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SupercardioidAKG Acoustics D7

Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone

The D7 is a dynamic handheld vocal microphone. It uses AKG’s patented “Laminated Varimotion” diaphragm, which is tuned to enhance the intelligibility of speech. The capsule has a supercardioid pickup pattern to reduce the transduction of off-axis sound from neighboring singers or instruments.

The mic’s capsule is shockmounted to reduce handling noise. Also, a high-pass filter, which rolls off low-end sound below 80Hz, is built into the output circuit.

D7 Varimotion CapsuleThe capsule design is called “Varimotion;” it employs a diaphragm of variable thickness. The use of varying thicknesses is not new or original nor, as far as we can tell, covered by AKG’s patent on this capsule. Rather, the patent covers the manufacturing process that yields a varying-thickness membrane at low cost.
D7 Varimotion Capsule Cutaway

Patent #6,185,809

A method of manufacturing a diaphragm for an electroacoustic transducer which … has portions with different thicknesses made from a thermoplastically deformable material having a constant thickness, wherein, in a first work step, that portion of the diaphragm material which is to have the greater thickness in the finished diaphragm, is held by an inner positioning device, while the remaining area of the diaphragm is additionally held by an outer positioning device, and the remaining area of the diaphragm is pulled or stretched with the influence of tension and heat to reduce the thickness thereof. In a second workstep, the entire diaphragm is thermoplastically stamped in a mold.

The mic has a fixed high-pass filter at 80Hz.

The mic is available in several colors and configurations:

  • D7 - standard version, “matte gray blue”
  • D7S - Matte gray blue, with on/off switch
  • D7 LTD - Limited edition chrome finish

All models come with a mic clip (AKG p/n SA 61), a nylon pouch, and a replacement internal windscreen (which fits inside the metal headbasket). The LDT (chrome) version also includes a microfiber cleaning/polishing cloth.

In all versions, the foam blast filter inside the steel basket can be easily removed for cleaning.

Performing Musician

We often have problems with getting adequate level without feedback, and when we use a system with [subwoofers], popping is sometimes a significant issue with our existing [vocal] mics. Fortunately, the D7 behaved well in both respects, delivering an adequate level of clear and well-balanced sound with no significant popping problems.

The AKG Acoustics D7 is also known as: D-7.

The mic was released in 2008.

Specifications

Frequency Response - SupercardioidClick Graph to Compare!
D7 Supercardioid Frequency Response Chart
Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Supercardioid (2.6 mV/Pa; 70 - 20,000 Hz)
Coil Diameter Impedance SPL/Noise
n/a 600 Ohms (Low) Max SPL: 147 dB
Self-noise: 18.0 dB(A)
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
340g (11.99oz) 185mm (7.28'') 51mm (2.01'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications

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