AKG C519M Professional Miniature Clip-On Condenser Microphone
Description
AKG C519M Professional Miniature Clip-On Condenser Microphone
The AKG C519M clips securely onto your instrument with minimal weight—just 195 grams—delivering articulate sound capture that reveals every nuance of your performance. This lightweight condenser excels at bringing out the natural character and attack of acoustic instruments, whether classical guitar, violin, woodwinds, or drums in studio or live tracking applications. The cardioid polar pattern isolates your instrument's tone from unwanted ambient noise, giving you transparent, accurate reproduction without coloration—essential for clean overdubs and precise multi-track recordings.
Audio Performance
The C519M captures a broad frequency range from 60–20,000 Hz with a sensitivity of 5 mV/Pa and excellent signal-to-noise ratio of 63 dB-A. Maximum SPL handling reaches 130 dB SPL (1% THD) or 132 dB SPL (3% THD), allowing the mic to handle both delicate passages and high-volume dynamics without distortion. With an equivalent noise level of just 31 dB-A, this condenser delivers clean, quiet operation across demanding recording applications, minimizing noise floor in your session mix.
Design & Connectivity
The mic measures 213 mm in length with a maximum width of 47 mm, making it genuinely unobtrusive when mounted on your instrument during overdubs or ensemble tracking. It outputs via a mini XLR female 3-pin connector with a detachable 1.5-meter cable, and the package includes a 10-foot mini XLR to standard XLR adapter cable, windscreen, and protective microphone bag for transport and storage.
Key Features
- Cardioid polar pattern for isolated instrument pickup
- Frequency response: 60–20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 5 mV/Pa
- Maximum SPL: 130 dB SPL (1% THD) / 132 dB SPL (3% THD)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 63 dB-A
- Equivalent noise level: 31 dB-A
- Electrical impedance: 200 Ohms
- Recommended load impedance: 2,000 Ohms
- Mini XLR female 3-pin output
- Net weight: 195 g (6.9 oz.)
- Detachable cable with 1.5 m length
- Includes adapter cable, windscreen, and carrying bag
The C519M delivers professional-grade instrument miking in a form factor designed for studio and stage use, combining transparency with practical durability for reliable session performance.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | China |
Reviews
At a Glance
The AKG C519M is a professional miniature condenser microphone built to capture the transparent, articulate character of acoustic instruments during recording sessions and live tracking. Its cardioid pickup pattern and broad 60–20,000 Hz frequency response deliver clean, accurate reproduction with minimal noise floor (31 dB-A equivalent), making it ideal for layering classical guitar, violin, and woodwinds into your mix. The compact form factor and included adapter cables make it a versatile, low-latency choice for home and professional studio sessions where natural instrument tone and isolation from room noise matter most.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Classical guitar
- ✓ Violin
- ✓ Acoustic instrument recording
Not the best pick for
- – Electric guitar amplifier miking
- – Drum kit overhead miking
Frequently Asked Questions
What instruments does the C519M work best with?
The C519M is optimized for acoustic instruments including classical guitar, violin, woodwinds, and live/studio percussion. Its cardioid pattern and articulate frequency response are designed to capture natural tone and attack from these instruments; it is not recommended for electric guitar amplifiers or drum kit overhead miking.
How does the clip-on design affect visibility and comfort during performance?
At just 195 grams and 213 mm in length with a 47 mm maximum width, the C519M is genuinely unobtrusive when mounted to an instrument. The secure clip attachment means it stays in place during live performance and studio work without adding noticeable weight or obstruction.
What comes in the box, and what cables do I need?
The package includes the microphone, a 1.5-meter detachable mini XLR cable, a 10-foot mini XLR to standard XLR adapter cable, a windscreen, and a protective carrying bag. You will need a standard XLR input on your mixer, interface, or preamp; the included adapter handles the connection.
Can the C519M handle loud dynamic playing without distortion?
Yes. Maximum SPL reaches 130 dB SPL at 1% THD or 132 dB SPL at 3% THD, allowing the microphone to capture both delicate passages and high-volume peaks cleanly across classical, folk, and live acoustic styles.
How does the C519M compare to other instrument condensers like the Shure WL183?
The C519M delivers the same transparent, minimal-coloration character as competing miniature condensers (Shure WL183, Audio-Technica AT4021, Sennheiser MKE 2) but includes a complete cable adapter kit and windscreen in the box, making it an accessible choice for live and studio instrument miking.
Similar Gear
Complete the Rig
Gear that pairs well with this.
✨ For You
Based on what you've been looking at.