AKG Acoustics C 426B User Manual

C 426 B

Stereo Condenser Microphone

Description

The AKG Model C 426 B is the direct descendent of
AKG's original C 24 and the more recent C 422 stereo
microphone models. New technology has improved the
dynamic range, self noise, sensitivity, linearity, frequency
response between channels and crosstalk. The C 426 B
contains two 25 mm gold sputtered dual capsule sets
arranged in a coincident pair. The entire microphone head
assembly can be rotated 45° relative to the shaft, allowing a
quick changeover from M-S to X-Y modes of stereo
recording. Additionally, the upper capsule assembly can be
rotated 270° relative to the lower one, providing utmost
flexibility in stereo pickup angle. The polar patterns for both
microphone sections are separately controlled at the S 426
remote powering unit. The change in polar pattern is made
noiselessly and may be made during recording. The body of
the microphone contains a switchable -10 dB pre-attenuation
pad and a bass cut of 12 dB per octave below 75 Hz. Two
narrow angle LEDs are aligned with the primary axis of both
capsule sections and enable the operating engineer to verify
the precise orientation of each capsule. The microphone is
attached to the S 426 control unit via a multi-pin, 66 ft.
(20 meter) cable. The signal outputs on the S 426 are
XLR-M, and the unit operates on phantom power over the
nominal range of 9 to 52 volts.

Features

• One of the world's most celebrated
stereo condenser microphones

• Large 25 millimeter gold sputtered
diaphragm format optimized for
studio applications

• Two sets of dual diaphragms for
multiple polar patterns arrayed
at various angles

• High acoustic level capability
(132 dB-SPL for 0.5% THD)

• Low self noise (14 dB-A)

Specifications

Transducer Principle: Condenser, externally polarized

Frequency Range: 20–20,000 Hz

Polar Pattern:

Cardioid, omnidirectional,
figure-eight and six intermediate positions

Sensitivity at 1,000 Hz: 11 mV/Pa =^-39 dBV

Equivalent Noise Level: 14 dB-A

Sound Pressure Level for 0.5% THD: 132 dB (142 dB at -10 dB)

S/N Ratio (A-weighted): 80 dB

Electr. Impedance: < 200 ohms

Load Impedance: > 1,000 ohms

Power Requirement: 9-52 volts nominal

Phantom powering

Connector on S 426: Two 3-pin XLR type

Bass roll-off: 12 dB/octave below 75 Hz

Pad: -10 dB

Finish: Non-reflective black

Size:

Dia 1.65/1.3 in. (42/33 mm)
Length 9.25 in. (235 mm)

Net/Shipping Weight: 1.04 lbs. (0.47 kg)/11.2 lbs. (5.1 kg)

Included Accessories: H 15/33 Suspension mount/stand adapter,

W 426 Foam windscreen,
MK 42/20 66 ft. (20 meter) cable,
S 426 Remote control unit,
Carrying case

Optional Accessories: B 18 Battery power supply

(for one channel only)

Microphones · Headphones · Wireless Microphones · Wireless Headphones · Headsets · Electroacoustical Components

Limited Warranty

Valid only in the United States. AKG Acoustics warrants AKG products against defects in material
or workmanship for a period of two years from the date of original purchase for use, and agrees to
repair or, at our option, replace any defective unit without charge for either parts or labor. Important:
This warranty does not cover damage resulting from accident, misuse or abuse, lack of reasonable
care, the affixing of any attachment not provided with the product, loss of parts or connecting the
product to any but the specified receptacles. This warranty is void unless service or repairs are
performed by an authorized service center. No responsibility is assumed for any special, incidental

or consequential damages. However, the limitation of any right or remedy shall not be effective
where such is prohibited or restricted by law. Simply take or ship your AKG product prepaid to our
service department. Be sure to include your sales slip as proof of purchase date. (We will not repair
transit damage under the no-charge terms of this warranty.) Note: No other warranty, written or oral
is authorized by AKG Acoustics, Inc. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also
have other rights which vary from state to state. Some states do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages or limitation on how long an implied warranty
lasts, so the above exclusions and limitation may not apply to you.

Specifications subject to change without notice.

AKG Acoustics GmbH

Lemböckgasse 21–25, P.O.B. 158, A-1230
Vienna/AUSTRIA
Tel: [phone]*, Fax: [phone]
Internet: http://www.akg.com

AKG Acoustics; A Division of Harman Pro Germany
Bodenseestraße 228, D-81243 München/GERMANY
Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]

Arbiter Pro Audio

Wilberforce Road, London NW9 6AX/ENGLAND
Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]

AKG ACOUSTICS, U.S.

914 Airpark Center Drive
Nashville, TN 37217, U.S.A.
Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]

Studer Japan Ltd.

2-43-7, Uehara, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0064/JAPAN
Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]

Erikson Pro Audio

620 McCaffrey, St-Laurent, Quebec, H4T 1N1, CANADA
Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]
Internet: www.jam-ind.com/eriksonpro

AKG is constantly improving and modifying its products, therefore, specifications are subject to change without notice.

The stereo microphone shall provide dual capsules, each
capable of at least nine operating patterns (omnidirectional,
cardioid, figure-eight, and six intermediate positions) and mutually
adjustable over a total operating angle of 270 degrees. Remote
switching between adjacent patterns shall be silent, thus enabling
pattern changes during recording operations. The microphone shall
provide for switchable 10 dB pre-preamp attenuation and
switchable bass cut of 12 dB/octave below
75 Hz. Each stereo section of the microphone shall provide a

means for precise on-axis alignment at a distance (e. g., by means
of a narrow angle LED). The self noise level of each microphone
section shall be no greater than 14 dB (A-weighted), and the sound
pressure level at which the microphone's total harmonic distortion
reaches 0.5 % shall be no lower than 132 dB. The microphone
shall operate on phantom power, supplied to the remote control
unit, over the nominal range from 9 to 52 volts. The microphone
shall be the AKG Acoustics Model C 426 B.

Graphical Data

Architects and Engineers Specifications

DS-C 426 B

Figure-eight

Cardioid

Omnidirectional