AKG ARA Quick Start Guide

AKG Ara

QUICK START GUIDE

CONGRATULATIONS

on your purchase of the AKG Ara. This guide will provide you with the
basics needed to set up and operate your microphone right out of the
box. Ara is a professional dual-pattern USB condenser microphone.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX

AKG Ara Microphone

USB Cable (USB C to USB A)

3/8” to 5/8” Microphone Stand
Adapter

Quick Start Guide

Regulatory Documents

Ableton Live 11 Lite Registration
Card

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Windows 8 and higher

Mac OS 10.7.X and higher

Android 9.X and higher (w/ OTG
compatible device)

iOS 10.X and higher (w/camera
kit and external power source)

CONNECTIONS

Ara is designed to be simple to connect and easy to use. Here are the
basic setup and operation instructions.

1. Connect the USB cable to the
microphone USB C port

2. Connect the other end of the
USB cable to the USB port on
your computer, tablet or phone

NOTE:

• Android mobile devices may
require an OTG adapter cable to
be used in conjunction with the
included USB cable

• iOS mobile devices may require an
Apple Camera kit that can be used
with the included USB cable

• For optimal stability, please make
sure your laptop is plugged into a
stable power source while using
the Ara microphone

3. Connect wired headphones to
the stereo headphone jack

4. Adjust the headphone volume
to a comfortable level

1

2

3

front

4

5. Adjust the recording levels
in your computer, tablet or
phone

5

CONTROLS &
CONNECTIONS

A. Mic Capture Mode Knob
B. Mic Mute LED Indicator
C. Headphone Volume Control

A

B

C

FRONT REAR BOTTOM

Ara’s integrated desktop stand can be removed for use with common mic
stands and boom arms.

1. Remove the base stand from the mic by unscrewing it

2. Screw the mic assembly onto the mic stand or boom arm

D. USB Port
E. 3.5mm Stereo Headphone Jack

D E

1 2

3ARA QUICK START GUIDE

HELPFUL TIPS

FRONT

BACK

TOP

Ara features the AKG Dual-Capsule array that provides two distinct
user-selectable audio capture modes. Here are helpful tips for selecting
a microphone capture mode for your application.

A. FRONT: In front mode, the Ara captures audio sources from

the front of the mic while significantly reducing audio from the
back and sides. This is the most commonly used capture mode
for recording. It works well for voiceovers, podcasters, vloggers,
gamers, vocalists, acoustic instruments and web conferencing.

A

TOP

FRONT

FRONT

B. FRONT & BACK: In front & back mode, the Ara picks up sound

evenly from all sides. This capture mode works particularly well
for recording group interviews, podcasts, video production, and
recording groups of musicians.

BACK

B

FRONT &

TOP

BACK

FRONT

PRODUCT SPECS

Maximum Operation Frequency: 12MHz
Operating Temperature Range: -10

0

C to +400 C

Input Voltage: USB 5volt, 40mA

REVISED: 7/27/2021

AKG ACOUSTICS, U.S. 8500 BALBOA BOULEVARD, NORTHRIDGE, CA 91329, U.S.A.

© 2021 HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved. AKG is
a trademark of AKG Acoustics GmbH, registered in the United States and/or other
countries. Features, specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.
Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. www.akg.com

Model: Ara C22 - Manufacturer and country of origin: Harman International, China - Manufacture date: July 2021