounds coming from the rear, simply activate its hypercardioid polar pattern . This is none other than a variation of the cardioid directivity. However, it offers a narrower capture zone towards the front. Furthermore, it offers more sensitivity to sources coming from the rear.

To switch from one directionality to another, simply use the recessed switch on the side of the microphone.

The C3000: its attenuation pad – 10 dB and its low-cut filter

The AKG C3000 is equipped with an attenuator pad . This device is located in particular on the left side of the microphone. This allows you to increase the overload limit by 10 dB . With this feature, you can use this studio microphone to record close to loud sound sources without distortion issues .

Besides the attenuation switch, you will also have a high pass filter . The latter allows you to cut low frequencies .

Areas of application for the AKG C3000

The C3000 is a versatile microphone model. It can be used both on stage and in the studio.

This is a cardioid microphone . Thus, it is ideal for recording the voice of a podcaster or singer. If you plan to use this microphone for singing , it will perform very well.

This type of directivity also makes this mic suitable for musical instrument jacks. Among other things, it can be used to capture the sounds of an acoustic guitar . Furthermore, you can also use it when playing the piano.

The AKG C3000 microphones can also be used as overhead microphones to capture the picture of your drums .

If you want to record stereo sound in XY, using a pair of AKG C3000s would be an excellent choice.

If you are going to use this microphone to implement the Mid-Side technique , you will need a bi-directional microphone. Most ribbon microphones offer this type of directivity, to name only the Beyerdynamic M130 and the Royer Labs R-122 MkII.

If you use a monitor on stage, consider activating the hypercardioid polar pattern for a better live experience.

Unlike the AKG C414 XLS microphone , the C3000 offers neither a figure-8 polar pattern nor an omnidirectional polar pattern. This implies that it is not designed to capture the ambiance of a room.

That said, if you're looking for a mic for recording a choir, go for mics that can pick up sounds equally from all directions. I am of course talking to you about omnidirectional microphones . Please nevertheless favor models designed by reliable brands such as Telefunken, Sennheiser, SE Electronics, Beyerdynamic, Neumann, Warm Audio, Blue or even AKG.

To give you ideas, here are some examples of microphones offering omnidirectional directivity: Telefunken U47, Warm Audio WA-47F, Blue Yeti X. The latter being a USB microphone which will undoubtedly delight streamers and gamers.

Focus on the sound quality of the AKG C3000

Whatever the sound source in front of the AKG C3000, it always offers clear and precise sound reproduction . What's more, this studio microphone provides a lot of detail, especially in the treble.

The C3000 has a built-in pop filter . Thanks to this device, it remarkably eliminates plosives.

It can withstand sound pressure levels of up to 150 dB . Which makes this microphone a model suitable for recording very loud sounds such as drums for example. Moreover, in this context, it produces a remarkable sound.

Just like AKG's C414 XLS, the C3000 has a linear frequency response between 20 and 20,000 Hz . Which makes it suitable for multiple uses.

Featuring extremely low noise floor and a high overload limit, this mic boasts a dynamic range of 136 dB (A-weighted). To effectively reduce handling noise, consider placing this microphone on the spider suspension that comes with it in its case.

Unsurprisingly, the C3000 is sensitive to proximity effect. Indeed, this is a common characteristic of condenser microphones. This means that the closer the source is to the mic, the more bass will be emphasized.

You can, however, reduce the sensitivity of the microphone to the proximity effect if you are not a fan of it. To do this, simply use low frequency reduction switch The filter slope and cutoff frequency are 6 dB/octave and 500 Hz, .

Technical characteristics of the AKG C3000

• Microphone type: condenser microphone
• Polar patterns: cardioid, hypercardioid
• Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Sensitivity at 1000 Hz: 20 mV/Pa (-32 dBV )
• Attenuation pad: – 10 dB
• Low cut filter: Yes
• Maximum sound pressure level (SPL): 150 dB
• Electrical impedance: 200 ohms
• Recommended load impedance: 1000 ohms
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 80 dB
• Power requirements: 9-52V
• Dimensions: 53 x 162 mm
• Weight: 320g
• Accessories included: elastic suspension, microphone clip, thread adapter

Our opinion on the AKG C3000 microphone

If you are a fan of the AKG brand, adding the C3000 to your collection will probably not displease you.

When it comes to professional microphone construction quality, the AKG brand is a real benchmark. This model is the perfect example. It's impossible not to fall under the spell of this elegantly styled model with its beautiful metal finish.

If you're looking for a microphone for studio recording, the AKG C3000 is a safe bet. In terms of sound quality, it is very close to the famous C414.

It is a cardioid microphone par excellence. As such, it effectively rejects sound sources coming from the rear. The C3000 is therefore not the suitable model for recording the atmosphere of a room. On the other hand, it delivers exceptional performance when you use it to record vocals. Whether on male or female voices, I am completely satisfied with the performance of this microphone.

It is not easy to find a microphone that provides such sound quality in this price range. The C3000 is an affordable microphone that offers a level of sound performance close to high-end models.

In terms of accessories, everything is there to record sounds in the best conditions. Among other things, the shock mount is very practical for protecting the microphone from ground vibrations.

Here is a quick summary of the strong points of the AKG C3000 microphone:

• Clear sound reproduction
• Detailed treble
• Good ability to withstand high levels of pressure
• Adaptation to many contexts and applications
• Great performance both live and in the studio
• Spider suspension delivered with the microphone

In short, given its exceptional sound character and its good value for money, I recommend the AKG C3000 microphone. This is the ideal alternative to the AKG C414 XLII if you want to get a large diaphragm microphone without breaking the bank.

AKG C3000 Demo

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