AKG C 1000

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$70.00 to $335.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (9)

2 Reviews

Find out who is using AKG C 1000

5 wishlisted

21 saved

Page last updated Jun 12, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated June 12, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

4.5 (6)

$335.00

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4.6 (168)

$279.98 New

$194.99 Used (Like New)

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5.0 (14)

$70.00 15 available Used

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Average Price: $228

Standard/Professional

$100

$401+

Price Tier

In the Condenser Microphones category, AKG C 1000 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "AKG C 1000". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The AKG C 1000 is your go-to microphone for versatility and reliability in studio and live settings. This multi-application condenser mic is perfect for capturing the crisp detail of vocals, acoustic instruments, and even percussion. With the ability to switch polar patterns from cardioid to hypercardioid, the C 1000 adapts to any recording environment, ensuring superior audio capture for a range of applications. Whether you're in a studio or on the road, its rugged construction and compact design make it a durable companion.

What sets the C 1000 apart is its adaptability. Not only does it feature a bass-cut filter and a -10dB pad for handling louder sources, but it also boasts three distinct frequency settings that enhance clarity and presence. For those moments when phantom power isn't available, this mic can run on two AA batteries, providing unmatched convenience without sacrificing performance. This makes the AKG C 1000 an excellent choice for mobile recording or on-the-go sessions.

Key Features:

Multi-application small-diaphragm condenser microphone
Switchable polar patterns: cardioid to hypercardioid
Bass-cut filter and -10dB pad for handling loud sources
Three distinct frequency settings for enhanced clarity
Operates on phantom power or two AA batteries for added flexibility
Rugged construction for durability in various environments

Product specs

Brand	AKG
Model	C1000 S Small Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
Finish	Nickel
Year	2000s
Made In	Austria
Categories	Microphones
Electronics	Analog, Solid State
Microphone Type	Small-Diaphragm Condenser
Polar Pattern	Multipattern
Wired/Wireless	Wired

FAQs

What type of power supply does the AKG C 1000 S microphone require?: The AKG C 1000 S can operate on both phantom power (9-52 volts) and two AA batteries, providing flexibility for different recording environments.
Is the AKG C 1000 S suitable for live performances?: Yes, the AKG C 1000 S is ideal for both studio recordings and live performances, offering versatility and reliability for various applications.
What polar patterns does the AKG C 1000 S microphone support?: The AKG C 1000 S supports multiple polar patterns, including cardioid and hypercardioid, allowing for adaptable recording options.
Does the AKG C 1000 S microphone have a low-battery indicator?: Yes, the AKG C 1000 S features a low-battery warning LED to alert users when battery replacement is needed.
What accessories are included with the AKG C 1000 S microphone?: The AKG C 1000 S comes with mic clips, a windscreen, and a hard case for convenient storage and transport.

Videos

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AKG C 1000 S Microphone

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AKG C1000S - the ONLY mic you NEED!

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Reviews

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PROS

Versatile, ideal for a range of sounds (vocals, instruments, amps)
Crisp sound quality, especially for baritone voices
Durable and reliable for both studio and live use
Forgiving in non-ideal acoustic environments
Attachment included for unidirectional recording
Inherited longevity, performing well even after years of use
Offers special tonal quality for vocals and sound design

CONS

Quality may vary in secondhand markets
Potential for internal degradation (foam drying out, corrosion) in some units
Cosmetic condition doesn't always match performance quality

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about AKG C 1000.

Features and functionality

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The AKG C1000 can be battery powered, eliminating the need for phantom power, which can be occasionally useful in live settings.
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The AKG C1000 can handle EQ adjustments well, providing flexibility in sound shaping according to user reports.
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The mic's built-in pad and ability to change polar patterns provide versatility in handling bleed issues in various recording setups.
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Use cases and applications

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Often used for hi-hat miking, providing decent results. Some users also report satisfactory performance when used as a single overhead mic.
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The AKG C1000 is frequently used for close miking cymbals, especially in loud environments, due to its tighter pickup pattern compared to other affordable condensers.
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Comparisons

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In its price range, alternatives like the Rode NT5 and Oktava MK012 are often preferred for their superior sound quality and less bulky design.
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The Rode M3 is a similar mic to the AKG C1000 but is slightly cheaper and has a darker tone, preferred by some for acoustic guitar.
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The capsule of the AKG C1000 is physically likened to the KM84, offering high-end pickup capabilities and adaptable polar pattern changes with different capsule adapters.
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User experience

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Some users report reliability issues, including unexpected failures with the C1000, which can be concerning during live performances.
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Owners have used the AKG C1000 in an XY configuration and on kick drum beaters, noting its versatility despite not being the best.
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The AKG C1000 was groundbreaking in the '80s for its price point but later criticized for harsh high frequencies in digital recording environments.
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Some users have successfully used the AKG C1000 on a double bass, employing it on the neck and bottom for a distinct wood slap sound.
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Other

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Despite its reputation, some owners find the C1000 to be a reliable choice for stereo overheads in well-treated environments, yielding satisfactory results.
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 9 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

lukemaynard

134

over 9 years ago

Fine all-purpose condensers for the studio or stage

The C1000S has been in production since the mid-'80s. I inherited two of these mics from my father after they'd been thoroughly well-used onstage, and they remained for more than a decade the only mics I ever used in the studio or onstage when I had to bring my own gear. They are workhorses, super durable, and very forgiving when it comes to sound quality in tough situations.

Making the jump to hugely expensive mics like the Neumann large-condensers might make sense once you've spent $10,000 on an acoustically perfect home studio. But for the budget recordist these are fantastic mics and may actually work better in imperfect spaces. They're great rugged touring mics, very nuanced in the studio, and have eaten everything I've thrown at them (vocals, amps, acoustic instruments, documentary sound) with equal ease. Mic placement and proximity is real important with them, but once you get to know them they'll give you a lifetime of service. A very fine go-to condenser for live or studio vocal/instrument sound.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Folk, World, & Country Blues

jimmarchi1

40997

9 years ago over 9 years ago

I actually really like the C1000, highly underrated.... its really a mid-sized capsule and there aren't a lot of those out there, they're only coming back in vogue lately and only in boutique mics....

you'll see a couple of these in a lot of professional studios' mic lockers and you wuld be surprised how many engineers break them out for various applications ins tudio where a condenser is needed but neither an LDC or pencil type SDC aren't doing it. These guys can be great hihat mcs, work well on acoustic guitars, mandolins etc.... I think they've remained in production because they fill a unique niche

tutui

502

about 8 years ago

For all pourposes

I got one in very bad cosmetics. At first i dont liked it. I could make it work only on cymbals, nothing more. With the time, i started to feel it had a special sauce for vocals. Love on my voice! Good for sources for sound design too.