AKG was founded in 1947 in Vienna, Austria by Rudolf Görike and Ernst Pless. Originally named Akustische und Kino-Geräte Gesellschaft m.b.H. (Acoustic and Cinema Equipment), the company started by supplying technical equipment for postwar cinemas before pivoting to professional audio. Within its first few years, AKG introduced groundbreaking products including the D12 — one of the first studio-quality dynamic microphones — and the C12, a tube condenser microphone that remains one of the most sought-after vintage mics in recording history. The company is now a subsidiary of Harman International, part of Samsung Electronics.

AKG is best known for its professional microphones and studio headphones. The C414, introduced in 1971, is one of the most widely used large-diaphragm condenser microphones in recording studios worldwide, available in XLS and XLII variants. The D112 is a staple kick drum microphone found on stages and in studios globally. On the headphone side, the K240 became an industry-standard studio monitor headphone — famously appearing in the "We Are the World" music video — while the K701, K702, and flagship K812 are mainstays for mixing and mastering engineers. AKG also produces wireless microphone systems, headsets, and consumer headphones including the K371.

AKG products have been used by artists including Frank Sinatra, who had a custom gold-plated C535 microphone, and The Beatles, who used D19c microphones. Producer Quincy Jones collaborated with the brand on a signature headphone line. With multiple Grammy Awards for technical excellence, AKG occupies a foundational place in professional audio alongside brands like Sennheiser, Shure, and Neumann.

AKG has 341 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Condenser Microphones, Headphones & In-Ear Monitors, and Dynamic Microphones. Their gear is featured by 495 artists, with the strongest followings in Rock, Pop, and Electronic. Notable users include Jacob Collier, Jerry Galeries, and Paul McCartney. AKG's catalog spans the full price spectrum — from entry-level options to high-end flagships.