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Average Price: $150

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$75

$201+

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Description

The AKG D19 is a dynamic microphone that has left a legacy in the music recording world, renowned for its versatile performance across a variety of sound sources. Designed for studio recording, this microphone excels in capturing clear and vibrant sound, making it a trusted choice for both vocals and instruments. The D19's ability to handle high sound pressure levels without distortion is a testament to its superior engineering. With a cardioid polar pattern, it effectively minimizes background noise, ensuring your recordings remain focused and intimate.

Originally crafted for professional use, the AKG D19 has found its place in the hands of legendary musicians and sound engineers. Its rich history includes being a staple in iconic recording studios, where it has been used to capture some of the most memorable sounds in music history. The microphone's robust build ensures durability, making it a reliable companion in both live and studio settings.

For those looking to bring a piece of recording history into their setup, the AKG D19 offers a unique blend of vintage charm and modern performance standards. Whether you're capturing the subtle nuances of acoustic instruments or the powerful intensity of amplified sound, this microphone delivers with precision and clarity.

Key Features:

  • Dynamic microphone for versatile recording applications
  • Cardioid polar pattern for focused sound capture
  • Handles high sound pressure levels without distortion
  • Known for its rich history in iconic recording studios
  • Durable construction ideal for both studio and live settings

Product specs

Brand AKG
Model D 19 C Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Finish Nickel
Year 1960s
Made In Austria
Categories Microphones
Electronics Analog, Passive
Microphone Type Dynamic
Polar Pattern Cardioid
Wired/Wireless Wired

FAQs

What is the polar pattern of the AKG D19 microphone?

The AKG D19 features a cardioid polar pattern, which is designed to capture sound primarily from the front while minimizing noise from the sides and rear, making it ideal for focused recording applications.

Is the AKG D19 suitable for recording drums?

Yes, the AKG D19 is well-suited for recording drums and was famously used by Geoff Emerick at Abbey Road Studios, particularly above Ringo Starr's drum kit, due to its ability to handle high sound pressure levels and its cardioid pattern.

How does the AKG D19 compare to modern dynamic microphones?

The AKG D19 offers a vintage sound character with a frequency response from 30 Hz to 16 kHz, providing a unique tonal quality that differs from many modern dynamic microphones, which often have a more extended high-frequency response.

What type of electronics does the AKG D19 use?

The AKG D19 is an analog, passive microphone, meaning it does not require external power and relies on its internal components to convert sound into an electrical signal.

What era was the AKG D19 microphone produced in?

The AKG D19 was produced in the 1960s, contributing to its classic status and unique vintage sound profile, which is still appreciated by audio enthusiasts and professionals today.

Stephanie Forryan

Stephanie Forryan

Trying a vintage AKG D19C | Microphone Review

Video thumbnail for Trying a vintage AKG D19C | Microphone Review by Stephanie Forryan

Trying a vintage AKG D19C | Microphone Review

Stephanie Forryan

Stephanie Forryan

Video thumbnail for The legendary AKG D19 'Ringo mic' at Abbey Road Studios #microphone #recording #abbeyroad by Sound On Sound magazine

The legendary AKG D19 'Ringo mic' at Abbey Road Studios #microphone #recording #abbeyroad

Sound On Sound magazine

Sound On Sound magazine

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent sound for drum overheads and guitars

  • Handles high SPL effectively

  • Flat response between 100Hz and 15kHz

  • Vintage character, reminiscent of a 'box of wheaties' snare sound

  • Outperforms SM57 in similar applications

CONS

  • Price is inflated due to Beatles association

  • Requires careful DIY repair to fix diaphragm issues

  • Prone to issues with loose cone under diaphragm

  • Not the best choice for non-snare applications

  • Comparable results can be achieved with cheaper alternatives

  • Repairing can be risky and complex without technical expertise

Critic Reviews

Golden Gear: AKG D19

soundonsound.com

The AKG D19 is a classic dynamic microphone with a storied past, notably used by the Beatles. While it shines on acoustic guitars and performs admirably as a tom mic, its reliability issues and odd five-pin connector may deter modern users. The microphone's unique design minimizes proximity effect, but the inconsistency in sound quality across individual units raises concerns. Buyers should be cautious of inflated prices and ensure the option to return if the sound doesn't meet expectations. Overall, the D19 has its merits, but potential buyers should weigh its vintage charm against practical usability challenges.

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimmarchi1

A decent but overpriced old dynamic.

This is a solid handheld cardioid dynamic. It handles high spl and has a pretty flat response between 100hz and 15k. It makes a nice snare mic for a vintage box of wheaties sound. It wouldn't be my first choice for anything else but I definitely prefer it to a 57 in all of the 57 roles although not to a 59. Sadly these were omnipresent at EMI studios and can be seen at Twickenham and apple in Let it Be so the prices tend to be quite high now. It's not that special. I'm thinking of selling mine.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kevin Parker uses AKG D19

Kevin Parker

Singer, Guitarist

Tame Impala

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "On Track (acoustic) - Kevin Parker / Tame Impala," Kevin Parker uses an AKG D19 microphone at the 0:09 mark.

See how George Harrison uses AKG D19

George Harrison

Singer, Guitarist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Premierguitar

Used for the electric guitar on Abbey Road, as mentioned by sound engineer Alan Parsons in this March 9, 2012 Premier Guitar interview.

I remember on Let It Be, Glyn Johns used a [Neumann] U 67 on George’s cabinet. I think Geoff Emerick favored the AKG D19 [on Abbey Road].

See how Kerry King uses AKG D19

Kerry King

Guitarist, Composer

Megadeth

...
Verified via Photo

The picture shows Kerry Kings studio cab/mic steup for repentless, as cpatured for his Softube signature plugin. See also this article: https://www.pluginboutique.com/product/2-Effects/18-Amp-Simulator/6127-Marshall-Kerry-King-Signature

See how Ringo Starr uses AKG D19

Ringo Starr

Singer, Drummer

The Beatles

...
Verified via Twitter

"Manufactured in the ‘60s and most famous today for its use during numerous Beatles’ recording sessions as a drum overhead mic for @RingoStarrMusic, the AKG D19 is an integral part of our #MicrophoneCollection." Abbey Road Studios dixit

See how Tim Bernardes uses AKG D19

Tim Bernardes

Singer, Guitarist

O Terno

...
Verified via YouTube

He uses one on this live performance to capture the acoustic sound of his guitar. You can see it clarly at 0:27. This one has no protection on the grid like the one on the picture of the mic, but it's an AKG D19.

See how Porches uses AKG D19

Porches

Singer

...
Verified via YouTube

During the performance, Aaron is singing into what looks to be a D19.

See how Andy Shauf uses AKG D19

Andy Shauf

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via reddit

Andy describes his drum mic setup on a Reddit AMA:

"Well, these days I put my r44 up over the kick and run it through my daking mic pre/eq and that sounds really cool... I'm really into the simplicity of a one-mic drum kit at the moment

I'm not 100% sure what I was doing on Norm... I don't track with compression because it's too hard to play and hear what it's doing at the same time...

shure 52 on kick

sm57 on snare

I may have used a bottom snare sometimes? probably a 57 too... though sometimes d19 has worked well

421s on toms usually

for some of this record I was using an akg d19 as overhead... but it started to feel a bit harsh in my super dry studio so I switched to using an advanced audio c12 clone

Norm is all tracked on my C&C superflyer kit (actually combo of two kits). Same drums we've been touring with lately, gold/green toms from my one superflyer kit, and then the beige 20" kick from the other superflyer kit. I really like how those drums sound".

See how Adán Jodorowsky uses AKG D19

Adán Jodorowsky

Singer, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

Adán Jodorowsky is shown using an AKG D19 microphone in a photo from his professional studio on his Instagram account.

See how Jeremy Lutito uses AKG D19

Jeremy Lutito

Drummer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "EPIC HOME STUDIO SETUP 2022 | Jeremy Lutito (studio tour)" by Andrew Masters, Jeremy Lutito is shown at 16:38 displaying a pair of AKG D19 microphones positioned under an old vintage piano in his studio.

See how Ethan Johns uses AKG D19

Ethan Johns

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Of Danny Thompson's near-legendary double bass, pet name Victoria, which has been used on sessions with everyone from Pentangle to to Kate Bush, Johns says that the instrument produces such a rich sound that he might have used any microphone. "I could have put a 251, a 49, a 50, a 47, a 67, a C12, a 57, a D19, anything on it, and it still would have sounded fucking amazing. No question. It's really easy.

See how Jerry Galeries uses AKG D19

Jerry Galeries

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Jerry Galeries

Particularly the "C" variant, ditributed by Telefunken. Featured on multiple occasions and was used on snare drums, toms and acoustic guitar.

See how Otis McDonald uses AKG D19

Otis McDonald

Bassist, Drummer

...
Verified via RIG RUNDOWN

In the attached article, Otis can be seen explaining his mike collection, claiming he is a 'Beatles nut,' and therefore must have the same mics: "Microphones I have Vintage AKG D12, D19 and D20 mics from the 50s and 60s (I’m a Beatles nut, so I had to have the same drum mics)"

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use AKG D19, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Shure SM57
Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphones
4
Universal Audio 1176LN
Universal Audio 1176LN Effects Processors
2
Neumann U87
Neumann U87 Condenser Microphones
2
Neumann TLM 49
Neumann TLM 49 Condenser Microphones
1
Boss DM-100 Delay Machine
Boss DM-100 Delay Machine Effects Processors
1
RCA 77-DX
RCA 77-DX Ribbon Microphones
1
Telefunken ELA M 251
Telefunken ELA M 251 Condenser Microphones
1

1 alternative for AKG D19, curated by the Equipboard community.

AKG D190

 

Vintage or Discontinued newer similar sound

The d190 is very similar in response to the d19 and seems to have replaced it in the akg line at some point in the 70s.

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