Whether you’re on the lookout for a quality microphone for your podcasts or karaoke parties and other similar applications, this model is worth taking into account. It comes with features that should help you engage in such activities and achieve nice results without breaking the wallet. Here is more on the AKG D5 Vocal Dynamic Microphone.
Main advantage
Since microphones are about sound performance, the way they project the sound of your voice is the first aspect to consider before buying such a product. It might not be difficult to be put off by the price of this unit as it falls on the affordable, even cheap side.
Once you get to use it for your various applications, though, you will notice that the performance delivered in this case is more than most of us would expect from this price range. It might even outperform some pricier models.
Thanks to the patented AKG laminated diaphragm featured, the unit delivers higher sound precision than some other models in this line. This is the addition that should make the mic more resistant to feedback and less resonant. As far as the frequency response ensured is concerned, the mic does not disappoint and does a decent job, considering its price.
If you’re a beginner when it comes to mics and singing and you also have a harsh or shrill voice, you will probably appreciate that the mic will blur some of those unpleasant details. The unit is suitable for noisy venues as it ignores background sounds pretty well.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($97.78)
Main disadvantage
Keep in mind that this is more of an entry-level microphone designed for podcasters, lead and backing vocals, and applications that don’t require high sound fidelity. As we’ve said above, the item might blur out some tones, which is a nice benefit for those who have a harsh voice.
However, the loss of details might prove to be a downside if your particular needs call for sound details. If your voice falls into the mid-range category, the lack of clarity might render this option unsuitable. It can be used with musical instruments as well, though, so you can employ it for your instrument sessions.
Main features explained
Choosing the right microphone for karaoke nights, podcasts, or other similar applications might not be easy. Things might get even more difficult if you have a limited budget at disposal. If you’re on the lookout for a beginner microphone within a decent price range, the AKG D5 Vocal Dynamic Microphone is worth considering. Here is more on its features.
Sound performance
When looking for a microphone, it all comes down to the way it projects the sound of your voice. Some mics render the user’s voice in clear details, but can also pick up the background noise. Ideally, a microphone should project your voice in high fidelity, yet ignore the background sounds.
Even though this mic is an entry-level model, it comes packed with features that enable it to do a decent job when it comes to keeping background noise low, yet rendering your voice nicely. Don’t expect it to ignore the noise in the background completely, though.
The item features the patented AKG laminated diaphragm that has varying thicknesses across its diameter and is designed in such a way to allow itself to be fine-tuned without additional tuning resonators. The way the diaphragm was built makes it more resistant to feedback and less resonant.
To further help you with your performance, the mic boasts an integrated pop filter, which means that pops, wind noise, and other unpleasant sounds are reduced. Background noise will still probably be there when performing, but at least it won’t reach unwanted levels.
One thing you might like about this model, especially if your voice is harsh, is that it blurs out some tones. This is beneficial if you intend to employ it for karaoke sessions and your voice gets shrill. Still, if you’re a professional singer with more of a mid-range voice, this loss of details might render this unit inappropriate.
Beginners still learning and developing their techniques are likely to appreciate the sound range ensured by this microphone and not even notice the lack of clarity in the mid-frequencies. As you advance as a singer, you will most probably consider a more professional mic. Yet, for practice sessions and casual karaoke nights, this option is worth taking into account.
Gain before feedback
The type of polar pattern used for the construction of a microphone is also of great importance. When searching for a new mic, you will see that they are divided into different categories based on various features. One of them is this very polar pattern. In this case, the mic comes with a supercardioid polar pattern.
While a cardioid polar pattern mic hears best what occurs in front of it and rejects rear and side sounds, a supercardioid polar pattern is more directional and has sensitive rear lobes. This means that positioning a mic featuring the supercardioid polar pattern can be a bit tricky. That’s why cardioid mics are so popular and used for so many applications.
Still, there are a few adjustments you can make to get the best out of a supercardioid polar pattern microphone. When using the AKG D5 Vocal Dynamic Microphone, it is best not to point it at monitors during your singing sessions in order to avoid feedback off axis.
If you place the monitors in the middle when performing with this mic, the unit is more likely to trigger feedback since its rear end becomes receptive. That happens with all supercardioid microphones, though; so, this is not a drawback when it comes to this particular model. All the units in this category behave like that, given their polar pattern.
To see how this unit behaves in terms of feedback, it is best to try different setups. Place the monitors in different areas to find the setup that works best for you.
Design
Even if this mic might not seem the most stylish out there, it does come with a thoughtfully-designed body. If you’re interested in a microphone for live sessions, you are likely to appreciate the handheld design, not just for making it more comfortable to use it for extended singing sessions, but also for the way it affects the sound delivered.
In case this is not your first microphone, and you’ve tried such products before, you’ve probably noticed that the design of a mic affects the sounds produced when it is being handled. Some older versions of this microphone had this drawback and got noisy when handled.
The manufacturer addressed this issue when developing this new model. The handheld dynamic model comes with a dual shock mount that eliminates mechanical noises that often occur when moving the mic.
Since live sessions involve lots of movements, a microphone that picks up all these mechanical noises is surely something no performer wants. Your audience won’t appreciate it either. With this unit, you shouldn’t worry about that. You should be able to engage in trouble-free live performances.
The mic measures 7.9 x 2.8 x 5.5 inches, which should make it comfortable to hold it. If you don’t play a great deal of attention to the aesthetics of the musical gear you use, the simple design of this unit shouldn’t bother you. If you want something more stage-ready from an aesthetic point of view, pricier models featuring stylish details might be more suitable.
However, the first thing to consider when buying a microphone is the way it projects your voice and its capacity to keep mechanical and background noise at a minimum. In this regard, this model does a decent job.
Durability and ease of use
Live sessions can involve all sorts of mishaps and dropping the microphone is not something you can avoid completely. Rest assured that, thanks to the materials used for the construction of this microphone, nothing bad should happen if you drop it. The unit is sturdy and built with materials that should keep up with extended use.
The die-cast metal body should take shocks pretty well and withstand the test of time. What’s more, the grill features a spring steel mesh, which adds to the durability ensured by this product. Even if you happen to smash the grill, it should spring back to normal.
Considering the materials used, scratches should not be a problem as long as heavy shocks are not involved. What’s also nice about this mic is that it is easy to use. Given its design, you can start employing it immediately upon arrival.
Some adjustments are needed to match your interests and needs, but they’re nothing complicated. The easy operation ensured makes it even a greater option for beginners. It might even outshine other pricier beginner models available for sale these days.
To sum up, this unit is worth taking into account if you don’t have too high expectations and you intend to use the mic for casual karaoke sessions where high sound fidelity is not required. It boasts a simple design, cuts through the mix nicely, and comes with a sturdy body that should cover your needs for a long time.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($97.78)
