AKG CK80 High Performance Shotgun Condenser Microphone Capsule
Description
AKG CK80 High Performance Shotgun Condenser Microphone Capsule
The AKG CK80 is a compact, lightweight shotgun capsule engineered for close-miking dialogue, voiceovers, and isolated instrument recording in studio and field sessions. Its 146 mm length and 15 g weight make it exceptionally portable for mobile recording rigs, while the matte dark gray finish resists reflections in controlled environments. This hypercardioid design delivers focused, speech-optimized audio capture with minimal handling noise—essential for keeping takes clean during recording.
Recording Characteristics
The 80° pickup angle with hypercardioid polar pattern provides excellent rejection of off-axis sound, allowing you to isolate dialogue, vocals, and primary sources even in acoustically challenging spaces or during multi-track sessions. A 60–15,000 Hz frequency response prioritizes vocal intelligibility and presence, while the 77 dB-A signal-to-noise ratio and 17 dB-A equivalent noise level ensure clean, artifact-free recordings with minimal self-noise—critical for transparent vocals and spoken word in the mix.
Studio Integration
This capsule integrates seamlessly into any DAM Series mounting module, offering flexibility across boom poles, studio stands, and field recording configurations. Gold-plated contacts with deep threads guarantee reliable, low-noise connections that remain stable throughout long sessions, while the included professional windscreen manages wind and breath noise effectively—protecting recording quality during close-mic work on vocals and dialogue.
Key Features
- 80° pickup angle with speech-optimized frequency response
- Hypercardioid polar pattern for focused source capture
- Audio frequency bandwidth: 60–15,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 30 mV/Pa
- Equivalent noise level: 17 dB-A
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 77 dB-A
- Electrical impedance: 600 Ohms / Recommended load: 2,000 Ohms
- Powering interface: 9–52 V DC, 3 mA
- Compact dimensions: 146 mm height × 13.5 mm diameter, 15 g weight
- Gold-plated contacts with deep threads
- Compatible with all DAM Series mounting modules
- Includes professional windscreen
The CK80 delivers studio-grade rejection and vocal clarity in a professional capsule built for production sessions demanding clean, focused dialogue and voiceover capture.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | Slovakia |
Reviews
At a Glance
The AKG CK80 is a professional shotgun capsule designed for speech and dialogue isolation in location recording, offering hypercardioid polar pattern rejection to cut bleed from surrounding sources in multi-track sessions. Its 60–15,000 Hz frequency response and 77 dB-A signal-to-noise ratio deliver clean, intelligible vocal and dialogue captures with minimal self-noise, making it ideal for documentary, film, and interview recording. Choose it to achieve broadcast-quality isolation and clarity when recording in less-than-ideal acoustic environments or crowded spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that this is a capsule, and what do I need to use it?
The CK80 is a microphone capsule only—the audio transducer element—and must be paired with a DAM Series mounting module to function. It connects via gold-plated contacts and is compatible with all AKG DAM Series mounting systems, offering flexibility across different studio and field configurations.
Is this microphone suitable for recording dialogue and interviews?
Yes. The 80° hypercardioid pickup pattern and speech-optimized 60–15,000 Hz frequency response are engineered specifically for dialogue isolation and vocal clarity in broadcast and location recording, with excellent rejection of off-axis noise.
How portable and durable is the CK80?
At 146 mm long and 15 g, the capsule is exceptionally lightweight and compact for field work. It features gold-plated deep-threaded contacts for reliable, long-life connections and includes a professional windscreen for managing wind and breath noise in outdoor and close-mic applications.
What is the self-noise and signal-to-noise ratio?
The CK80 delivers a 17 dB-A equivalent noise level and 77 dB-A signal-to-noise ratio, ensuring clean, professional-grade audio capture with minimal self-noise even in quiet recording environments.
What power does the CK80 require?
The capsule operates on 9–52 V DC phantom power at 3 mA, making it compatible with standard professional audio interfaces and mixing consoles that supply phantom power.