Mic Archive
AKG D40
Photo: AKG (Harman), from its manual, p. 1.

AKG Acoustics

AKG D40

Dynamic, cardioid, compact instrument mic with built-in swivel stand adapter and a drum-rim bracket

Type
Dynamic
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−52 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
18 dB(A)
Max SPL
147 dB SPL
Impedance
600 Ω
Rated range
50 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the manual, p. 23. "Frequency Response"; relative dB. Distance, field and smoothing not stated.

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

Polar pattern

Polar pattern: from the manual, p. 23. "Polar Diagram"; 250 Hz to 1 kHz on the left half, 2 to 16 kHz on the right; 0° at the bottom, rings every 5 dB, centre -25 dB. The legend lists 125 Hz but draws no line for it.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the manual
Sensitivity−52 dBV/Pa (2.5 mV/Pa), 1000 Hz. "2.5 mV/Pa (–52 dBV re 1 V/Pa)".p. 23
Self-noise18 dB(A), IEC 60268-4. "Equivalent noise level: 18 dB(A) (IEC 60268-4)"; an unusual figure to give for a dynamic mic, printed as is. The D5 manual gives the same.
Max SPL147 dB SPL, 1% THD; also 156 dB SPL, 3% THD
Output impedance600 ohm, 1000 Hz, ≤ 600 ohm
Rated load impedance2000 ohm, recommended, ≥ 2000 ohm
Rated frequency range50 Hz to 20 kHz. "50 hz to 20 kHz".
ConnectorXLR-3 male. "3-pin XLR"; pin 1 ground, pin 2 hot, pin 3 return.
Weight245 g, net (shipping 380 g)
Dimensions100 × 80 × 42 mm. Length × max. diameter × height.
Finishdark stage blue (metal case)
Supplied accessoriesH 440 drum-rim bracket; protective bag. Packing list.p. 14
EnvironmentTemperature -10 °C to +60 °C; relative humidity 95% at +20 °Cp. 23
Stand adapterIntegrated, swivels through about 135°p. 14
H 440 bracketClamps the mic on the top hoop of a tom-tom, snare, roto-tom and the likep. 15
WindscreenShock-absorbing inner grille; wire-mesh outer grille over a layer of fabric acts as windscreen and pop filter
Placement (AKG)Saxophone: 8 to 12 inches, aimed at the middle of the instrument or the front rim of the bell; as close as 2 inches on stagep. 17

Documents

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

Recording Hacks

Recommended for

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

Other mics