Mic Archive
AKG D 20 B
Photo: AKG, from its spec sheet, p. 2.

AKG

AKG D 20 B

Dynamic, cardioid, studio and broadcast mic from the D 12 line, with a three-position bass attenuation switch and built-in steel suspension; discontinued

Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.

Type
Dynamic
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−55.9 dBV/Pa computed
Max SPL
128 dB SPL
Impedance
200 Ω
Rated range
30 – 16k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the spec sheet, p. 1. Data sheet p. 1, no title, distance or room stated; the solid upper line is taken as 0° and the dashed lower line as 180°, as on the labelled leaflet graph (p. 2). Relative dB. Approximate reading error up to about 1 dB.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the spec sheet
Sensitivity−55.9 dBV/Pa (1.6 mV/Pa), unloaded, 200 ohm version; also −60.9 dBV/Pa, 60 ohm version (D 20B/60), from 0.09 mV/µbar (leaflet, p. 2). Not stated by the manufacturer: Stated as "0.16 mV/µbar (-77 db re 1 v/dyne/cm²)"; converted: 0.16 mV/µbar = 1.6 mV/Pa, 20·log10(0.0016) = -55.9. The printed -77 dB does not match 0.16 mV (-75.9 dB); the leaflet (p. 2) gives "-76 dbv" for it. Technical data, D 20 B column (p. 1).p. 1
Max SPL128 dB SPL, 1% THD. "Max. Sound Level (for 1% thd): 500 µbar (128 db)".p. 2
Output impedance200 ohm, ±15%; 60 ohm version on order. "200 ohms, 60 ohms if specified"; the leaflet (p. 2) adds ±15% and the order numbers D 20B/200 and D 20B/60. Technical data, D 20 B column (p. 1).p. 1
Rated load impedance1000 ohm, minimum, 200 ohm version; 300 ohm for the 60 ohm version. "Min. Actual Load Impedance for D 20B/60: ≥ 300 ohms; for D 20B/200: ≥ 1000 ohms".p. 2
Rated frequency range30 Hz to 16 kHz, ±2.5 dB related to the published curve; also [30, 18000], D 20 B leaflet (p. 2). "Frequency range: 30 ... 16 000 cps"; "Frequency response: ±2.5 db rel. to published curve". The leaflet reads "30...18 000 cps". Technical data, D 20 B column (p. 1).p. 1
Poweringnone (passive). A dynamic mic; no supply is mentioned.
Low cut0 dB, -7 dB, -12 dB; 50 Hz. "Bass attenuation switch: 0, -7, -12 db at 50 cps"; p. 2: "Provides clear response at close talking". Technical data, D 20 B column (p. 1).
ConnectorAKG 3 S 17 B (pins 1-2 moving coil, 3 ground); the D 25 B has a fixed 5 m cable with free ends. "AKG connector 3 S 17 B (supplied), 1-2 = moving coil, 3 = ground". Technical data, D 20 B column (p. 1).
Weight730 g, net; also 630, leaflet, D 20B/60 (p. 2). "1 lb. 9.6 ozs. net (730 g)"; the leaflet gives "630 g" for the microphone. The D 25 B: 840 g. Technical data, D 20 B column (p. 1).
Dimensions186 × 77 × 54 mm. "7 5/16" x 3 1/16" x 2 1/8" (186 x 77 x 54 mm)", order not stated; the D 25 B 200 × 150 × 80 mm. Technical data, D 20 B column (p. 1).
Supplied accessories3 S 17 B connector; SHZ 4 thread adapter (3/8", 1/2" and 5/8"-27); wooden case. "The D 20 B is delivered in case, with 3 S 17 B connector"; stand connector "built-in thread adapter SHZ 4"; p. 2: "supplied in elegant wooden case".
Front-to-back ratioBetter than 20 dB at 180°
Noise voltage0.26 µV weighted (CCIF 1954 filter, DIN 45 405); 0.2 µV unweightedp. 2
SuspensionBuilt-in steel suspension (shock mount); the D 25 B has a rubber suspension in a swivel framep. 1
GrilleRugged wire mesh with built-in pop screen; the front (sensitive side) is marked by a light coloured grille
Magnetic shieldingEffective magnetic shielding, for pickup at very low sound levelsp. 2
VersionsD 20B/60 (60 ohm) and D 20B/200 (200 ohm); D 25 B for booms, same specifications except the cable
Accessories (optional)Floor stands St 200 and St 101, St 102 boom, table stands St 301 and St 10, studio-matching transformers U 3027 and U 3053, MSH 30 flexible shaftp. 1

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © AKG, unchanged, with its original address.

Recommended for

Instruments whose sources name this mic, or an earlier version or variant of it.

Other mics