Another microphone from our old audio production days, one of the many in our arsenal at the time.
Extremely well considered, aimed squarely at the Shure SM58 market originally and often it comes down to personal preferences, sure Shure SM58's are considered "stock in trade" for just about any studio but the AKG's also stood their ground very well.
AKG Dynamic Microphone
Model: D880
Released to market in the mid - late 1990's
We have had this microphone since early 2000
Now a discontinued model
This particular microphone is one of the early releases, note the AGK logo is near the XLR and the model number up near the head, later releases are the reverse of this.
Intended for the rugged environment of live vocals
Frequency response is 60 - 20,000 Hz (2.2 mV/Pa) or go closer, at 1cm 20 - 20,000Hz (AKG original manual is my source for this information)
Super Cardioid pattern
Max SPL: 147 dB 1% THD or 156 dB 3% THD
600 Ohm Z
Varimotion diaphram which AKG refer to as "Emotion" series - designed to allow for high gain before feedback occurs
Diecast zinc metal body
Hardened steel grill head
Industry standard XLR male output socket
Supplied with the original AKG carry pouch
Dimensions: 181mm long x 50mm diameter (head)
290g weight
NOT INCLUDED:
Microphone audio lead is not included
No stand clip
No box is provided
COSMETIC CONDITION:
Very good to excellent - no physical damage at all
NO damage to the head, this microphone has not been swung around hitting anything in it's path! Unlike others we had once!
Body is excellent, just some handling wear to the printed model number up near the head
Inside the head is clean, the internal pop filter is excellent and not degraded
TESTING:
Plugged into the desk today and all is well, no issues with the audio and no movement created noises!
There is no on-off switch, for that you need the D880-S but in most cases this is not an issue anyway.
Some might say the AKG D880 is just a little "darker" in audio when compared to a Shure SM58 but just to confuse matters, others say the reverse!
This microphone has outstanding live "feedback resistance" characteristics due to the capsule mounting system (Varimotion) creating a very low resonant frequency.
Normally used for vocal work, in comparison to a Shure SM58 the artist should slightly increase the distance from the mouth with the AKG D880 (3 - 4cm) and especially suitable for "walk around the stage" singers due to the better feedback reluctance characteristics.
Shure is definitely an industry standard for vocal work but these AKG's are right up there with them and many sound engineers consider them to be better in some situations than a Shure.
Experimentation is the name of the game, great for a male vocalist as they are but for a female it can be worthwhile removing the inner foam pop filter - play around and see what you think. Every situation is different.
Nice sounding microphone and it certainly gives an SM58 a run for it's money
