AKG D20

Made in Austria. Fully functional. Cosmetic condition is better than most examples available today. Serial No. 241 likely indicates a very early production period, probably around 1958. Original box.

Additionally worth noting: later versions feature a black middle section, whereas this example has a cast-metal middle body finished in metallic brown.

Fitted with an integrated Tuchel-to-XLR adapter.

AKG D20 — a legendary dynamic microphone and an integral part of the classic Abbey Road sound. Used extensively by The Beatles during the 1960s, particularly on Ringo Starr’s bass drum and Paul McCartney’s bass guitar recordings, the D20 has become one of the most historically significant dynamic microphones ever produced (Kevin Ryan, Brian Kehew, Recording The Beatles, 2006, p. 182; note the warnings regarding distance from the sound source — see the referenced page among the attached photos).

The AKG D20 was designed as a versatile studio and broadcast microphone, visually related to the famous D12, but offering a flatter bass response and a variable bass roll-off system. Its cardioid pattern provides focused pickup with excellent rejection of unwanted ambient sound. Thanks to its ability to handle extremely high SPL levels, the D20 became a favorite choice for kick drum, bass cabinets, brass instruments, speech, and broadcast applications.

According to Abbey Road engineering documentation and historical accounts, the D20 was heavily used throughout Beatles sessions during the mid-1960s and became closely associated with the famous Abbey Road drum sound.

Key Features:

• Early production AKG D20
• Very low serial number: 241
• Cardioid dynamic microphone
• Variable bass roll-off system
• High SPL handling capability
• Classic Austrian AKG broadcast/studio construction
• Original vintage Tuchel connector system
• Integrated Tuchel-to-XLR adapter
• Made in Vienna, Austria
• Historically associated with Abbey Road Studios recording

Buyers outside the European Union: please note that import duties, customs fees, and local taxes may apply and are the responsibility of the buyer.