C104 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The AKG C104 is a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone built for clear, detailed recording across music, podcasting, and broadcast applications. Its 22mm electret condenser capsule and transformerless FET circuit capture sound with low noise and a wide dynamic range, while a nickel-sputtered diaphragm resists shorting to the internal backplate contact even at high sound pressure levels. With a max SPL rating of 143dB before distortion and a self-noise level of just 14dB(A), the C104 handles everything from quiet vocal takes to loud electric guitars without losing detail. Frequency response spans 20Hz to 20kHz, giving vocals and acoustic sources a full, natural tone.

The cardioid polar pattern picks up sound from the front while rejecting noise from the sides and rear, making it a solid choice for single-source recording in untreated rooms. It runs on standard 48V phantom power through a 3-pin XLR connector, so it works with any audio interface or mixer that supplies phantom power.

The C104 fits a range of setups: music recording in a home studio, podcasting and video blogging at a desk, web streaming and conferencing, and voiceover or broadcast work. Its compact body (158 x 47 x 35mm) and 375g weight make it easy to mount on a boom arm or desktop stand. The included H81 stand mount holds the microphone securely and isolates it from minor vibrations on the mounting surface. The microphone body is made from 100% recycled PIR metals and alloys, with packaging designed for minimal environmental impact.