AKG D40

Make Brand	AKG Acoustics
Series	Reference Dynamic
Applications	Mid-Range Instruments Bass Instruments Live Studio

Documentation & Links

Official SpecsheetUser ManualManufacturer website link

Compact dynamic instrument microphone

The AKG D40 is an entry-level light-weight dynamic microphone, designed for recording low-mid range instruments in live environments such as drums, percussion, wind-instruments and guitar amps.

Note that this mic comes with a wide cardioid polar pattern (without the 180° null point ).

It’s equipped with AKG’s patented varimotion diaphragm (thick) thats capable of dampening high resonance peaks, producing a clean and balanced output for high-impact instruments such as drums.

The effective frequency response bandwidth of the AKG D40 ranges between 50Hz – 20000Hz.

The mic has got an almost flat response in the lower mids, however has a smooth boost in the presence range with a peak gain of 6.3dB centered at 4.4kHz. In the upper-highs, there is another sharp gain of 3.75dB at 15kHz. This can be useful in capturing a crisp, detailed attack along with the high-quality sounding  (harmonically rich) air in instruments.

Overall, the AKG D40 has a natural, sharp tone.

As a sidenote, this microphone should not be confused with the D40-S, which is another totally different microphone (a handheld dynamic vocal mic from AKG).