AKG CK9
Little is documented about the AKG CK9 beyond a detailed field trial in Studio Sound, January 1975. The review calls it an ultra-directional "gun" microphone, an interference-tube design from AKG's CMS range, suited to location sound-effects work. The reviewer tested it on aircraft, children at play, distant lawnmowers, and telephones.
Studio Sound (January 1975, p.64) was impressed by how good the sound was on axis, and felt it came with no concession to the microphone's highly directional nature. The preamplifier carries a small hf oscillator and rectifier to supply the capsule's polarizing voltage, along with suitable filtering. A bass-turnover switch, partly hidden by the end of the CK9 tube, has 75 Hz and 150 Hz positions. The reviewer suggested leaving it at 75 Hz for general use, with 150 Hz better for speech. Around 1.5 m was the closest practical working distance.
The field trial also covers the accessories. The windshield is stiff, coarse white plastic mesh. The pistol grip is molded in a semi-flexible rubbery material to reduce rumble and handling bumps. There is also the AKG SA70/3 stand adaptor. In a direct comparison with the Sennheiser MKH815T, Studio Sound (January 1975, p.71) found sound quality and directivity broadly comparable. The Sennheiser had somewhat more high-frequency output on axis, so its hiss was slightly more noticeable.
Known specs from the period review:
- Ultra-directional interference-tube ("gun") microphone, AKG CMS series
- Preamplifier with hf oscillator/rectifier generating capsule polarizing voltage
- Bass-turnover switch: 75 Hz / 150 Hz
- Accessories: windshield, semi-flexible rubber pistol grip, SA70/3 stand adaptor
- Minimum practical working distance: approx. 1.5 m
The available sources don't record production years, original price, or full specifications.
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