AKG CGN99 H/L Hypercardioid condenser Gooseneck Microphone
Description
AKG CGN99 H/L Hypercardioid Condenser Gooseneck Microphone
The CGN99 H/L delivers a rigid yet responsive gooseneck design that locks in place without drift, ideal for fixed mic placements in studio setups and live recording environments. Its 50cm length extends reach across drum kits, acoustic instruments, and amp cabinets, while the hypercardioid polar pattern isolates your source and rejects room reflections and unwanted bleed—critical for tracking in untreated spaces and multitrack recording sessions where clean, focused pickup directly impacts mix clarity.
Audio Performance
Built on condenser transducer technology, this microphone captures a 50Hz to 19kHz frequency response with 12 mV/Pa sensitivity and a 73 dB signal-to-noise ratio, delivering articulate transient detail and presence that translates well in postproduction. The 125 dB maximum SPL handles loud sources—vocals, snare, cymbals—without distortion, while the integrated 250Hz bass rolloff naturally removes proximity rumble, low-end room noise, and mic stand vibration that compromise recording fidelity.
Design & Connectivity
The integrated XLR phantom power adapter accepts 9 to 52V phantom power from any standard mixer or audio interface, eliminating external adapters and streamlining your tracking chain. Its 13.5mm diameter and 160g weight clamp securely to goose arms and boom stands without introducing resonance, while the 3-pin XLR output and 600-ohm output impedance integrate seamlessly with preamps, mixers, and professional recording rigs.
Key Features
- Condenser transducer with hypercardioid polar pattern (95° pickup angle)
- 50cm (20 inch) gooseneck length for extended reach installations
- Frequency response: 50Hz to 19kHz
- Sensitivity: 12 mV/Pa
- Signal-to-noise ratio: >73 dB
- Maximum SPL: 125 dB (1% THD)
- Equivalent noise level: 21 dB-A
- Integrated XLR phantom power adapter with 250Hz bass rolloff
- Phantom power requirements: 9 to 52V at 3 mA draw
- Output impedance: <600 ohms; recommended load >2,000 ohms
- 3-pin XLR male connector
- Diameter: 13.5mm; Weight: 160g
The CGN99 H/L combines high rejection of off-axis room noise with precise, repeatable positioning and straightforward phantom power operation, making it an efficient, noise-aware choice for studio tracking, live session recording, and any multitrack project requiring reliable, hands-free source isolation.
More Information
| Condition | New |
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Reviews
At a Glance
The AKG CGN99 H/L is a hypercardioid condenser gooseneck mic designed for live and presentation environments; it is not suited for music recording or instrument miking in a studio context. Its strength lies in rejecting ambient noise and capturing clean, articulate speech in venues with challenging acoustics—not in tracking instruments or vocals for mix-down. If your workflow centers on studio recording, consider a cardioid or omnidirectional condenser optimized for close-mic technique and tonal coloration instead.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Worship
- ✓ Theater/Stage
- ✓ Conference/Presentation
Not the best pick for
- – Music Recording
- – Instrument Miking
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gooseneck microphone, and when would I use one?
A gooseneck mic has a flexible yet rigid tube that positions reliably at a fixed angle without drift, ideal for hands-free operation in worship services, conferences, theater productions, and stage presentations. The 50cm length extends reach across pulpits, lecterns, and conference tables while keeping the mic out of sight lines.
Will this mic work with my mixer or audio interface?
Yes. The CGN99 H/L accepts standard phantom power (9 to 52V) from any pro mixer or interface with phantom power output, and connects directly via 3-pin XLR male. No external adapter is required—phantom power is built in.
How well does it reject background noise?
Its hypercardioid polar pattern (95° pickup angle) rejects sound from the sides and rear, minimizing ambient noise, reflections, and HVAC hum in moderately noisy spaces. The integrated 250Hz bass rolloff further reduces low-frequency rumble and proximity effect from close-miking.
Is this mic suitable for recording music or miking instruments?
No. The CGN99 H/L is optimized for live speech and vocal pickup in fixed installations; it is not designed for music recording or instrument miking. Its hypercardioid pattern and bass rolloff are tailored to rejection and clarity in live venues, not tonal reproduction in the studio.
Can it handle loud vocals or shouting without distortion?
Yes. The microphone supports a maximum SPL of 125 dB (at 1% distortion), and its 12 mV/Pa sensitivity with 73 dB signal-to-noise ratio ensures clean, articulate capture of elevated vocal levels without clipping in typical live and conference environments.
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