AKG D19 C Dynamic Microphone #94823 (Vintage)

The AKG D19 came in numerous configurations, with multiple impedance choices; some are even branded as Telefunken mics. The D19 is a classic dynamic mic with a small diaphragm cardioid pattern and a frequency response from 30 Hz to 16 kHz; it was famously used by Geoff Emerick above Ringo's kit at Abbey Road.


From the original brochure:

"For news reports, conferences, lectures, for the many uses of the sound hobbyist, and as a microphone for musicians, the D 19 has virtually evolved into the symbol of the modern directional microphone. A slender, convenient shape and high-quality workmanship are the external characteristics of the D 19C. Its extraordinary reputation as a resonably priced universal microphone is based on its excellent directional characteristic, combined with its wide frequency response and a continous bass attenuator. A complete, ready-to-use microphone system for the demanding hobbyist was created in the form of the D 19C comb. (table stand, connecting cable, stand adapter)."

History

The AKG ‘D’ Series of microphones debuted in the mid 1950s, and provided a number of different models of dynamic microphone, some having the unique property of multiple polar patterns. For high-end audio recording, the classics in this range are the D12, D19, D20, D25, D30, D36, D45, and their associated variations.

The D19 is different from all the others in this series, being a small diaphragm dynamic cardioid, produced in the mid 1960s, (and also branded as a Telefunken product). It has a wide frequency response from 30 Hz to 16 kHz, and a mechanical bass roll-off filter of -10 dB at 50 Hz. This microphone became famous as the preferred mic for the drum overheads on Ringo Starr’s kit.

The remaining mics in the D Series are all variations on the transformer and diaphragm, or ‘motor’, found in the D12. All of the mics in this range are designed for great low-frequency response, and this is enhanced by the ‘bass response’ chamber built in to the microphone head assembly. This chamber accentuates bass frequencies, allowing the mics to pick up sounds as low as 30 Hz. Naturally, the D Series became a favorite for kick drums and bass guitar cabinets, and they are still revered today.

The D12 was released in 1953, and was the world’s first cardioid-pattern dynamic microphone. Variations on the D12 theme include the D20, with a different motor and a bass roll-off filter. The D20 was a standard kick drum mic for Ringo’s kit at Abbey Road. The D25 is the same mic, but also includes a built-in suspension mount for television work.

The larger D30 was the world’s first multi-pattern dynamic mic, its dual-motor design and built in pattern selector allowed for Omni, Cardioid and Figure-of Eight, and it also included a bass roll-off switch. Zeppelin and the Stones made extensive use of this mic. And the grandaddy of them all, appearing in 1959, is the D36, with a separate pattern box for its dual-motor design that can switch from Omni to Cardioid and all points in between. The D45 is the same microphone, but held in a built-in suspension system, much like the D25.

Today the AKG D Series remains the standard by which all kick drum microphones are judged.