AKG C518M Professional Miniature Clamp-On Condenser Microphone
Description
AKG C518M Professional Miniature Clamp-On Condenser Microphone
The AKG C518M is a compact, lightweight condenser microphone engineered for precision instrument recording in studio and live settings. Its integrated clamp mount with flexible gooseneck and stabilizer enables secure positioning on drums, amplifiers, and other sound sources, while the pre-polarized condenser element delivers precise transient capture without requiring external polarization.
Design & Build
Built from durable metal construction, this microphone weighs just 220g and measures 47mm wide by 200mm tall, keeping the mic unobtrusive in tight recording spaces or crowded drum setups. The integrated shock mount isolates vibration transmission, and the vise-style clamp accommodates various mounting scenarios with minimal footprint, reducing stand clutter and freeing up real estate in the tracking booth.
Recording Performance
The cardioid polar pattern isolates the target source while rejecting room reflections and bleed, critical for clean overdubs and multitrack sessions. A 60 Hz–20,000 Hz frequency response captures the full spectrum of acoustic instruments and amplified sources with clarity and definition. With a maximum SPL of 130 dB (1% THD) / 132 dB (3% THD), the C518M handles loud drums, amp cabinets, and percussion sources without distortion, and its 63 dB-A signal-to-noise ratio ensures transparent recordings in the studio environment.
Key Features
- Pre-polarized condenser transducer with cardioid polar pattern
- Frequency response: 60 Hz – 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 5 mV/Pa
- Maximum SPL: 130 dB (1% THD) / 132 dB (3% THD)
- Equivalent noise level: 31 dB-A
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 63 dB-A
- Output impedance: 200 Ohms
- Operating voltage: 9–52 V phantom power
- 3-pin Mini XLR female output connector
- Includes 3m XLR cable with integrated high-pass filter
- Integrated vise-style clamp with flexible gooseneck and stabilizer
- Durable metal construction with integrated shock mount; 220g weight
The C518M combines transparent audio performance with versatile mounting, making it essential for drum overheads, guitar and bass amplifier miking, tom racks, and other close-miking applications that demand rejection-focused capture in multitrack recording.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | China |
Reviews
At a Glance
The AKG C518M is a miniature clamp-on condenser designed to isolate and capture drums, amplifiers, and acoustic instruments with minimal room bleed. Its cardioid pattern and high maximum SPL (130 dB) make it ideal for close-miked tracks in home studios and professional sessions where transient definition and off-axis rejection matter. Pair it with overheads, amp cabinets, or percussion to add clarity and control to your mix.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Drum recording
- ✓ Amplifier miking
- ✓ Live sound reinforcement
- ✓ Studio instrument miking
Not the best pick for
- – Vocal recording
- – Room ambience capture
Frequently Asked Questions
What is B-Stock?
This product is not listed as B-Stock; it is new.
What sources is the C518M best for?
It excels at drum recording (overheads, toms, kick-in), guitar and bass amplifier miking, and live sound reinforcement. Its cardioid pattern and compact size make it ideal for close-miked sources where off-axis rejection is important.
Can it handle loud instruments without distortion?
Yes. The C518M handles a maximum SPL of 130 dB (1% THD) or 132 dB (3% THD), making it suitable for loud drums, snare, and amplifiers without audible distortion.
What's included and what do I need to connect it?
The package includes a 3-meter XLR cable with an integrated high-pass filter. You'll need a microphone preamp or audio interface with phantom power (9–52 V) to use it; it connects via 3-pin Mini XLR output.
How does the clamp mount work?
An integrated vise-style clamp with flexible gooseneck and stabilizer secures the microphone to drums, amp cabs, or other mounting points. The shock mount isolates vibration, and its lightweight design (220g) minimizes load on the clamp.
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