AKG C516 ML Professional Miniature Condenser Instrument Microphone

The AKG C516 ML is a miniature condenser microphone designed to mount directly on acoustic instruments without impeding your playing experience. Its compact form factor and lightweight construction make it nearly invisible once positioned, allowing you to focus entirely on your performance. This professional-grade condenser captures detailed harmonic complexity with remarkable clarity across a wide frequency range, making it an ideal choice for classical strings, woodwinds, acoustic percussion, and ensemble recording situations.

Audio Performance

The C516 ML delivers a frequency response of 60 to 20,000 Hz with a cardioid polar pattern that isolates your instrument's sound from surrounding noise and ambient room reflections. With a maximum SPL of 130 dB (1% THD) and 132 dB (3% THD), this microphone handles both delicate passages and aggressive playing dynamics without distortion, while the 63 dB signal-to-noise ratio ensures clean, transparent audio capture in professional recording environments.

Design & Build

Built from metal construction with a matte black finish, the C516 ML measures just 235 mm (9.3") in length and 47 mm (1.9") in width, weighing only 46 grams (1.6 oz) for minimal instrument load. Its mini XLR (3-pin female) connector requires a standard 2 to 12 V power supply at 2 mA, with 200 Ohm electrical impedance and a recommended load impedance of 2,000 Ohms.

Key Features

• Condenser microphone with cardioid polar pattern
• Frequency response: 60 to 20,000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 5 mV/Pa
• Equivalent noise level: 31 dB-A
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 63 dB-A
• Maximum SPL: 130 dB (1% THD) / 132 dB (3% THD)
• Mini XLR (3-pin female) connector
• Electrical impedance: 200 Ohms with 2,000 Ohm recommended load
• Power requirement: 2 to 12 V, 2 mA
• Metal body with matte black finish
• Dimensions: 235 mm length × 47 mm width; Weight: 46 g
• Includes A400 adapter plate, mounting hardware, microphone bag, adhesive pads, and W44 windscreen

The AKG C516 ML delivers broadcast-quality results with transparent, accurate sound reproduction that honors the true character of your instrument's voice.