AKG D40 Professional Dynamic Instrument Microphone
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- SKU
- 2815X00050
Description
AKG D40 Professional Dynamic Instrument Microphone
The AKG D40 is a compact, lightweight dynamic microphone engineered for close-miking drums, percussion, and amplified instruments in the studio. Its ergonomic 104mm body and integrated stand adapter excel at capturing individual sources with minimal bleed, delivering consistent polar control and rejection of room ambience—essential for tracking tight, controlled takes and mixing dense arrangements.
Design & Build Quality
Constructed from metal with a distinctive dark stage blue finish, this microphone weighs just 245g and measures 104mm in length with a 44mm diameter—small enough to position precisely in tight mixing scenarios without obstructing sight lines. The patented Varimotion diaphragm uses unique laminated material to damp high-frequency resonance peaks, while the wire-mesh cap protects the transducer from impacts and debris during setup and teardown.
Recording Performance & Specifications
The cardioid polar pattern provides focused pickup with excellent rejection of off-axis sound, critical for isolating individual drum kit elements, guitar cabinets, and amplifiers during overdubs. Peak output capability reaches 156 dB SPL at 3% THD, handling even the loudest sources without distortion, and the 50–20,000 Hz frequency response with 2.5 mV/Pa sensitivity captures full instrumental detail across the spectrum for clean, workable tracks.
Key Features
- Cardioid polar pattern for focused, isolated pickup
- Frequency bandwidth: 50 to 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 2.5 mV/Pa
- Maximum SPL: 147 dB (1% THD) / 156 dB (3% THD)
- Balanced 3-pin XLR male output
- Electrical impedance ≥ 600 Ohms
- Recommended load impedance ≥ 2,000 Ohms
- Equivalent noise level: 18 dB(A)
- Patented Varimotion diaphragm with laminated damping material
- Metal body with dark stage blue finish
- Compact dimensions: 104mm length × 44mm diameter
- Includes integrated stand adapter and H440 mounting bracket
The D40 delivers professional-grade source isolation and SPL handling in a rugged, portable package ideal for home studio tracking, overdubs, and live-to-tape session work.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | China |
Reviews
At a Glance
The AKG D40 is a focused dynamic microphone designed for close-miking drums, toms, snare, and guitar cabinets in recording sessions, delivering tight transient response and minimal coloration to sit cleanly in a mix. Its 147–156 dB SPL headroom and cardioid isolation make it perfect for capturing high-impact sources without picking up unwanted room or bleed, and its compact body fits easily into drum setups or around amp cabinets. Choose it when you need professional-grade detail and isolation for tracking drums and amplified instruments without spending on boutique pricing.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Drums
- ✓ Percussion
- ✓ Guitar Cabinets
Not the best pick for
- – Vocals
- – Ambient Recording
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the D40 suitable for recording drums and percussion in the studio?
Yes. The D40 excels at close-miking drums, toms, snare, and percussion in both live and studio environments. Its tight transient response, 147–156 dB SPL handling, and focused cardioid pickup make it well-suited for capturing punch and detail without coloration across the frequency range (50–20,000 Hz).
How does the D40 compare to the Shure SM7B and Audix D6?
All three are professional dynamic mics built for instruments and high-SPL sources. The D40 emphasizes compact portability and isolation with its cardioid pattern and Varimotion diaphragm, making it lighter and more unobtrusive on stage or in tight studio spaces compared to the SM7B (which is larger and better for broadcast and vocal work) and the D6 (which is end-fire cardioid and optimized for kick drums).
What is included with the D40, and how does it mount?
The D40 includes an integrated stand adapter and H440 mounting bracket, allowing you to position it on drum stands, snare stands, or mic clips without additional accessories. The compact metal body (104mm × 44mm) and mounting hardware keep setup quick and stable.
Can the D40 handle guitar cabinets and amplified instruments?
Yes. The D40's 156 dB SPL peak output, focused cardioid pattern, and minimal coloration make it well-suited for close-miking guitar cabs and other amplified sources. Its off-axis rejection helps isolate the cab from room reflections and nearby stage noise.
Is the D40 recommended for vocal recording?
No. The D40 is optimized for instruments and high-SPL sources like drums and percussion. For vocals, a large-diaphragm condenser or cardioid dynamic with presence peak tailored to the human voice would be a better choice.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. On this item that is roughly $10 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.
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