I've been using the AKG C 1000 S Microphone for a few years now, and I love them. When I originally set up my home recording studio, I had some really cheap microphones. I always wondered why my recordings sounded like a llama with bad gas. I thought, could it be my microphones? So, I went off to the music store to find a decent microphone with around $250 in my grubby little mit.

I compared all of the microphones under $250. After testing all of them with my golden voice, I found the AKG C 1000 S. The C 1000 S sounded a helluva lot more crisp than all the other microphones in it's price range. I was blown away! I immediately fell in love with the AKG C 1000 S. AKG made it xtremely responsive and it has absolutely crystal clear sound.

I brought the AKG home and tried it out. It worked beautifully with my acoustic 12 string. I also did some recording using the AKG C 1000 S and a cello. Wow, was I amazed at the full range of sound and nuances this microphone was picking up. I used the C 1000 S for vocals, and it made my mediocre vocals sound really nice. Man, was I happy! Suddenly the llama had left the studio.

I don't want to give the impression that this is the only microphone you will ever need. Because, it's not. The AKG C 1000 S works wonderfully for recording acoustic guitars, cello, vocals, organ, and other softer instruments. But when I tried recording an amplifier and guitar, the C 1000 S didn't do too well. I'd definately use a different microphone for the loud amps and drums.

The AKG C 1000 S microphone does require phantom power. However, if no phantom power is available, the C 1000 S can be powered by a regular old 9 volt battery. The polar pattern can easily be switched from cardioid to hypercardioid by attaching the PPC 1000 Polar Pattern Converter to the microphone capsule. The PB 1000 Presence Boost Adapter adds 3 to 5 dB of high-end enhancement between 5 and 9 kHz, improving clarity of speech and adding definition to instrument sounds.

Technical Description

• Frequency Range: 50 Hz to 20 kHz
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Hypercardioid with PPC 1000 mounted
• Sensitivity: 6 mV/Pa (-45 dBV)
• Impedance: 200 ohms
• Maximum SPL FOR 0.5% THD: 137 dB
• Equivalent Noise Level: 19 dB-A
• Size: 34 ø x 220 mm (1.3 ø x 8.7 in.)
• Weight (Net): 275 g (9.7 oz.)
• Weight (Shipping): 820 g (1.8 lbs.)

I would highly recommend the AKG C 1000 S microphone to anyone interested in home recording. The difference it  made on my recordings was so dramatic that I ended up buying a second AKG C 1000 S. I thought one of them sounded good, it was twice as good when I hooked up the stereo pair! Seriously, if you're going to get one C 1000 S...then get two. I always see them offered as a pair for $299. Otherwise, alone they are $199. So, do the math, learn from my mistake, save the hundred and get the stereo pair AKG C 1000 S.

No home studio should be without a pair of AKG C 1000 S microphones! It is a great microhpone for the price.