What type of connector does the AKG C417 L use?

The AKG C417 L is equipped with a 3-pin female mini-XLR connector. This is designed for direct connection to AKG wireless bodypack transmitters.

Is the AKG C417 L suitable for theatrical use?

Yes, it is specifically designed for theatrical and broadcast applications. Its small size allows it to be hidden in costumes easily.

What is the polar pattern of this microphone?

The C417 L features an omnidirectional polar pattern. This allows for consistent sound pickup even if the wearer's head moves side to side.

Does it come with mounting accessories?

Yes, the package includes an attachment clip and a tie-pin. These allow the microphone to be inconspicuously mounted to various types of clothing.

How does the C417 L sound compared to other microphones?

It provides a linear and precise audio reproduction. The sound is described as open and natural, focusing on speech intelligibility without vocal colouration.

Can I use this microphone for active stage performances?

Yes, its lightweight design and secure mounting options make it ideal for active performers. It stays in place during movement better than larger microphones.

Is the C417 L a condenser or a dynamic microphone?

The AKG C417 L is a condenser microphone. This allows it to have a smaller capsule size and higher sensitivity suitable for lavalier use.

What is the typical price range for the AKG C417 L?

In the UK market, the typical price range for the AKG C417 L is approximately GBP 111.

Can the C417 L be used for broadcast interviews?

Yes, it is an ideal choice for broadcast applications. It ensures the speaker is heard clearly while remaining unobtrusive on camera.

Does the C417 L require a wireless transmitter?

As it features a mini-XLR connector, it is intended to be used with a wireless bodypack. It cannot be plugged directly into a standard full-size XLR input without an adapter.

How does it compare to the Shure SM58?

The SM58 is a handheld dynamic cardioid microphone, whereas the C417 L is a wearable omnidirectional condenser. The C417 L is much smaller and intended for hands-free, discrete use.

Is the sound of the C417 L 'coloured'?

No, the microphone is designed for linear reproduction. This ensures that the user's voice is heard naturally without unwanted tonal changes.

Gear article

AKG C417 L Professional Lavalier Microphone

The AKG C417 L is a professional-grade subminiature lavalier microphone designed for broadcast, theatrical, and live performance applications. It features an omnidirectional polar pattern and a 3-pin mini-XLR connector intended for use with wireless bodypack systems.

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Introduction and Purpose

The AKG C417 L is a compact condenser microphone specifically engineered for unobtrusive miking in professional environments. Its primary design goal is to provide high speech intelligibility while remaining virtually invisible to an audience or camera. It is widely utilised in settings ranging from television studios to live theatrical stages where a traditional handheld microphone would be impractical.

Technical Features and Mounting

The C417 L employs a lightweight housing that facilitates secure mounting on clothing or costumes. It is supplied with an attachment clip and a tie-pin, allowing for versatile placement depending on the wardrobe requirements. The unit features a 3-pin female mini-XLR connector, which is the standard interface for AKG's range of wireless bodypack transmitters, ensuring reliable signal transmission during active performances.

Sonic Character

Audio reproduction on the C417 L is characterised by a linear and precise response. The microphone is tuned to offer an open and natural sound, avoiding the unwanted vocal colouration that can sometimes affect smaller capsules. This transparency makes it a preferred choice for speakers and performers who require their natural voice to be reproduced accurately without artificial enhancement.

Target Audience and Applications

This microphone is ideally suited for presenters, actors, and public speakers who require hands-free operation. Because of its lightweight construction and secure mounting options, it is particularly effective for 'active' performances where the user is moving across a stage. It serves as a specialised alternative to standard vocal microphones, such as the Sennheiser e945 or Shure Beta 58A, when visual discretion is a priority.

Comparison with Alternative Microphones

Unlike dynamic vocal microphones like the Shure SM58 or the Sennheiser MD 441-U, which are designed for handheld use and feature larger diaphragms, the C417 L is a subminiature condenser. While the Electro-Voice RE20 is a staple for broadcast booths, the C417 L offers a portable, wearable solution for on-camera broadcast. It lacks the specialised tonal character of units like the Shure 520DX 'Green Bullet', focusing instead on neutral, linear accuracy.

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Frequently asked questions

What type of connector does the AKG C417 L use?: The AKG C417 L is equipped with a 3-pin female mini-XLR connector. This is designed for direct connection to AKG wireless bodypack transmitters.
Is the AKG C417 L suitable for theatrical use?: Yes, it is specifically designed for theatrical and broadcast applications. Its small size allows it to be hidden in costumes easily.
What is the polar pattern of this microphone?: The C417 L features an omnidirectional polar pattern. This allows for consistent sound pickup even if the wearer's head moves side to side.
Does it come with mounting accessories?: Yes, the package includes an attachment clip and a tie-pin. These allow the microphone to be inconspicuously mounted to various types of clothing.
How does the C417 L sound compared to other microphones?: It provides a linear and precise audio reproduction. The sound is described as open and natural, focusing on speech intelligibility without vocal colouration.
Can I use this microphone for active stage performances?: Yes, its lightweight design and secure mounting options make it ideal for active performers. It stays in place during movement better than larger microphones.
Is the C417 L a condenser or a dynamic microphone?: The AKG C417 L is a condenser microphone. This allows it to have a smaller capsule size and higher sensitivity suitable for lavalier use.
What is the typical price range for the AKG C417 L?: In the UK market, the typical price range for the AKG C417 L is approximately GBP 111.
Can the C417 L be used for broadcast interviews?: Yes, it is an ideal choice for broadcast applications. It ensures the speaker is heard clearly while remaining unobtrusive on camera.
Does the C417 L require a wireless transmitter?: As it features a mini-XLR connector, it is intended to be used with a wireless bodypack. It cannot be plugged directly into a standard full-size XLR input without an adapter.
How does it compare to the Shure SM58?: The SM58 is a handheld dynamic cardioid microphone, whereas the C417 L is a wearable omnidirectional condenser. The C417 L is much smaller and intended for hands-free, discrete use.
Is the sound of the C417 L 'coloured'?: No, the microphone is designed for linear reproduction. This ensures that the user's voice is heard naturally without unwanted tonal changes.