AKG C 1000 S

$70.00 to $335.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (2)

3 Critic Reviews

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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.

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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 S is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Price History

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

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Description

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Ideal for both budding and seasoned audio enthusiasts, the AKG C 1000 S condenser microphone stands out with its exceptional versatility and performance. Whether you're recording in a professional studio or capturing live sound, this mic adapts effortlessly with its switchable polar patterns, offering both cardioid and hypercardioid options. Its innovative design includes a bass-cut filter and a -10dB pad, allowing you to tailor your sound with precision.

One of the most appealing aspects of the AKG C 1000 S is its ability to run on two AA batteries, making it perfect for remote recordings where phantom power might not be available. This feature, combined with its compact size, makes it a reliable companion for musicians on the go. The microphone also boasts three frequency settings, giving you the flexibility to enhance clarity and presence in any environment. Whether you're capturing vocals, instruments, or ambient sounds, the AKG C 1000 S delivers consistent, high-quality audio you can trust.

Key Features:

Switchable polar patterns: cardioid to hypercardioid
Bass-cut filter and -10dB pad options
Operates on two AA batteries or phantom power
Three frequency settings for enhanced clarity
Compact and portable design for versatile use

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 applications is the AKG C 1000 S microphone best suited for?: The AKG C 1000 S is highly versatile, making it ideal for vocal recording, capturing choirs, and live sound applications. It's also effective for ENG/EFP and video productions due to its adaptability and sound clarity.
Does the AKG C 1000 S require phantom power to operate?: The AKG C 1000 S can be powered either by phantom power ranging from 9 to 52 Vdc or by a standard 9V battery, offering flexibility for different recording environments.
How does the AKG C 1000 S microphone change its polar pattern?: The C 1000 S includes a PPC 1000 Polar Pattern Converter that allows users to switch between cardioid and hypercardioid patterns, providing more control over the microphone's directional sensitivity.
What additional features does the AKG C 1000 S offer for enhanced sound quality?: The microphone comes with a Presence Boost adapter that enhances brilliance in cardioid mode, making it a great choice for adding clarity and presence to recordings.
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, ensuring protection and convenience for transport and setup.

Videos

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Future Shock Studios

AKG C1000S - the ONLY mic you NEED!

Future Shock Studios

AKG C1000S

MEI Studio

Reviews

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PROS

Crisp, clear sound quality captures natural audio spectrum well
Versatile for various uses: drums, vocals, guitars, amps
Phantom power or battery operation for flexibility
Small end address design aids script management in tight spaces
Presence boost adapter enhances speech intelligibility
Option to adjust pickup pattern to hyper cardioid reduces feedback
Affordable alternative to higher-priced mics with comparable performance
Lightweight and portable, ideal for travel and live use
Durable construction suitable for long-term use
Offers true German quality over more expensive alternatives

CONS

Sensitive to plosives, requiring additional pop filter for voice work
Not ideal for live performances, better suited for studio use
Reports of inconsistent quality control in used purchases

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

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The AKG C1000 S can operate on battery power, eliminating the need for phantom power, which can be a practical advantage in certain scenarios.
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The hyper-cardioid attachment extends the bottom end significantly, enhancing its versatility for different recording scenarios.
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Comparisons

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Compared to the Rode NT5 and Oktava MK012, the C1000 S is often perceived as bulkier and less impressive in sound quality.
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The Rode M3 is noted as an alternative to the C1000, being slightly cheaper and darker in tone.
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Use cases and applications

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It's commonly used as a hi-hat microphone, with some users reporting decent results when used as a single overhead mic.
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While not ideal for choirs, it can still perform adequately in situations where no better options are available.
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Owners have used the C1000 as a kick drum beater mic and in XY configurations.
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It's noted for use in single mic drum recordings, particularly in a garage setup with a Tascam 414 mkI.
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User experience

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Some users report issues with reliability, citing instances where the microphone has inexplicably stopped working.
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Some users find the C1000 takes EQ adjustments well, improving its versatility.
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Owners highlight its ruggedness and suitability for live sound, with a long-lasting battery as a major advantage when phantom power is unavailable.
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Value and pricing

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A C1000 was available secondhand for $70, highlighting its affordability compared to other options.
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Other

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The C1000 was once considered groundbreaking for its price but perceived harshness emerged with the shift from tape to digital recording.
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Critic Reviews

AKG C1000S

soundonsound.com

The AKG C1000S microphone is a sturdy and versatile budget option, offering a warm, detailed sound ideal for both vocals and acoustic instruments. Its dual power capability—battery or phantom—adds flexibility, particularly for location recordings. While its construction is robust, making it suitable for live and studio environments, the mic's plastic response-tailoring devices can be tricky to use. Although not as transparent as high-end options, the C1000S combines the best traits of dynamic and capacitor mics. However, it now faces stiff competition from brands like Audio Technica and Rode, making it less of a standout.

neutral

Full Review

AKG C1000S

soundonsound.com

The AKG C1000S is a solidly built, versatile mic with good vocal definition, suitable for both studio and live use. It offers useful features like battery operation and presence boost, but its audio quality hasn't significantly improved over the original. The internal switches are inconvenient for studio access, and the plastic widgets can be fiddly. While once a go-to affordable option, it now struggles against the competition in its price range.

neutral

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AKG C1000S Review

recordinghacks.com

The AKG C 1000 S is praised for its creamy midrange response, making it a standout choice for recording guitar amps, often outperforming pricier microphones. It's lauded for adding a bigger sound to guitar tracks in mixes, enhancing presence while avoiding muddiness. However, it struggles with very loud guitar work and is notably poor with the Great River MP-2NV preamp. Despite these drawbacks, if the guitar tones of bands like Karate and Thalia Zedek resonate with you, the C 1000 S is worth a try.

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Sylvia Massy

Music Producer

Verified via YouTube

In the video "Show Us Your Junk! Ep. 25" by EarthQuaker Devices, Sylvia Massy is shown using an AKG C 1000 S microphone while recording Henry Rollins.