TThe AKG Acoustics D 5 is a microphone that is designed for hand held vocal use in a live setting. It is AKG’s current entry in the world of these types of microphones. It is a dynamic microphone, as one would expect in this price range and model or line, but the real kicker and appeal of this microphone is its engineering specifically in mind of keeping bleed to a minimum and the reduction of the handling noise and feedback on stage, eliminating many logistical errors from the setup of a show. This is accomplished by the polar pattern. AKG chose to make the D5 a supercardioid microphone, which means that the pickup pattern is far tighter than the typical cardioid pattern that one might expect. This also allows increased gain before feedback. What is particularly special about this microphone is its patented Varimotion diaphragm, which means that the microphone’s diaphragm varies in thickness. This is not a new trait, but the patent is for the manufacturing process that makes these advanced technologies available at a lower cost than would be otherwise. The D 5 has a frequency response from 70 to 20,000 Hz, and it is capable of handling sound pressure levels of up to 147 dB. What makes this microphone very appealing sonically is the gentle low mid presence boost and a bit of air on top, helping it cut in a live situation.

OVERALL OPINION

The AKG D 5 ended up sounding quite different from the venerable Shure SM58, and its tone was a bit less crunchy, despite its air. It does not endeavor to smooth anything out, though, which makes the D 5 a bit more suited to certain smaller venues than the SM58 and softer music as well. The SM58 cuts more than this microphone, but often, I find it too aggressive, and that is where the D 5 shines.