With a price tag under $100, balanced frequency response, and superb performance straight out of the box. Perfect for a karaoke microphone or a beginner podcasting mic, this micrphone will hold up to drops and dings like no other. We recommend this microphone to anyone who needs a mic they don’t have to worry about.
When it comes to mics, paying a little more makes sense. Cheap mics will project the sound of your voice, but they’re also bound to pick up and transmit live sound and background noises as well.
Even if you’re in a sound-proof home studio, a cheap mic will let you down as the sound fidelity is not high. This mic does a decent job of handling noise but you may need some microphone accessories to help reduce equivalent noise.
A better quality dynamic vocal microphone, especially a supercardioid one, provides far better sound because the process allows the diaphragm to cut out a lot of the background noise.
Using a high-quality dynamic vocal mic, even in a very noisy environment, is still bound to sound better than a cheap option.
If you’ve been pricing out handheld dynamic microphones, you’ll know that the prices can vary greatly from one model to the next.
If you’re looking for something that could pass as a professional dynamic at a far more affordable rate, the AKG D5 vocal handheld supercardioid dynamic mic is almost as good as it’s pricier counterpart the AKG D5S professional dynamic vocal mic.
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AKG D5 Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone Review
The AKG D5 is a relatively inexpensive supercardioid mic. It’s very similarly priced to the MXL 770 but is far more suited to live performance. Don’t be put off by the price, though; when we put the AKG D5 vs the pricier Shure SM58 it showed it might have outperformed the pricier option and is definitely built to last longer.
It features a tighter feedback pattern, and this allows it more range when it comes dealing with gain. It provides a pristine sound while maintaining a powerful sound and eliminating background noise with the integrated pop filter.
The tradeoff for the great price is that the AKG D5 vocal range is not as extensive as what you’d find with a more advanced piece of equipment.
If you’re used to dealing with more advanced models, you’re probably not going to think all that much of this one. But, if you’re looking for a vocal microphone for lead singers in busy crowded clubs this is your mic. Even the noisiest stage couldn’t keep this dynamic mic down.
That said, it does perform extremely well for the price and certainly outperforms others in the same price range. If you’re advancing along in your music career and want your first taste of what a pro mic feels like, this is a great buy.
It’s more of an entry-level model, so you can expect to outgrow it. However, at the price, that’s not going to be such a big issue.
It also does a great job with acoustic guitars, electric guitar, and bass guitar strings so it could be great for a teenagers garage band. No matter what musical instruments the kids may have this will handle it and won’t get hurt in the artistic process.
AKG D5 Vocal Dynamic Microphone
Complete Overview of the AKG D5 Dynamic Mic
The frequency response here is pretty good, with the light tones that you’d expect from more expensive models and no sudden stops when you hit the highest highs. It can also provide solid support for the lower tones and a surprisingly rich tone considering the cost.
Higher tones come through better than you would get with some of the Shure low-end models and the sound is surprisingly crisp considering.
Where this mic does show signs of being of cheaper design is with the transient response. If you have a voice that is harsh or perhaps shrill, this should suit you well as it blurs out some of the tones.
However, if you want true sound fidelity or have a more mid-range voice, this loss of detail might be annoying.
The AKG D5 does include the company’s laminated diaphragm. This is unique to AKG and patented by them, so you cannot get it anywhere else. The diaphragm features varying thicknesses. It is less resonant overall and can resist feedback.
This does hold to be true, but, again, if you’re comparing it with one of the higher end models, you’re bound to be a bit disappointed here.
Regarding feedback, if the mic is not pointed at the monitors when you’re singing, there’s a better chance of avoiding feedback off axis, thanks to the supercardioid polar patterns it runs on.
It should be noted that, even with great polar patterns, as with all other supercardioids, you are bound to get feedback if the monitors are in the center.
Your best bet is to play around with the setup so that the monitors are more to the side, rather than in the center when using the mic. This is not a huge adjustment to make and something that you can quite easily get right with a few tries.
Previous versions of this model were noisy when handled. This is something that the company has addressed, and this handheld dynamic model shows a vast improvement in this area. It does feature a dual shock mount. This cuts back on mechanical noises that might occur when the mic is moved which makes it better for live sound.
So, yes, if you want to rock it out on the noisiest stage, this could be a good option for you. It’s a great choice if you’re singing in a noisy venue because it does well to ignore background sound.
For vocalists with a wide range, this might not be the best option because of the lack of clarity in the mid-range. However, it is not just intended for vocals and does very well when it comes to musical instruments.
Aesthetically speaking, it has a very plain design. We would prefer something with a bit more flair and something that was a little lighter. But, as far as a dynamic vocal microphone goes it does the job.
Overall, this is a mic that we felt was worth the money. It’s not the best out there by a long shot, but it is the best that you’ll get in this price range for sure.
Features
The pop filter integrated into the system does work well and will cut a lot of noise and reduce pops. However, don’t expect miracles here. Even with the integrated pop filter, it is going to pick up some background noise. That said, if this is your first foray into the professional mic world, you’re going to love it.
The design is something that we’d like to see amped up a bit, but it is built to last. The body is made from die-cast metal and can handle quite a beating. The grills are mesh and made of spring steel, so if you happen to drop your mic, then there’s no need to worry because it will regain its shape.
It can be scratched but not easily. So, unless you plan on dragging along the concrete, you’re all good there. Overall, when it comes to design, it isn’t the prettiest model around, but it is pretty sturdy. And, if you’re out doing live performances, the crowd is focusing on you, not your mic.
This is a plug and play model that is easy to set up and use. You can play it straight out the box, even though there are some adjustable features. In this respect, it outshines the more advanced models for beginners – all you really want is something that will produce a reasonable sound when practising.
As you advance, you’ll want something better, but for when you’re just starting, this is perfect. Many musicians have fond memories when it comes to using this mic.
The sound range is also something that is good for beginners, especially those who are still learning their technique. It does a better job with gain before feedback than some pricier models. The mid-frequencies aren’t as well covered here, but this proves beneficial if you have a very shrill or harsh voice.
The lack of detail in the mid-frequencies is something that most beginners probably won’t even notice. It’s something that those who must listen to you practice might come to appreciate.
Overall, the price is what sells it for us. If you need something for you and your friends to sing into on karaoke night, this is a good model to get. It stands up well to being dropped a few times.
Other than that, it’s a good practice option and translates pretty well on stage as well. So, if you’ve got a limited budget, it’s just about perfect.
- You’re getting great value for the amount you’re spending
- The frequency response is balanced
- The sound quality is pretty good
- It performs better than most in terms of gain before feedback
- Cuts through a mix very easily
- Highly durable design and will stand up to a fair amount of abuse
- Great starter model
- Reputable brand
- One-year warranty
- Pretty good with frequencies at the extreme ends of the scale
- Awesome for casual karaoke parties
- Does well with “harsher” forms of music like rap and rock
- Mid-range frequencies tend to blend
- You will outgrow this mic if you are serious about singing
We Recommend the AKG D5 Vocal Dynamic Microphone As A Great Buy
Overall, if you have a limited budget or are a beginner, we’d recommend this mic. It’s a decent choice for the budding professional.
If you’re still learning your craft, this is perfect for practising. In fact, it might help to smooth out some of the frequencies for you. If you have a very high voice or a very gravelly voice, this is also going to be a hit for you.
If you’re a more advanced vocalist, who features a lot of mid-range singing, this is not going to hit the sweet spot for you. It just doesn’t produce the kind of detail that more advanced singers would like to be produced in the mid-tones.
It is pretty good at handling feedback and could work well in a noisier environment, but you will have to work on finding the optimal mic position. Could you record a demo using this mic? That’s going to depend mainly on the type of music that you play.
If you’re a struggling artist trying to get your first break, it could work out for you. The sound quality is decent if you set it up correctly.
Overall, you’re getting a great deal of value for money with this model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AKG D5 need phantom power?
AKG D5 is a dynamic microphone that does not need phantom power. (Phantom power is a DC current which activates the circuitry of a condenser microphone. Since condenser mics have have)
There are two types of microphones- a condenser microphone and a dynamic microphone.
The condenser microphones are used to capture delicate sounds with a great range of frequency. These are primarily used at recording studios. In condenser microphones, electricity is applied to the diaphragm and the backplate, which means it needs electricity to work. It produces an electric current when a sound wave hits the diaphragm.
A dynamic microphone can handle high-pressure sound levels and thus is mainly used in live settings or for recording loud sounds. It creates sound when a sound wave hits the diaphragm. The diaphragm moves a metal coil which produces an alternating current resembling the sound wave. To read also – What is a dynamic mic?
A dynamic microphone doesn’t need phantom power, but several dynamic microphones contain active circuitry and can switch between dynamic and active as required. These active dynamic microphones work well with phantom power and give an additional boost
Is AKG D5 wireless?
Yes, AKG D5 is a handheld wireless microphone.
Best Studio Mics was started by a husband and wife team who love the sound and the technicals behind recording it. Both are professional theatre artists, one with a stage management background and one more on stage. One also has experience in film and television work and the different audio requirements of that arena.