AKG Acoustics headphones a dream of sound User Manual

headphones

surround

wireless – tv – hi-fi

a dream of sound

The world listens to AKG.

Hi-fi

TV/Home Theater

Multimedia

In the summer of 2002, nearly one

billion people were listening to AKG.

Maybe you were one of them. Re-

member the opening ceremony of

the soccer world cup in Seoul? The

sound system there used the latest

wireless technology from AKG.

One reason was that AKG is one of

the world’s leading manufacturers

of headphones and microphones

plus AKG audio equipment has

been in use in countless concert

halls, conference rooms, broadcast

and recording studios, theaters,

and rock concert venues all over the

world.

A lot of mobile phones and a grow-

ing number of cars including the

new Maybach ultra-luxury sedan

from DaimlerChrysler use AKG

technology.

So, whether you own a Maybach or

not, treat your ears to tailor-made

AKG sound and experience the

finest reproduction available.

Stage

Recording and Mixing

Studio/

Broadcast

Installed Sound

Industry

Phones for every head.

Talking about headphones, you go for the very best.
So do we.

Although high quality components are a prerequisite for any high qual­ity product including headphones, it takes more than that to make an
excellent product, right?

In the case of AKG, the difference is more than 55 years of experience
and know-how, painstaking attention to the smallest detail, and our
constant endeavors to create better products that lead to future­oriented headphone technologies.

We do not follow short-lived trends, but strive to develop true audio in­novations. Countless awards and more than 1,400 international patent
applications attest that this has been a good strategy. The important
thing for us is to make sure you will be satisfied with our products and
services for many years.

Curious?

Why don’t you try our headphones and compare them against other
models. I am sure you will find that AKG headphones do not just re­produce audio but make you enjoy what you hear. That’s the differ­ence.

Dr. Hugo Lenhard-Backhaus

CEO, AKG Acoustics GmbH, Vienna

AKG history

“Pioneering spirit” best characterizes the ambitious work of AKG founders Dr.
Rudolf Görike and Ing. Ernst Pless. After the war, people went to the movies
seeking distraction from the stress of post-war life, so Rudolf Görike built movie
projectors and loudspeakers, while Ernst Pless used his rucksack and bicycle
to deliver the goods to constantly growing numbers of customers. Their very
first customer was unable to pay in cash so he settled the bill in food, fresh
from the black market.

When AKG was established in 1947, the company headquarters were located
in a basement in the suburbs of Vienna. Before long, many AKG microphones

were in use, mainly at radio stations, in the­aters, on small stages, and at jazz clubs.

In the early 1950s, the two founders of AKG
made their business breakthrough with
completely new technologies. The micro-

phones of that era had a strangely shrill and
hollow sound, and AKG technology added warmth and fullness to microphone’s
sound.

In 1953, the first AKG dynamic microphone in the world became an interna­tional success, and the first large-diaphragm condenser microphone with re­motely selectable polar patterns set new standards for professional micro­phones. Almost every major radio or recording studio including BBC London,
one of the first buyers, used these microphones.

The following years saw numerous new developments. Many innovations of
that period are still in use today. The K 10 headphones used by the European
Parliament are but one example.
AKG research engineers have always loved exotic challenges. One of those
was a real-life test of hydrophones for the Austrian deep-sea scientist Hans

Hass and AKG designers were happy to

spend days swimming and diving at the “Di-

ana Bad” indoor pool in downtown Vienna

that was very popular in those days. The

AKG team also fulfilled the very special

wishes of Herbert von Karajan. They had to

hide all the microphones at the first post­war Salzburg Festival because the maestro had decreed that the audio equip­ment must be totally invisible to the audience.

The company expanded and patents were applied for in rapid succession.
AKG supplied microphones to major tape recorder manufacturers including
Philips, Grundig, Uher, Loewe and others. Portable reverberation units created
a new market in the 1960s and 1970s. Telephone transducers soon became
a rapidly growing product line. This period also saw the advent of digital tech­nology and AKG made its successful “digital debut” at the 1980 Olympic Games
in Moscow.

As early as 1974, AKG built the first wireless headphones. At that time, con­sumers were skeptical and many felt the new technology was too complicated.
In the late 1980s, AKG launched the K 1000 headphones that were a dramatic
improvement over all earlier attempts at creating a natural, binaural headphone
sound. The audio community was full of praise. The new results of psychoa­coustic research were presented in exhibitions at the Deutsches Museum in
Munich, the Kunst Museum of Bonn, and even used by the “Audimir” space
flight project. The crew on board the “MIR” performed several tests to exam­ine the meaning of sound source localization for the humans in space.

The new AKG wireless microphone systems launched in 1996 used a new,
revolutionary technology that was widely acclaimed in the marketplace. Big
name pop artists such as Rod Steward, Peter Gabriel, and Simply Red used
the systems on their tours and AKG became the preferred brand for many other
famous musicians.

At the turn of the millennium, AKG engineers came up with the latest genera­tion of the HEARO Family, a new line of wireless headphone systems using the
latest surround technology.

And the story goes on …

1947

1949

1953

1969

1991

1996

2001

2003

2004

1967

1978

1987

AKG New Line

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Surround

Wireless

TV

Hi-fi

Specifications

Pages 6-15

Pages 16-19

Pages 20-21

Pages 22-25

Pages 26-27

Pages 28-29

Pages 30-31

FOR TV, HOME THEATER, HI-FI FOR HI-FI PURISTS PREMIUM AUDIO SOFTWARE

hearo 777

QUADRA DELUXE

hearo 888

DIGITAL

hearo 999

AUDIOSPHERE II

hearo player

BASIC DESIGNER SYSTEMS

k 311 ir k 105 uhf k 306 afc k 406 afc k 506 afc

HARDWIRE WIRELESS

k 71 tv balance k 122 ir balance k 216 afc

STUDIO

k 171

studio

k 271

studio

k 141

monitor

k 141

studio

k 240

monitor

k 240

studio

k 240

df studio monitor

PORTABLE PORTABLE

BASIC ALLROUND

k 44 k 55 k 66 k 71 k 101 k 301 xtra

PORTABLE PORTABLE

HIGH-END

k 501 k 1000

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

THE HEARO FAMILY

hearo
777

QUADRA DELUXE

Pages 8-9

hearo
888

DIGITAL

Pages 10-11

hearo
999

AUDIOSPHERE II

• For TV/video/DVD/DVD(A)/Hi-fi/
(SA)CD/PC/game consoles.

•Selectable surround and stereo
modes.

• For TV/video/DVD/DVD(A)/Hi-fi/(SA)
CD/PC/game consoles.

• Accepts analog and digital input formats.

• Selectable surround and stereo
modes.

• Three selectable sound presets:
Norm/Music/Movie.

• Memory card extension for loading
personal ear matching curves.

• For TV/video/DVD/DVD(A)/Hi-fi/
(SA)CD/PC/game consoles.

• Accepts analog and digital input formats.

• Selectable surround and stereo
modes. Stereo mode provides
three room simulations.

• Four selectable sound presets:
Norm/Music/Movie/Voice.

• Six selectable ear matching curves.

Analog radio link

•Three-channel PLL UHF synthe­sizer tuner for reliable reception.

•AGC for automatic matching to
audio source output level.

• Autotuning function.

Digital radio link

• Minimum noise.

•Digital antenna diversity receiver
minimizes signal dropouts.

Digital radio link

• Minimum noise.

•Digital antenna diversity receiver
and transmitter with external
swiveling antenna minimize signal
dropouts.

High quality headphones

•Varimotion XXL speakers for
extremely accurate response.

•Sparkling sound even at high
loudness.

High-end headphones

•Same performance as high-end
hardwire headphones.

• XXL Varimotion speakers with
computer optimized diaphragms
for excellent response. Sparkling
sound even at high loudness.

• Balance control for left/right vol­ume adjustment.

•Quick-charging system (less than
2 hours).

High-end headphones

•Same performance as high-end
hardwire headphones.

• XXL Varimotion speakers with
computer optimized diaphragms
for excellent response. Sparkling
sound even at high loudness.

• Balance control for left/right vol­ume adjustment.

•Quick-charging system (less than
2 hours).

Software plug-in for Windows Media® Player 9 Series for natural, spatial
sound through headphones

•IVA processing and LOGIC7 surround decoder.

• Five selectable sound presets (Rock/Pop, Classical, Jazz, Movie, Norm).

• Automatic processing level adjustment to available computing power.

Download your copy from:

www.akg.com/hearoplayer

Headphone amplifier with D/A
converter and room simulator

“Portable control room” provides
consistent monitor sound for track­ing, mixing, and editing.

For information visit www.akg.com

Integrated Dolby Surround
Pro-Logic and LOGIC7 surround
decoders.

Integrated Dolby Surround
Pro-Logic and LOGIC7 surround
decoders

Integrated Dolby Surround
Pro-Logic and Dolby Digital
decoders

Wireless eight-channel surround
headphone system for TV, home
theater, hi-fi use

Wireless eight-channel surround
headphone system with digital radio
link for use with high-end systems

Completely digital wireless head­phone system with Dolby Digital de­coder for audiophile individualists.

hearo
999

AUDIOSPHERE DIGITAL PROCESSOR

hearo player

Pages 12-13

Page 15

For technical explanations, see page 14.

Available from spring 2004

Patented IVA processing provides a natural, spatial sound through headphones.

6

NEW

NEW

NEW

How to upgrade your stereo*

to surround without using

loudspeakers or cables.

Experience fantastic theater surround sound at home with no

extra loudspeakers. The wireless headphones of the HEARO

Family turn any conventional stereo source into an advanced

surround system.

All you need to do is connect the HEARO transmitter to your TV

set, VCR, or DVD player. Of course, you can upgrade your hi-fi,

PC, or game console as well. Each HEARO transmitter incor-

porates one or more surround decoders so you’ll need no extra

equipment.

The HEARO PLAYER plug-in is a special goody for PC users. It

has been developed for Windows Media® Player, the standard

audio player for Windows, and upgrades your stereo head-

phones to surround phones with no expensive peripherals or

complicated modifications.

*

Home theater · TV / DVD / VCR · Hi-fi / (SA)CD / DVD(A) · PC / game consoles

HEARO STANDS

FOR SURROUND.

We will be happy

to send you a separate,

detailed HEARO Family

folder:

[e-mail]

Or visit www.akg.com

for more information.

7

Wireless eight-channel surround headphone system.

Going to the movies.

Going to the movies now means cuddling up on your sofa and
putting on your favorite DVD. All you need is a HEARO – no ex­tra decoder, no extra loudspeakers, no extra cables.

Ta ke some time to enjoy IVA processing. The sound won’t seem
to come from your headphones but from where the loudspeak­ers would normally sit. You will hear details you’ve never heard
before.

Now switch in one of the surround decoders. Select Dolby

Surround Pro-Logic and experience the typical surround sound

from four directions. Or enjoy the full eight channels of the LOGIC7

decoder from high-end audio equipment manufacturer LEXICON.

Yo u will feel as if you were at the movies. The XXL speakers with
patented AKG Varimotion diaphragms provide powerful sound
and ensure accurate reproduction even at high volume levels. This
feature has made HEARO Family headphones very popular with
hi-fi enthusiasts, too.

For technical explanations, see page 14.

TRANSMITTER

- Integrated Dolby Surround Pro-Logic and LOGIC7 surround
decoders.

- AKG IVA processing for natural, spatial sound.

- For TV/video/DVD/DVD(A)/Hi-fi/(SA)CD/PC/game consoles.

- Three-channel PLL synthesizer for reliable reception.

- Auto-tuning feature automatically tunes receiver to transmitter fre­quency at the push of a button.

- Ease of connection to any audio source, Automatic Gain Control
sets optimum audio levels continuously.

- Selectable surround and stereo modes.

- 3-in-1 base station: transmitter, charger, and storage cradle for
the headphones.

HEADPHONES

- Semi-open, dynamic design.

- Varimotion XXL transducers for extremely accurate response.

- Optimum radio transmission through walls and ceilings.
Max. range: 330 ft. (100 m)*.

- Choice of comfortable, detachable, easy-to-clean, fabric-covered
or velour ear pads.

- A single transmitter can be used with several sets of headphones.

- Easy battery charging: just place headphones on receiver.
No risk of overcharging.

- High-power NiMh rechargeable batteries included for approx.
20 hours battery life.

- Audio bandwidth: 20 Hz to 24 kHz

hearo 777 QUADRA DELUXE

8

* under ideal transmission conditions (free-field)

Press clippings

Best grade

1/02

1/03

“Full home theater
sound…”

“… creates a brilliant 3-D sound –
as if you were at the movie theater
or concert hall.”

Dec. 20,
’01

12/01

Dec. 11,
’01

“… a real masterpiece –
a complete portable home
theater worth every Euro.”

“Ingenious.”

“…‘IVA LOGIC7’ generates
‘soundscapes’ with eight virtual
sound sources from any mono or
stereo program.”

REVIEW

REVIEW

8/02

“… provided a full sound
with fascinating 3-D
effects …”

REVIEW

2/02

“… future-oriented and
affordable alternative to
loudspeaker systems…”

3/02

3/02

“Lean back
and enjoy …
Top class.”

Price/performance:

Excellent

REVIEW

REVIEW

DOLBY SURROUND

®

PR O • LO GI C

Feb. 15­28/’01

Upper class

Price/performance:
good to excellent

Number 12/2001

excellent

Price/performance:

Authentic theater surround sound.

SURROUND

FOR TV / HOME THEATER / HI-FI

9

hearo
777

QUADRA DELUXE

Welcome to digital Cloud 9.

The hearo 888 digital is a digital surround personal listening sys­tem with the kind of wireless headphones that high-end enthusi­asts have been waiting for. Digital radio transmission and

digital antenna diversity circuitry afford virtually noise and dropout-

free reception. Incredible as it may seem, the hearo 888 digital
actually provides the same audio quality as comparable hardwired
headphones.

Patented IVA processing makes the headphone sound seem to
come from loudspeakers, while the integrated Dolby Surround

Pro-Logic and LOGIC7 surround decoders add surround sound

signals.

So, if you are looking for headphones that are equally good at
dramatic movie sound effects, crystal-clear dialog, accurate
music reproduction as well as the most delicate violin sound, the
quietest piano notes, or the most ethereal guitar overtones, then
the Hearo 888 digital is the best choice for your discriminating
ears.

For technical explanations, see page 14.

Wireless eight-channel surround headphone system with digital radio link for use
with high-end equipment.

TRANSMITTER

- Integrated Dolby Surround Pro-Logic and LOGIC7 surround de-

coders.

- AKG IVA processing for natural, spatial sound.

- Digital and analog inputs.

- For TV/video/DVD/DVD(A)/Hi-fi/(SA)CD/PC/game consoles.

- Perfectly suited for high-resolution media such as DVD(A) and
SACD.

- Digital radio link for minimum noise.

- ACS for zero delay between picture and sound.

- Three selectable radio channels.

- Three selectable sound presets: Norm/Music/Movie.

- Memory card extension for loading personal ear-matching curves
from memory cards.

- Selectable surround and stereo modes.

- 3-in-1 base station: transmitter, charger, and storage cradle for
the headphones.

Available from spring 2004

HEADPHONES

- Same performance as high-end hardwired headphones.

- Digital antenna diversity receiver minimizes signal dropouts.

- XXL transducers with computer-optimized Varimotion diaphragm
geometry for excellent hi-fi reproduction. Sparkling sound even at
high volume levels.

- Balance control for left/right volume adjustment.

- Unbreakable metal arches.

- Exquisite leather headband.

- Semi-open, circum-aural dynamic earphones.

- Optimum radio transmission through walls and ceilings.
Max. range: 165 ft. (50 m)*.

- A single transmitter can be used with several sets of headphones.

- Comfortable velour ear pads.

- Easy battery charging: just place headphones on receiver. No
risk of overcharging.

- High-power NiMh rechargeable batteries included for approx.
5 hours battery life.

- Quick-charging – full power restored in less than 2 hours.

- Audio bandwidth: 18 Hz to 24 kHz

DOLBY SURROUND

®

PR O • LO GI C

hearo 888 DIGITAL

10

* under ideal transmission conditions (free-field)

SURROUND

FOR HI-FI PURISTS

11

hearo
888

DIGITAL

Live concert realism.

NEW

VMA

x

Tailor-made.

The hearo 999 audiosphere II incorporates the best of today’s
wireless headphone technology. In addition to first-rate high-end
wireless headphones, digital radio transmission, and digital an-

tenna diversity for virtually noise and dropout-free reception, the

Hearo 999 audiosphere II uses a DOLBY DIGITAL decoder.

The hearo 999 audiosphere II has been designed for those who
like to tweak their equipment to get the best sound. You can ad­just the frequency response to your own ear transfer curves, se­lect and fine tune various sound presets to create your own per­sonal sound.

For technical explanations, see page 14.

All-digital wireless surround headphone system
with Dolby Digital decoder.

TRANSMITTER

- Integrated Dolby Surround Pro-Logic and Dolby Digital surround

decoders.

- AKG IVA processing for natural, spatial sound.

- Integrated headphone amplifier for use with hardwired headphones.

- Six selectable ear matching curves.

- Four selectable sound presets: Norm/Music/Movie/Voice. Each
preset can be fine-tuned in three steps.

- Selectable surround and stereo modes. Three room simulations
available in stereo mode.

- VMAx delivers surround effect from a single pair of loudspeakers.

- Accepts digital and analog input signals:
TV/video/DVD/DVD(A)/Hi-fi/(SA)CD/PC/game console.

- Perfectly suited for high-resolution media such as DVD(A) and
(SA)CD.

- Digital radio link for minimum noise.

- ACS for zero delay between picture and sound.

- Optical and coaxial digital inputs.

- External swiveling antenna for efficient transmission.

- 864 MHz UHF operating band.

HEADPHONES

- Same performance as high-end hardwired headphones.

- Digital antenna diversity receiver minimizes signal dropouts.

- XXL transducers with computer-optimized Varimotion diaphragm
geometry for excellent hi-fi reproduction. Sparkling sound even
at high volume levels.

- Balance control for left/right volume adjustment.

- Unbreakable metal arches.

- Exquisite leather headband.

- Semi-open, circum-aural dynamic earphones.

- Optimum radio transmission through walls and ceilings.
Max. range: 165 ft. (50 m)*.

- A single transmitter can cover several headphones.

- Choice of leather or velour ear pads.

- High-power NiMh rechargeable batteries included for approx.
5 hours battery life.

- Quick-charging in less than 2 hours.

- Audio bandwidth: 18 Hz to 24 kHz

hearo 999 AUDIOSPHERE II

hearo 999 AUDIOSPHERE DIGITAL PROCESSOR

Headphone amplifier with D/A converter and room simulator

“Portable control room” provides consistent monitor sound for recording, tracking, mixing, and editing.

For information visit www.akg.com

12

* under ideal transmission conditions (free-field)

DOLBY SURROUND

®

PR O • LO GI C

DOLBY

®

DIGITAL

PREMIUM

SURROUND

Esthetic sound for audiophile individualists.

SOUND

Whether you are watching
a video, listening to music,
or looking for perfect voice
reproduction, SOUND al­lows you to match the tim­bre of the reproduced
sound to the type of pro­gramming. Each of the four
basic modes NORM, MU-
SIC, VOICE, and MOVIE
provides three fine ad­justment settings.

SURROUND

Auto: The decoder auto-

matically selects the
required processing mode:
Dolby Digital for digital in­put signals

Dolby Surround PRO-LOGIC

for analog input signals

Off: The surround de­coder is de-activated and
you are listening to normal
stereo. In stereo mode,
you can select one of
three room simulations:

CLUB, HALL, and
STADIUM.

MODE

IVA: Natural, spatial

(binaural) sound on head­phones.

Direct: stereo mode.
VMAx: provides

surround sound from a
single pair of stereo loud­speakers.

INPUT

Digital: Activates the dig-

ital audio input.
Dynamic: Dolby Digital
provides the full dynamic
range of theater equip­ment. The DYNAMIC
switch lets you reduce
the dynamic range to that
of standard TV sets or
VCRs.

EARS

Every person perceives
sound in a different way.
Yo u can select from one
standard setting and six
different ear matching
curves to find the setting
that sounds the most
natural to you.

hearo
999

AUDIOSPHERE II

13

NEW

AKG SURROUND
TECHNOLOGY

➝

Dolby Surround Pro-Logic decoder

Movie soundtracks are usually mixed
down to four channels. Left and Right
are the same two channels used for hi­fi stereo. The third channel is the Cen­ter channel projected from above or be­low the video screen. The fourth channel
is called “surround” or “rear” and is usu­ally projected by two loudspeakers
placed behind the listeners.

These four channels are encoded by a
special circuit and recorded in “piggy­back” fashion on the two stereo tracks.
This allows the signal to be reproduced
in mono, stereo, or (using a decoder)
through four separate channels. For sur­round reproduction, the signal needs to
be decoded. This is the job of the Dolby
Surround decoder.

➝

Dolby Digital decoder

The digital multi-channel format of Dolby
Laboratories, Inc. used in advanced
commercial theater equipment is the
most widespread digital surround stan­dard for DVDs, laser discs, and digital
TV. The distinguishing feature of Dolby
Digital is that all tracks (five audio tracks
plus one subwoofer track) are stored
separately in digital form. These discreet
channels allow an optimized spatial
sound to be generated that can be
processed in the digital domain by IVA
without any degradation of sound qual­ity.

➝

LOGIC7 decoder

Up to now, the latest development by
the innovative engineers at LEXICON
was only used in high-quality, high-end
processors. Now, the unique advan­tages of the LOGIC7 decoder are avail­able for headphones for the first time.

The LOGIC7 decoder automatically
identifies the input signal as mono,
stereo, or surround encoded and
processes the signals appropriately.

The LOGIC7 decoder uses the localiza­tion cues contained in stereo signals to
generate a 3-D sound that conveys to
the listener a sense of envelopment in
the sound rather than standing in front
of a pair of loudspeakers. Surround en­coded signals are reproduced exactly as
defined in the mix.
Along with the standard 5.1 surround
format, LOGIC7 also provides left and
right side channels, for a total of seven
loudspeaker channels plus one sub­woofer channel.

In addition, another surround center
channel is added in the headphone
mode. In conjunction with IVA process­ing, LOGIC7 provides its full perform­ance level with eight virtual loudspeak­ers.

The result is far more natural and accu­rate imaging.

➝

IVA processing

Patented AKG IVA processing for spa­tial sound is the heart of each HEARO
surround headphone system. IVA pro­vides natural (binaural) imaging through
headphones in a similar way as if you
were listening to a pair or loudspeak­ers.

Binaural sound

A: Sound waves from a given source

arrive at one ear earlier than they do at
the other, and they “look” different, too.
Amplitude and phase shifts allow us to
localize a sound source in space.

B: Headphones usually eliminate

these important amplitude and phase
shifts. Sound sources are perceived as
being inside the head rather than in the
room.

C: IVA processing developed by AKG

adds to a stereo signal the amplitude
and phase shifts that are necessary to
create a sense of natural, spatial, “out­side the head” imaging.

In short, IVA processing provides a per­fectly natural, spatial (binaural) sound
through headphones.

➝

Digital transmission

Digital transmission ensures pristine
surround sound with a CD-level dy­namic range and no perceptible noise.
Digital radio links are immune to inter­ference and “jamming” from devices emitting RF radiation such as
TV sets or computers.

➝

Eight-channel surround

Eight-channel surround is an improved version of the internationally
accepted five-channel format. The new format models eight virtual
loudspeakers distributed around the room. The result is an incredi­bly spacious sound. Eight-channel surround requires a

➝

LOGIC7

decoder.

➝

Ear matching curves

Sound waves from a given source arrive at one ear earlier than they
do at the other, (see also “IVA processing”, para A) because the head,
trunk, and ears cause amplitude and phase shifts. All these changes
can be illustrated by so-called “head-related transfer function”. Since
these curves differ from person to person, everyone perceives sound
in a different way. Ear matching curves are electronic models of outer
ear transfer curves that match the headphone’s sound to the user’s
acoustic perception.

➝

Digital antenna diversity

Diversity reception is normally used in professional wireless micro­phone systems to ensure perfect reception even under extremely dif­ficult conditions. An adaptive algorithm makes sure the antenna that
delivers the better signal is always active to prevent dropouts.

➝

VMAx

VMAx provides surround sound from
a pair of stereo loudspeakers, with no
extra hardware. All you need is a
stereo amplifier and speakers. The
VMAx processor simulates the en­velopment of surround sound.

2

44

3

1

2

45

3

1

2

45

6

7

3

1

8

A

B

C

14

“Dolby”, the “Double-D” and “Pro-Logic” are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licencing Corporation.Logic7 and the Logic7 Logo are registered trademarks of Lexicon, Inc., A Harman International Company.

VMA

x

DOLBY SURROUND

®

PR O • LO GI C

DOLBY

®

DIGITAL

SURROUND

SOFTWARE

hearo player

Windows users love it: The Windows Media® Player is an impor-

tant tool for playing back music or video programming on the PC.
Yo u can now make this program even more powerful, simply by
downloading a plug-in from AKG that provides 3-D sound through
conventional headphones without expensive peripherals or com­plicated modifications.
The secret behind this miracle are two technologies that are also
used in the famous wireless surround headphone systems of the
HEARO Family. IVA processing developed by AKG provides a
sound that does not play inside the head as it would with normal
headphone reproduction, but actually seems to come from loud­speakers placed in your listening room.
The LOGIC7 decoder automatically identifies the input signal for­mat, monitors it constantly, and simulates up to eight loud­speakers distributed around the room. It generates the 3-D sound
from almost every input signal format from stereo to the latest
surround standard.
To avoid overburdening your PC with its need for processing
power, the IVA surround processing level can be adjusted auto­matically or manually. Selectable presets such as MOVIE and
JAZZ provide typical timbres for a more realistic sound.

The Hearo Player is a real bargain for those who are looking for a
way to enjoy surround sound from their PC at home or notebook
computer when traveling but do not want to invest in extra hard­ware or throw away their favorite headphones.

- Five selectable sound presets (ROCK/POP, CLASSICAL, JAZZ, MOVIE,
NORM) let you match the HEARO Player sound to your personal pref­erences.

- Automatic or manual matching of IVA processing level to available
computing power.

HEARO-ize your PC.

- Available as a software plug-in for Windows Media® Player 9 Series

- Five selectable sound presets (ROCK/POP, CLASSICAL, JAZZ, MOVIE, NORM)
let you match the HEARO Player sound to your personal preferences.

- Automatic or manual matching of IVA processing level to available computing
power.

- High-end equipment type user interface.

- Available for downloading from www.akg.com/hearoplayer as a free demo or the
moderately-priced full version.

www.akg.com/hearoplayer

System requirements
Operating system:
Microsoft Windows® 98 Second Edition,
Windows 2000, Windows Millennium Edition,
Windows XP Home Edition,
Windows XP Professional
Media Player:

Windows Media®Player 9 Series

Pr

ocessor: min. 450 MHz (Pentium/AMD)
(1,600 MHz Pentium III recommended)
RAM:

128 MB (256 MB recommended)

Sound boar

d: 16-bit

Monitor:

Super VGA (800 x 600) oder higher

Headphones:

all stereo headphones

(AKG k 101, AKG k 301xtra recommended)

hearo player

You can download the Windows Media®Player 9 Series directly at www.akg.com/hearoplayer

The Windows Media

®

Player 9 Series supports the following audio and video file types:
Audio file types: Audio-CD, .mp3, .wav, .midi, .wma
Video file types: .mpeg, .avi, .wmv, Video-CD
Additional file types: .asf, .auiff, .au, .wpl, .wmx, .wmd, .wmz

Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.

Windows Media is either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the

United States and/or other countries.

15

HEADPHONE SURROUND CENTER

NEW

BASIC Page 17

DESIGN Pages 18-19

WIRELESS Page 21

UNIQUE AKG FEATURES

➝ Self-adjusting headband

The headband auto­matically adjusts to
your head to ensure a
perfect fit. The head­band also takes the weight of the head­phone off of your ears and distributes
it on top of your head.

➝ 3 in 1

The transmitter serves
as a storage cradle and
battery charger for the
headphones (except
k 105 uhf ). As soon as
you place the headphones on the
transmitter cradle, battery re-charging
starts automatically.

➝

High-capacity rechargeable batteries

The supplied batteries have a long life,
with no risk of overcharging and mini­mum memory effect.

➝ Speech-optimized response

AKG TV headphones boost the frequency
range of human speech. Therefore, dia­logue will be more intelligible amid the am­bience, sound effects, and music, mak­ing it easier to catch all the subtle nuances
of your favorite actor’s voice.

➝ Balance control

Everybody perceives sound differently,
and there may even be differences in
sensitivity between your left and right
ears. The balance control lets you ad­just left and right volumes for an opti­mally balanced sound.

➝ Auto-tuning function

Pressing the Auto-tuning button
causes the headphones to tune auto­matically to the frequency selected on
the transmitter.

➝ Patented AKG Varimotion diaphragm

The diaphragm is the
most important part of
the speaker capsule. An
ideal diaphragm should
combine high compliance around the
perimeter with a piston-like motion in the
center. The patented Varimotion di­aphragm from AKG does exactly that. It
is thicker in the center than around its
perimeter. The result is absolute accu­racy, better imaging and clarity at high
frequencies. Being thinner around the
rim, the diaphragm will vibrate more eas­ily to provide a very powerful bass range.

WIRELESS

WIRELESS AND HARDWIRE
TV HEADPHONES

High-value headphones

➝ Self-adjusting headband
➝

High-capacity rechargeable batteries

k 311 ir Infrared stereo headphones

with a clean sound

➝ Balance control
➝ 3 in 1

k 105 uhf RF stereo headphones

with powerful bass and
a clear high end

RF headphones with exceptional
sound and styling

➝ Self-adjusting headband
➝ 3 in 1
➝

High-capacity rechargeable batteries

➝ Autotuning function

k 306 afc Powerful sound with extended

bass range

k 406 afc Crisp, well-balanced sound

k 506 afc ➝ Patented AKG XXL Vari-

motion speakers for
ultimate accuracy

Lightweight wireless TV headphones
for exceptional comfort

➝ Speech optimized response
➝ 3 in 1
➝

High-capacity rechargeable batteries

balance Infrared TV headphones with

k 122 ir ➝ Balance control

➝ Channel selector

balance Funk-TV-Hörer mit

k 216 afc ➝ Balance control

➝ Auto-tuning function

Hardwire TV headphones
with

k 71 tv ➝ Speech optimized response

➝ Balance control
➝ Extra-long cable (6 m/20 ft.)

16

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

HARDWIRE Page 20

Yo ur untiring companion. If you want to listen to your favorite CD

for the eleventh time without bothering your neighbors or are plan­ning for a long night on the sofa watching TV, the k 311 ir is your
ideal companion. A balance control lets you adjust the left/right
volume ratio for added convenience.

Ideal for active hi-fi enthusiasts who wouldn’t want to miss lively,

powerful bass and clear highs even when they are busy around
the house or garden. The RF signal of the k 105 uhf will penetrate
walls and ceilings. Also ideal for TV, multimedia/computer use.

k 311 ir

k 311 ir *

Wireless infrared stereo headphones with balance control

k 105 uhf

Wireless RF stereo headphones

- Semi-open, circum-aural earphones

- Several headphones can be used simultaneously with a single transmitter

- Breathing, soft, circum-aural fabric ear pads and proven self-adjusting headband for excellent comfort

- Infrared transmission, max. range: 10 m (33 ft.)

- Convenient volume control on the headphones

- Balance control for left/right volume ratio adjustment

- 3-in-1 transmitter doubles as storage cradle and charger.

- NiCd rechargeable batteries, approx. 12 hours battery life

- Audio bandwidth: 20 Hz to 22 kHz

k 105 uhf

Infrared. RF.

WIRELESS

BASIC

3-in-1

17

- RF transmission: optimum signal quality, penetrates walls and
ceilings. Max. range: 100 m (330 ft.)*

- Convenient, slim-line transmitter with integrated antenna

- Selector switch for three different frequencies

- 864 MHz band

- NiCd rechargeable batteries, approx. 10 hours battery life

- Audio bandwidth: 18 Hz to 20 kHz

* Under ideal transmission conditions (free-field)

For technical explanations, see page 16.

2/00

Sound:

excellent

Reception:

good

Price/performance:

good

10/99

Price/performance:

excellent

TEST

TEST

Press clippings

k 105 uhf

Looking for headphones that sound as fantastic as they look?

This line of wireless headphones has been sculpted to match
modern interior design. And, since they bear the AKG label, their
sound is as stunning as their appearance.

While the k 306 afc is a versatile system for TV, rock, and pop, the
k 406 afc with its detailed sound is an ideal choice for more
demanding listeners.

k 306 afc

k 306 afc

Wireless RF stereo headphones
Lightweight all-round system

k 406 afc

Wireless RF stereo headphones
Extremely light headphones, brilliant and
detailed sound.

k 506 afc

Wireless RF stereo headphones with XXL
Varimotion speakers for maximum accuracy.
Powerful and sweeping sound.

- Three-channel PLL synthesizer for reliable reception.

- Optimum radio transmission through walls and ceilings.
Max. range: 100 m (330 ft.)*

- Auto-tuning function

- Connects to any audio source, Automatic Gain Control sets
optimum audio levels continuously.

- Several headphones can be used simultaneously with a single trans­mitter.

- Self-adjusting, padded headband optimally conforms to every head.

- Transmitter doubles as storage cradle and charger (“3-in-1”).
Headphones do not need to be switched off for charging.

- Ear pads are easy to remove and clean.

- Semi-open, circum-aural earphones

- Comfortable velour ear pads

- 864 MHz band

- NiMh rechargeable batteries, approx.
20 hours battery life

- Audio bandwidth: 18 Hz to 24 kHz

- Semi-open, supra-aural earphones

- Comfortable velour ear pads

- 864 MHz band

- NiMh rechargeable batteries, approx.
20 hours battery life

- Audio bandwidth: 20 Hz to 24 kH

Wireless sculptures.

- Semi-open, supra-aural earphones

- Soft, skin-compatible fabric ear pads

- 864 MHz band

- NiCd rechargeable batteries, approx.
10 hours battery life

- Audio bandwidth: 20 Hz to 22 kHz

18

k 406 afc

*Unter idealen Übertragunsbedingungen (Freifeld)

NEW

NEW

For technical explanations, see page 16.

WIRELESS

DESIGN

k 506 afc

The k 506 afc does not only look different than its lightweight coun­terparts, it provides an even higher level of quality. XXL speakers

with patented AKG Varimotion diaphragms deliver a powerful,
sweeping sound with excellent imaging and accuracy. Ideal for
music and video programming with a wide dynamic range and
highly contrasting sounds.

For technical explanations, see page 16.

19

Order your FREE copy of
the brochure on the new
Design Series headphones
from [e-mail]
Or visit www.akg.com for
more information.

NEW

Exceptional styling – exceptional wireless technology.

ACOUSTICS

Brilliance in Sound and Design

TV
HARDWIRED

Long cable. Close-in sound.

k 71 tv

Hardwire TV stereo headphones
with 6 m (20 ft.) cable

- Easy to connect to every TV set or hi-fi system.

- Control box with separate left and right volume controls
for setting volume and balance.

- Mono/stereo/dual-channel mode selector (allows
language selection on dual-language programming).

- Speech-optimized response.

- Semi-open supra-aural earphones.

- Single cable for ease of use.

- Easy-to-replace, washable ear pads.

- Audio bandwidth: 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

These cost-efficient TV headphones feature a speech-optimized
sound and extra-long cable (20 ft. / 6 m). They are extremely light
and comfortable to wear. A control box provides separate left and
right volume controls. The k 71 tv has a dual-channel mode, too.

k 71 tv

Loud and soft are highly

subjective terms.

This is why TV often causes quarrels among
friends or within the family. What sounds soft to
one person may be too loud for the next.

Of course, the volume should be set so that every­body gets all the dialog but turning the volume up
does not necessarily mean the dialog becomes
any clearer and certainly won’t create a pleasant,
relaxed mood.

Sounds familiar?

The reasons are simple.
Everybody perceives sound differently, and your
left ear may be more sensitive than your right ear.
This means that sometimes it would be better if
the sound were a little louder at one ear than it is
at the other.
Another reason is that most headphones are de­signed for music reproduction. If you just turn up
the volume of your TV set, the ambient sounds and
music become louder too so you won’t hear the
actors’ voices any better.

The comfortable TV headphones from AKG have
been optimized for speech reproduction and al­low you to adjust the left/right volume ratio. They
bring a new level of fun to TV watching.

Available models

- k 71 tv hardwired TV headphones

- balance k 122 ir infrared wireless headphones

- balance k 216 afc RF wireless headphones

20

NEW

For technical explanations, see page 16.

TV

WIRELESS

The balance k 216 afc uses RF (radio) transmission. An Auto-tun-

ing button causes the receiver to tune automatically to the trans-

mitter frequency. You can move about freely inside your house or
garden while listening, because the radio signal penetrates walls
and ceilings.

A new way of listening. No cable.

balance k 122 ir

Wireless infrared TV headphones

balance k 216 afc

Wireless RF TV headphones

The balance k 122 ir uses infrared transmission that depends on
a direct line of sight between the transmitter and receiver. Wher­ever you can see the transmitter, you can move about as you like
and receive a clean signal.

balance
k 216

afc

Yo u can see at first sight that these are special headphones. The Balance Series headphones have indeed been designed for lounging

on the sofa in front of the TV. Designed for couch potatoes, these wireless headphones are true stress-killers. Optimized for speech re­production and featuring volume and balance controls, they make watching and listening to TV a highly comfortable experience, par­ticularly, if your partner is less keen on listening to the sound of your favorite program. Another convenient feature is the automatic on/off
switch: the headphones will switch on automatically when you put them on and off as you take them off.

21

Order your FREE
copy of the AKG
balance brochure:
[e-mail]
Or visit www.akg.com
for more information.

Availability of AKG
wireless headphones
subject to local legis­lation.

* under ideal transmission

conditions (free-field)

NEW

NEW

balance
k 122

ir

For technical explanations, see page 16.

- Balance control for adjusting the left/right volume ratio.

- Optimized for speech intelligibility and accurate music reproduction.

- Automatic on/off switch on the speaker arm.

- Excellent wearing and listening comfort. Pleasant to wear even in a reclined position. Low weight. Also ideal for
wearers of eyeglasses.

- Open-back earphones for fatigue-free listening also allow you to hear the telephone ringing or other important
”ambient sounds”.

- Several headphones can be used simultaneously with a single transmitter.

- Transmitter doubles as storage cradle and charger (“3 in 1”).

- Nonstop listening: system includes two high quality NiMh rechargeable batteries. Charge one while you use the other.
Charger will charge up to three batteries simultaneously in only about four hours. No memory effect. No overcharging.

- Approx. 5 hours battery life

- Infrared transmission ensures mobility and interference-free
reception wherever you can see the transmitter.

- Suited for rooms up to 65 m

2

in size, max. range: 43 ft. (13 m)

- Selector switch for dual-language programming (language 1 or 2)
or stereo mode

- Audio bandwidth: 30 Hz to 18 kHz

- Approx. 4 hours battery life

- RF (radio) transmission. Reliable reception through
walls and ceilings within max. range of 330 ft. (100 m)*

- Auto-tuning function

- 864 MHz band

- Audio bandwidth: 30 Hz to 18 kHz

Seite 20-21

Headphones for special applications

➝ Self-adjusting headband
➝ Gold-plated screw-on jack plug

and detachable cable

➝ Replaceable ear pads

k 171

studio

For DJ and mixing use
with ➝ plug-in cable

k 271

studio

For broadcast and live sound use
with ➝ plug-in cable

k 141

monitor

Cult status headphones of the pop stars

k 141

studio

New, with XXL speakers for
hi-fi enthusiasts

k 240

monitor

Classic studio headphones

k 240

studio

Classic headphones with
XXL speakers for hi-fi users

k 240

df

Reference headphones

studio monitor

for radio stations

Headphones for multiple applications

➝ Self-adjusting headband
➝ Vario jack plug, Gimbal suspension

k 44 Powerful bass

k 55 Turbo bass

k 66 Clean sound

k 71 Lightweight

headphones

Headphones for hi-fi use

➝ Self-adjusting headband
➝ Gold plated Vario jack plug
➝ Replaceable ear pads

k 101 Lightweight headphones with

powerful sound

k 301

xtra

Versatile headphones with
ultimate accuracy

High-end headphones

k 501 Highly realistic sound,

ideal for classical music

➝ Self-adjusting headband
➝ Gold plated Vario jack plug
➝ Replaceable ear pads
➝ Patented AKG Varimotion speakers

with hand-selected diaphragm

k 1000 Reference headphones

Legendary high-end headphones
with binaural imaging

UNIQUE AKG FEATURES

➝ Self-adjusting headband

The headband auto­matically adjusts to
your head to ensure a
perfect fit.

➝ Gold plated Vario jack plug

matches both 1/4” and
mini-TRS jacks. The
single, 99.99% oxy­gen-free cable pro­vides loss-free signal connection for
years of useful life.

➝ Plug-in cable

with high quality mini­XLR connector for easy
cable replacement.

Optional accessories:

EK 500 S coiled headphone cable

(5 m/16 ft. long; mini jack plug; mini XLR
plug for connection on headphones)

EK 300 headphone cable

(3 m/10 ft. long; mini jack plug; mini XLR
plug for connection on headphones)

➝ Replaceable ear pads

are made of breathing,
skin-compatible mate­rial and easy to clean.

➝ Patented AKG
Varimotion diaphragm

The diaphragm is the
most important part of
the speaker capsule.
Acoustic scientists require this extremely
thin piece of foil to perform the most spec­tacular feats.

An ideal diaphragm should combine
high compliance around the perimeter
with a piston-like motion in the center.
The patented Varimotion diaphragm
from AKG does exactly that. It is thicker
in the center than around its perimeter
so it moves like a piston and is immune
to partial oscillations. The result is ab­solute accuracy, better imaging and
clarity at high frequencies. Being thin­ner around the rim, the so-called move­ment zone, the diaphragm will vibrate
more easily to provide a very powerful
bass range.

The audiophile-grade k 501 uses a
thicker 80-µm foil with even more sta­ble vibration performance. The di­aphragms on the k 501 are hand-se­lected and feature trapezoidal
corrugations that further enhance their
excellent acoustic performance.

HI-FI

STUDIO Pages 23-25

BASIC Pages 26-27

ALLROUND Page 27

HIGH-END Page 28-29

PORTABLE

PORTABLE

PORTABLE

PORTABLE

22

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

HI-FI

STUDIO

k 171 studio k 271 studio

The best choice for tough use in loud environments. DJs love

these rugged headphones that allow for comfortable single-ear
monitoring and the incredible amount of isolation delivered by
these closed-back earphones. And it goes without saying that the
k 171 studio deliver exactly the kind of powerful sound a DJ needs.

Minimum leakage and ambient noise reduction are important re-

quirements for monitoring in radio, TV, and recording studios. At
the same time, these circum-aural headphones sound great and
are light and easy to use. What makes them a first choice among
studio engineers is their accurate response and the auto-shutoff
feature that mutes the headphones when the user takes them off.

k 171 studio

Hi-fi stereo headphones recommended for broadcast,
DJ mixing use

k 271 studio

Hi-fi stereo headphones recommended
for live sound and studio monitoring

- Varimotion XXL speakers for ultimate accuracy. Crisp, detailed sound even at high volume levels.

- Single, plug-in, easily replaceable cable with mini-XLR connector.

- Gimbal suspended ear cups for gentle adjustment to your ears.

- Self-adjusting headband conforms to every head shape.

- High efficiency, low-impedance and wide dynamic range make them a good choice
for portable use.

- Hard gold-plated contacts and jack plug with screw-on adapter.

- 99,99% oxygen-free cable.

- Closed-back, supraaural earphones.

- Ideal for DJs: rugged, loud, light, allow for
single-ear monitoring.

- Frequency range: 18 Hz to 26 kHz

It’s party time. Fix it in the mix.

PORTABLE

For technical explanations, see page 22.

23

NEW

NEW

4/03

“

Summary:

The new K class

is a must.”

TEST

Press clippings

k 171/k 271

7/03

„The gimbal-suspended ear­phones are very comfortable…
The K 271 provide exceptional
low-end and high-frequency re­production.”

TEST

7/03

„

Summary:

Both models
provide great comfort, ease of
use, clver details, and a really
great sound for their appropriate
applications at a good price.”

TEST

Plug-in cable

- Closed-back, supra-aural earphones.

- Automatic ON/OFF switch: headphones will mute automatically
when they are taken off.

- Frequency range: 16 Hz to 28 kHz.

The most popular headphones of US studios is now available in

a new version with XXL speakers for higher sensitivity, a wider
dynamic range, and higher output.

Cult status headphones and most used headphones in US studios

(Billboard survey). A favorite of many great international pop stars.

k 141 monitor

Stereo studio headphones recommended
for recording studios

k 141 studio

Hi-fi stereo headphones recommended
for use with portable and home hi-fi equipment, recording,
monitoring, and mixing

Cult status studio headphones available for hi-fi users.

- Most widely used headphones in US studios.

- Single cable for ease of use.

- 600-ohm impedance for special studio applications.

- Frequency range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

- Semi-open, supra-aural earphones

- Proven AKG self-adjusting headband and gimbal suspension for excellent comfort.

- 99,99% oxygen-free cable.

- Varimotion XXL speakers for ultimate accuracy. Crisp sound
even at high volume levels.

- High efficiency and wide dynamic range, a good choice for
portable use.

- Single, plug-in, easily replaceable cable with mini-XLR
connector.

- Frequency range: 18 Hz to 24 kHz.

PORTABLE

k 141 monitor k 141 studio

For technical explanations, see page 22.

24

NEW

Press clippings

Headphones tested: 22

Quality score: 0 excellent, 5 good

1/97

test

Comment:

excellent

+ very good sound
+ good comfort

4/00

TEST

9/02

“… a unique head­phones success story.”

9/02

TEST

TEST

Ranging

k 141 monitor

k 141 monitor+ k 240 monitor

k 141 studio

TEST

3/02

“The studio model, too repro­duced the input signal clearly and
accurately, and besides smooth
mid and high frequencies, there
was always a clean and powerful
low-end.”

TEST

6/02

GOOD

GOOD

k 240 studio k 240df studiomonitor

HI-FI

STUDIO

A classic by now, the k 240 monitor has

been one of the best-selling models in
AKG’s history. Its wideband dynamic
speakers deliver punchy bass and finely
detailed highs. Its natural, uncolored sound
has made it immensely popular.

The improved version of a classic up­graded with XXL speakers and higher sen-

sitivity for a wider dynamic range and
higher output brings studio standard
sound to the world of hi-fi. A must for every
professional user.

Radio station reference headphones. Dif-

fuse-field equalized and built to IRT (Ger­man Institute for Radio Technology) stan­dards, the k 240 df provide consistent
sound quality under all conditions with its
ruler-flat frequency response.

k 240 monitor

Professional stereo head­phones for studio use

k 240 studio

Professional hi-fi stereo
headphones

k 240 df studio monitor

Reference headphones
for radio stations

- Diffuse-field equalization, meets stringent
IRT (German Institute for Radio Technol­ogy) standards.

- Single cable for ease of handling.

- 600-ohm impedance for special studio
applications.

- Frequency range: 15 Hz to 20 kHz.

- Varimotion XXL speakers for ultimate
accuracy. Crisp sound even at high
volume levels.

- High efficiency and wide dynamic
range, a good choice for portable use.

- Single, plug-in, easily replaceable cable
with mini-XLR connector.

- Frequency range: 15 Hz

Winners of many awards.

- Dynamic wideband speakers for punchy
bass and finely detailed highs.

- Single cable for ease of handling.

- 600-ohm impedance for special studio
applications. Not for portable use.

- Frequency range: 15 Hz to 20 kHz.

- Semi-open, circumaural earphones.

- Proven AKG self-adjusting headband and gimbal suspension for excellent comfort.

- 99.99% oxygen-free cable.

k 240 monitor

For technical explanations, see page 22.

25

NEW

k 240 studio

10/01

TEST

3/02

“The studio model, too repro­duced the input signal clearly and
accurately, and besides smooth
mid and high frequencies, there
was always a clean and powerful
low-end.”

TEST

6/02

TEST

7/02

Pressestimmen

TEST

8/02

TEST

“Although an open-back design,
the K 240 suppressed ambient
noise quite efficiently… Sound­wise, they were the powerful kind,
but still felt very agile. Perhaps a
little reserved at the high end, they
provided a beautifully chiseled mid
range.”

AKG K 240 Studio
wins thomann
Award 2002 for:

superior sound,
excellent comfort,
exemplary price/
performance.

9/02

“… a unique head­phones success story.”

TEST

Press clippings

Grand Prix
Award
AudioVideo

k 240 monitor

k 240 df studio monitor

“Headphones of the Year”

AUDIO VIDEO
INTERNATIONAL

k 240 monitor + k 141 monitor

GOOD

RECOMMENDATION

HI-FI
BASIC

k 44

Hardwired stereo headphones
with high-power speakers

k 55

Hardwired stereo headphones
with Turbo Bass speakers

k 66

Hardwired stereo headphones
with Natural Sound speakers

- Proven AKG self-adjusting headband, leatherette ear pads, and gimbal suspension for excellent comfort.

- Exceptional price/performance.

- Closed-back, supra-aural earphones.

- Extremely light.

- Comfortable single cable
(2.5 m (8 ft.) long).

- Powerful sound with punchy bass
and clear highs.

- Frequency range: 18 Hz to 20 kHz.

- Semi-open, circum-aural earphones.

- Comfortable single cable
(3 m (10 ft.) long).

- Airy sound for great listening fun.

- Frequency range: 18 Hz to 22 kHz.

Looking for cost-efficient headphones for

many different applications? Look no fur­ther. The k 44 is a true all-round performer
with solid bass and clean highs at a value
price.

Some styles of music wouldn’t work with­out a solid, low-down, gutsy bass range.

That’s exactly what the large 1.6-in. (40­mm) “Turbo-bass” speakers of the k 55 de­liver, along with accurate highs.

Reviewers have called the k 66 a best buy.

Their clear sound provides great listening
fun at an incredibly low price.

Fabulous sound within reach.

k 55 k 66k 44

For technical explanations, see page 22.

26

“Good headphones for every
conceivable application.”

Score: 1-

TEST

TEST

9/02

2/00

“… I loved their crisp and untir­ingly lively sound. A powerful, yet
detailed bass range was their
strong point.”

BEST BUY

7/01

+ powerful output
+ good workmanship

TEST

6/00

“Good headphones with a
small price tag.”

Score: 1-

k 55

k 66

TEST

7/01

Press clippings

10/99

Price/performance: excellent

TEST

TEST

Ranking

3/02

Test score: 1.4
Price/performance: excellent
Ranking: upper class

TEST

Sound: 1.3
Comfort: 1.5

- Closed-back, circum-aural earphones.

- Good isolation.

- Low weight.

- Comfortable single cable
(3 m (10 ft.) long).

- Powerful sound with punchy bass.

- Frequency range: 16 Hz to 20 kHz.

First love.

k 101

Hardwire stereo headphones

Featherweight.

- Ideal for stationary and portable, mini, and micro hi-fi systems
(CD/MP3/MD/DVD/multimedia), for desktop or notebook computers.

- Comfortable leatherette ear pads, easy to remove and clean.

- Self-adjusting headband for perfect comfort.

- Hard gold-plated jack plug with screw-on adapter.

- Ideal for portable, mini, and micro hi-fi
systems (CD/MP3/MD/DVD/multimedia),
desktop or notebook computers.

- Light, weighing only 140 g (5 oz.).

- Semi-open, supra-aural earphones.

- Removable, easy-to-clean ear pads.

- Self-adjusting headband for perfect comfort.

- Hard gold plated jack plug with plug-on
adapter.

- Frequency range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz

k 301 xtra

Hardwire stereo headphones with
XXL Varimotion speakers for utmost
accuracy

- Semi-open, circum-aural design.

- Leather headband.

- Frequency range: 18 Hz to 26 kHz.

- Semi-open, supra-aural design.

- Padded headband.

- Light, weighing only 160 g (5.6 oz.).

- Frequency range: 18 Hz to 22 kHz.

HI-FI

ALL-ROUND

HI-FI
BASIC

k 101k 71

PORTABLE

PORTABLE

For technical explanations, see page 22.

Refreshingly new: AKG sound in a feather-

weight package at a tempting price. In ad­dition, the k 71 draw very little current so
they are ideal for use with portable equip­ment.

Delicate as they may look, the k 101 deliver

a surprisingly punchy, yet highly accurate
sound from their new speakers. With their
moderate price, the k 101 is an ideal up­grade from ear buds.

Looking for superior hi-fi sound? Love a

smooth, finely-detailed sound? High accu­racy throughout the audio frequency
range? Then the k 301xtra are for you. We
are sure the k 301xtra will be the best-sell-
ing model in its price bracket with its wide­range sound.

k 301xtra

27

NEW

NEW

NEW

k 71

Hardwire stereo headphones

28

k 501

If you think that the development of stereo headphones has reached
its ceiling, the AKG k 501 will make you change your mind. The

undisputed flagship of our reference class and many reviewers’
favorite delivers a spacious, airy sound at the high frequencies,
which has earned it an excellent reputation among lovers of
classical music. Although the physical difference is minimal, it

makes an enor-mous difference for sound purists. The diaphragm
is 80 µm thick in its central area for enhanced clarity at high
frequencies and thinner around its perimeter for solid, accurate bass
response. To further improve the sound, the hand-selected
diaphragms are reinforced with trapezoidal corrugations.

The soloist.

k 501

Hardwired high-end stereo headphones recommended for audio purists and lovers of classical music

- Revolutionary Varimotion diaphragms for perfect imaging
and resolution along with extremely accurate response.

- Open-back, circum-aural earphones.

- Replaceable, acoustically ventilated ear pads for impressive
stereo perspective.

- Proven AKG self-adjusting headband, leatherette ear pads,
and gimbal suspension for excellent comfort.

- Convenient single-sided cable.

- Hard gold-plated jack plug with screw-on adapter.

- Frequency range: 16 Hz to 30 kHz.

For technical explanations, see page 22.

2ndplace

The

Golden Ear

’01

Reviewer opinion:

superb

BEST BUY

Opinion:

superb

✽✽✽

“Optimum headphones for
lovers of an analytical,
crisp sound”

TEST

Opinion: excellent

+ very smooth reproduction
+ accurate, very airy sound
Timbre: exceptional
Accuracy: exceptional
Comfort: excellent

5/00

TEST

TEST

Sound:

excellent

Price/performance:

excellent

»Rankings« 9/02

TEST

Press clippings

8/02

TEST

Ranking 9/02

Stereo sound:

excellent

Multichannel sound:

excellent

Comfort:

excellent

Price/performance:

excellent

VIDEO opinion:

excellent

BEST BUY

9/02

k 1000

HI-FI

HIGH-END

29

The only thing the k 1000 have in common with conventional head­phones is that you wear them on your head. They are the reward

for the many years AKG engineers spent searching for the ulti­mate natural, spacious sound.
The k 1000 is a totally open design. Small leather pads hold the
speakers a small distance away from the ears, creating a defined
acoustic space.
This is the visible aspect of the design that creates the same nat­ural, binaural perception of sound as a pair of stereo loudspeak-

ers would. On the inside, too, the k 1000 are totally different from
any other kind of headphones. Driven by dedicated VLD magnet
systems, minimum-friction multi-layer diaphragms provide plane­wave sound fields in front of the ears. The sound field is subjected
only to the changes and reflections caused by the anatomy of the
user’s outer ears. This is the most natural way of headphone lis­tening.
Small wonder that the k 1000 were chosen “Headphones of the
Year” more than once.

k 1000

Top-of-the-line, fully professional headphone/monitor system

- Top-class reference headphones, ideal monitor headphones
for studio use.

- Equivalent to a pair of high quality loudspeakers worn on your
head, its speakers “float” in front of the ears.

- Totally open design using minimum-friction multi-layer
diaphragms and VLD (Ventilated Linear Dynamic) magnet
systems for binaural sound.

- Leather pads keep speakers at a defined distance from the
ears, and retractable support pads allow for individual adjust­ment to every head shape.

- Proven AKG self-adjusting headband and swiveling earphones
(for adjusting the angle between speakers and ears) ensure
excellent comfort.

- Each k 1000 system is individually tested and numbered, and
comes in a wooden box.

- Connecting cable with 4-pin XLR connector and stripped­and-tinned leads for connection to the loudspeaker terminals
of your amplifier/receiver.

- Frequency range: 30 Hz to 25 kHz.

Incredibly natural, spacious sound.

REFERENCE CLASS

6/01

“The K 1000 from AKG have been
in production for ten years and
still provide exemplary clarity.”

TEST

Press clippings

5/03

TEST

Ranking

“Top class.”

“Top class.”

TEST

„Rankings” 2/02

“These headphones are actually
breathing music; rarely does a
pair of headphones create such
an accurate bass foundation,
and no other model achieves this
feat without stifling your ears.”

TEST

Hi-fi Design Yearbook 2003

AKG WMS 40 Wireless Microphone System

WMS 40
AEROBICS SYSTEM

- C 444 L headset

- PT 40 bodypack trans­mitter

- SR 40 receiver

- CB 40 neoprene bag

WMS 40
BODYPACK SYSTEM

- PT 40 bodypack
transmitter

- SR 40 receiver

- MK GL guitar cable

777

QUADRA
DELUXE

hearo hearo hearo

balance balance

888

DIGITAL

999

AUDIOS­PHERE II

k 311irk 105

uhf

k 306

afc

k 406

afc

k 506

afc

k 122irk 216

afc

k 71 tvk 171

studio

k 271

studio

SURROUND

320

1300

125

18-24

55

864

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

350

560

104

18-24

55

864

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

20

100

199,-

x

x

x

x

5

50

798,-

350

590

104

18-24

55

864

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

5

50

998,-

230

260

110

20-22

32

2,3/2,8

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

12

10

91,20

220

130

115

18-20

32

864

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

10

100

99,-

180

275

103

20-22

19

864

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

10

100

119,-

180

275

105

20-24

19

864

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

20

100

139,-

320

315

107

18-24

55

864

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

20

100

169,-

60

156

115

30-18

32

2,3/2,8

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

5

13

185,-

58

179

115

30-18

32

864

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

4

100

185,-

140

100*

20-20

200

19

x

x

x

x

6

x

x

x

x

x

x

44,90

*** In Deutschland nicht erhältlich.

TV
WIRELESS

WIRELESS
DESIGN

WIRELESS
BASIC

TV
HARDWIRE

HI-FI
STUDIO

200

94, 107*

18-26

200

55

3

139,- 179,-

240

91, 104*

16-28

200

55

3

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

30

WMS 40
HANDHELD SYSTEM

- HT 40 handheld trans­mitter with D 880 micro­phone element

- SR 40 receiver

HEADPHONES

FEATURES

Headphones weight (without cable)

Transmitter weight (g)

Sensitivity (db/mW, dBV*)

Max. sound pressure level (dB)

Audio bandwidth (Hz to kHz)

Power handling capability (mW)

Rated impedance (ohms)

Carrier frequency (MHz)

Auto-tuning function

Digital transmission

IVA processing

Dolby Surround Pro-Logic decoder

LOGIC7 decoder

Dolby Digital decoder

VMAx

Convertible jack plug (mini to 1/4”)

Replaceable ear pads

Patented self-adjusting headband

Exclusive leather headband

Automatic on/off switch

Swiveling earphones

Acoustic ventilation for natural sound

Unbreakable metal arches

99.99% oxygen-free single cable (length in m)

Hard gold plated jack plug and contacts

Hard gold plated 4-pin XLR connector

Cable with 4-pin XLR and stripped-and-tinned leads
for direct connection to loudspeaker terminals

Plug-in cable on headphones

Computer optimized transducers and diaphragms

Patented Varimotion diaphragms

Minimum-friction multilayer diaphragms
with VLD (Ventilated Linear Dynamic) magnet systems

Open-back dynamic earphones

Semi-open dynamic earphones

Closed dynamic earphones

NdFe magnets

Suited for (SA)CD, DVD(A), MD, DAT

Suited for use with portable equipment

Suited for use with desktop or notebook computers

Battery life (hours)

Approx. max. range (m)

Price (recommended retail – EUR)

SPECIFICATIONS

WMS40

ULTRAHIGH FREQUENCY

hearo 999 AUDIOSPHERE

DIGITAL SURROUND PROCESSOR

SOFTWARE

Available for downloading from the AKG website:

www.akg.com/hearoplayer

Minimum system requirements
Operating system:
Microsoft Windows® 98 Second Edition,
Windows 2000, Windows Millennium Edition,
Windows XP Home Edition,
Windows XP Professional
Media Player: Windows Media® Player 9 Series
Processor: min. 450 MHz (Pentium/AMD)
(1,600 MHz, Pentium III recommended)
RAM: 128 MB (256 MB recommended)
Sound board: 16-bit
Monitor: Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher
Headphones: all stereo headphones
(AKG k 101, AKG k 301xtra

recommended)

Recommended retail price: EUR 9.90

WMS 40
MINIATURE GUITAR

SYSTEM

- GB 40 guitarbug

- PR 40 receiver

- cable

- Microphone bag

k 44 k 55 k 66 k 71 k 101

k 301

xtra

k 141

monitor

k 141

studio

k 240

monitor

k 240

studio

k 240

df studio
monitor

k 501

k 1000

x

x

x

199,-

270

74

30-25

1000

120

x

x

x

x

x

“2,5 Y-Kabel”

x

x

x

x

x

798,-

x

225

98

20-20

200

600

x

x

x

x

x

3

x

x

x

x

x

89,-

225

101, 114*

18-24

200

55

x

x

x

x

x

3

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

119,-

240

88

15-20

200

600

x

x

x

x

x

3

x

x

x

x

x

109,-

240

91, 104*

15-25

200

55

x

x

x

x

x

3

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

139,-

240

88

15-20

200

600

x

x

x

x

x

3

x

x

x

x

x

129,-

x

x

x

x

x

29,90

210

114*

16-20

200

32

x

x

x

x

3

210

112*

18-22

200

32

x

x

x

x

3

x

x

x

x

x

44,90

140

100*

20-22

200

19

x

x

x

x

3

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

39,90

160

101*

18-22

200

19

x

x

x

x

3

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

64,90

245

102*

18-26

200

55

x

x

x

x

x

x

3

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

129,-

230

94

16-30

200

120

x

x

x

x

x

x

3

x

190

115*

18-20

200

32

x

x

x

x

2,5

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

34,90

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

NEW

31

HI-FI
STUDIO

HI-FI
BASIC

HI-FI
ALL-ROUND

HI-FI
HIGH-END

PROCESSOR

Audio inputs: Analog: 2 x RCA,Digital: 1 x optical,
1 x coaxial (selectable)

Audio outputs (processor controlled):
L/R RCA jacks, 1 x 1/4” TRS headphone
output jack

Digital signal processor: 24-bit, 150 MIPS

Digital/analog converter: 20-bit

Sampling rate converter: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz

Audio bandwidth:
entire audible frequency range

Power supply: 12 VDC, 800 mA secondary

Connecting cables:
RCA to RCA stereo cable, RCA to mini jack stereo
cable, optical digital cable (1.5 m long)

Stereo adapter: mini to 1/4” jack

Net weight: 550 g

Recommended retail price: EUR 459

hearo player

SURROUND SOFTWARE PLUG-IN

www.akg.com

AKG Acoustics GmbH

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

AKG Acoustics GmbH

Bodenseestraße 228, D-81243 München/GERMANY, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone], www.akg-acoustics.de, e-mail: [e-mail]
Hotline: [phone], [e-mail]

AKG ACOUSTICS, U.S.

914 Airpark Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37217, U.S.A., Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone], www.akgusa.com, e-mail: [e-mail]

For other products and distributors worldwide see our website: www.akg.com

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

Specifications subject to change without notice. Printed in Austria. 08/03/PROA 1463