AKG C417 PP Professional Lavalier Microphone
Description
AKG C417 PP Professional Lavalier Microphone
The AKG C417 PP is a compact, lightweight lavalier condenser engineered for close-miked dialogue, voiceover, and presentation recording. Its diminutive 15mm capsule and 68g weight make it genuinely unobtrusive when positioned on talent or mounted to clothing during sessions, while the 1.5m cable provides practical reach to a preamp, mixer input, or wireless bodypack transmitter. This is a reliable instrument for studio dialogue recording, live streaming, interview capture, and remote sessions where discretion, signal integrity, and consistent performance matter.
Design & Build
The pre-polarized condenser design eliminates phantom power dependency, allowing flexible interfacing with portable recorders, wireless systems, and studio preamps without additional conditioning gear. A 3-pin female XLR connector ensures standard studio compatibility, and the included tie clip (H40/1), tie pin (H41), windscreen (W407), and carrying bag keep the microphone mobile and production-ready—no adapter shopping required.
Audio Performance
The omnidirectional polar pattern captures clear sound from multiple angles without proximity effect coloration, critical for maintaining natural tonal balance during close dialogue takes and reducing plosive buildup. With a 60 dB-A signal-to-noise ratio and 34 dB-A equivalent noise level, the C417 PP delivers clean vocal intelligibility in controlled studio environments and location recording, while its 126 dB SPL handling prevents clipping during dynamic delivery, shouted takes, or loud ambient conditions without compression artifacts.
Key Features
- Pre-polarized condenser microphone — no phantom power required
- Omnidirectional polar pattern for consistent pickup at multiple angles
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Sensitivity: 7 mV/Pa
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 60 dB-A
- Equivalent noise level: 34 dB-A
- Maximum SPL: 126 dB at 3% THD
- Operating voltage: 2–12V
- Output impedance: 200 Ohms, 1000 Ohms recommended load
- Compact dimensions: 15mm height × 7.5mm diameter, 68g weight
- 1.5m cable with 3-pin female XLR connector
- Includes tie clip, tie pin, windscreen, and microphone bag
The AKG C417 PP delivers professional-grade lavalier performance in a nearly invisible package, backed by AKG's reputation for dependable audio engineering.
More Information
| Condition | New |
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Reviews
At a Glance
The AKG C417 PP is a professional lavalier condenser built for location recording, voice-over sessions, and broadcast work where a discreet, reliable headset mic is required. Its omnidirectional pattern, low self-noise (34 dB-A equivalent), and flat frequency response (20 Hz–20 kHz) capture intelligible speech and dialogue with minimal handling noise and no proximity effect coloration. Choose this mic when your session demands a tied-to-talent solution that delivers broadcast-quality speech in tight, mobile recording setups.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Theater
- ✓ Broadcast
- ✓ Live Speaking
- ✓ Presentations
Not the best pick for
- – Musical instrument amplification
- – Studio music recording
- – Live band performance
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the C417 PP require phantom power?
No. The C417 PP is a pre-polarized condenser, so it operates independently without phantom power. It runs on 2–12V and connects via standard 3-pin female XLR, making it compatible with most bodypack wireless systems and portable mixers.
Is this mic suitable for singing or instrument amplification?
No. The C417 PP is engineered specifically for speech and presentation work. Its omnidirectional pattern and presence characteristics are optimized for clear dialogue and spoken word; it is not designed for musical instrument amplification or live band performance.
What's included in the box?
The package includes the lavalier microphone, 1.5m cable with 3-pin female XLR connector, tie clip (H40/1), tie pin (H41), windscreen (W407), and carrying bag—everything needed for immediate deployment.
Can the C417 PP handle loud environments?
Yes. With a maximum SPL of 126 dB at 3% THD, the C417 PP resists clipping even during emphatic delivery or in loud venues, while its omnidirectional pattern and 60 dB-A signal-to-noise ratio maintain clean intelligibility in low-ambient settings.
How does the C417 PP compare to the Sennheiser ME 4 or Shure WL183?
All three are professional lavalier condensers optimized for speech and presentation. The C417 PP stands out for its pre-polarized design (no phantom power required), compact 68g form factor, and robust 126 dB SPL handling—making it a reliable choice for theater, broadcast, and live speaking where minimal weight and universal wireless compatibility matter.