AKG Acoustics
AKG D40
Dynamic, cardioid, compact instrument mic with built-in swivel stand adapter and a drum-rim bracket
Power None: a dynamic mic needs no power. Low output: it needs a lot of preamp gain.
- Type
- Dynamic
- Pattern
- Cardioid
- Sensitivity
- −52 dBV/Pa
- Among 78 dynamics: more output than 75%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 26%
- Self-noise
- 18 dB(A)
- Max SPL
- 147 dB SPL
- Among 36 dynamics: takes louder sound than 83%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 84%
- Rated range
- 50 – 20k Hz
vs 44 end-address dynamics
More output than 86% of 44 end-address dynamics.
Each stripe is one end-address dynamic with a published sensitivity, and each bar counts them; further right means more output. This mic is in blue.
vs 272 mics
Quieter than 32% of 272 mics.
Each stripe is one mic with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. This mic is in blue.
vs 19 end-address dynamics
Takes louder sound than 78% of 19 end-address dynamics.
Each stripe is one end-address dynamic with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Instruments sources recommend it for most
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the manual, p. 23.
"Frequency Response"; relative dB. Distance, field and smoothing not stated.
Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.
Polar pattern
From the manual, p. 23.
"Polar Diagram"; 250 Hz to 1 kHz on the left half, 2 to 16 kHz on the right; 0° at the bottom, rings every 5 dB, centre -25 dB. The legend lists 125 Hz but draws no line for it.
In practice
All specs
| From the manual | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity | −52 dBV/Pa (2.5 mV/Pa)1000 Hz. "2.5 mV/Pa (–52 dBV re 1 V/Pa)". | p. 23 |
| Self-noise | 18 dB(A)IEC 60268-4. "Equivalent noise level: 18 dB(A) (IEC 60268-4)"; an unusual figure to give for a dynamic mic, printed as is. The D5 manual gives the same. | |
| Max SPL | 147 dB SPL1% THD; also 156 dB SPL, 3% THD | |
| Output impedance | 600 ohm1000 Hz, ≤ 600 ohm | |
| Rated load impedance | 2000 ohmrecommended, ≥ 2000 ohm | |
| Rated frequency range | 50 Hz to 20 kHz"50 hz to 20 kHz". | |
| Connector | XLR-3 male"3-pin XLR"; pin 1 ground, pin 2 hot, pin 3 return. | |
| Weight | 245 gnet (shipping 380 g) | |
| Dimensions | 100 × 80 × 42 mmLength × max. diameter × height. | |
| Finish | dark stage blue (metal case) | |
| Supplied accessories | H 440 drum-rim bracket; protective bagPacking list. | p. 14 |
| Environment | Temperature -10 °C to +60 °C; relative humidity 95% at +20 °C | p. 23 |
| Stand adapter | Integrated, swivels through about 135° | p. 14 |
| H 440 bracket | Clamps the mic on the top hoop of a tom-tom, snare, roto-tom and the like | p. 15 |
| Windscreen | Shock-absorbing inner grille; wire-mesh outer grille over a layer of fabric acts as windscreen and pop filter | |
| PlacementAKG | Saxophone: 8 to 12 inches, aimed at the middle of the instrument or the front rim of the bell; as close as 2 inches on stage | p. 17 |
Documents
- D40 user instructionsGerman, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © AKG Acoustics, unchanged, with its original address.
Recommended for
By recording guides, engineers and mic makers, for this mic or an earlier version of it.