AKG CHM99 WHITE Hanging Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Description
AKG CHM99 WHITE Hanging Cardioid Condenser Microphone
The AKG CHM99 WHITE is a compact hanging condenser mic engineered for overhead and ambient recording in studio and post-production environments. Its diminutive form factor—just 55mm tall with a 13.5mm diameter—positions it discreetly above instruments, ensembles, or room ambience while delivering professional cardioid rejection and clean audio output. The included spring steel hanging clamp and 10-meter twist-resistant cable enable flexible rigging in tracking rooms, isolation booths, and live recording setups.
Design & Build
Designed to hang overhead during recording sessions, this microphone weighs only 0.7 oz and measures 0.5" × 2.1", keeping sight lines clear while remaining structurally stable under studio mounting conditions. The package includes a windscreen and purpose-built hanging hardware that secures the mic safely and keeps cable routing organized—essential for multi-mic session tracking where cable management affects both workflow and noise floor.
Audio Performance
The cardioid pattern with a 125° pickup angle focuses the mic's sensitivity on overhead sources while rejecting off-axis content—crucial for capturing clean overheads without picking up excessive bleed from nearby instruments or room reflections. A 73 dB-A signal-to-noise ratio and 21 dB-A equivalent noise level ensure transparent, low-noise recording even during dynamic tracking sessions, while the balanced XLR output integrates seamlessly into any studio console, interface, or mixing setup.
Key Features
- Cardioid polar pattern with 125° pickup angle for focused overhead capture
- Frequency Response: 70 Hz to 18 kHz
- Sensitivity: 18 mV/Pa
- Equivalent Noise Level: 21 dB-A
- Signal to Noise: 73 dB-A
- Dimensions: 55 mm height × 13.5 mm diameter (0.5" × 2.1")
- Net Weight: 0.7 oz (approximately 20 g)
- Balanced 3-pin XLR Male output
- Phantom Power requirement: 9V to 52V supply at 3 mA current draw
- Electrical Impedance: 600 Ohms; Recommended Load: 2000 Ohms
- Includes 10m (33ft) special twist-resistant cable
- Includes spring steel hanging clamp and windscreen
The CHM99 WHITE delivers professional overhead and ambience recording in a discreet package, backed by AKG's engineering and a complete accessory kit ready for studio deployment.
More Information
| Condition | New |
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Reviews
At a Glance
The AKG CHM99 WHITE is a compact hanging condenser microphone optimized for overhead and ambient room recording in studio and project-studio environments. Its cardioid polar pattern, low noise floor (21 dB-A), and neutral presence make it suited for capturing drum overheads, room ambience, or acoustic instruments without introducing self-noise or coloration. A discrete size and included accessories let you mount it quickly in tight spaces or unusual recording setups.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Live Sound Reinforcement
- ✓ Overhead Drum Capture
- ✓ Ambient Room Recording
- ✓ Installed Sound Systems
Not the best pick for
- – Close-Miked Lead Vocals
- – Bass Guitar Amplifier
- – High-SPL Percussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the hanging clamp do, and what's included in the box?
The spring steel hanging clamp secures the microphone to pipes, trusses, or other rigging points and keeps cable routing organized. The package includes the clamp, a 10-meter twist-resistant XLR cable, and a windscreen to reduce handling and wind noise.
Is this mic suitable for close-miking vocals or instrument amplifiers?
No. The CHM99 is engineered for overhead and ambient capture; it is not designed for close-miked lead vocals or amplifier sources. Its cardioid pattern and pickup characteristics are optimized for hanging applications and room-level recording.
What are the phantom power requirements?
The CHM99 requires 9V to 52V phantom power at 3 mA current draw. Standard console phantom power supplies (typically 48V) will operate it correctly.
How does the cardioid polar pattern help in a live or hanging scenario?
The 125° cardioid pickup angle focuses the microphone's sensitivity on the target source below and rejects off-axis noise from the sides and rear. This isolation is essential when hanging overhead, reducing pickup of crowd noise, reflections, or other unwanted ambient sound.
What is the frequency response, and how does it affect what it captures?
The frequency response spans 70 Hz to 18 kHz, covering the full range of speech, drums, and most instruments. The 21 dB-A equivalent noise level and 73 dB-A signal-to-noise ratio ensure clean capture even in moderately loud environments.