AKG C516 ML Mini Instrument Microphone - Instrument Type

AKG C516 ML Mini Instrument Microphone is a compact, professional instrument microphone designed for clear live and studio pickup, offering reliable performance for musicians and sound engineers.

This mini instrument microphone covers a wide frequency range from 60 to 20,000 Hz, capturing both low fundamental tones and bright overtones with fidelity. Its cardioid directionality helps isolate the instrument sound while reducing bleed from other stage sources.

Built with a metal housing and finished in black, the AKG C516 ML is rugged yet lightweight at just 46 g, making it unobtrusive on brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. The microphone measures 235 mm in height and 47 mm in width, giving it a slim profile for close placement.

The microphone uses wired connectivity via a 3-pin mini XLR interface and operates on a low input voltage between 2 and 12 V with a current draw of only 2 mA. Recommended load impedance is 2000 Ω while the input impedance is 200 Ω, ensuring compatibility with a variety of preamps and wireless transmitters that accept mini XLR microphones.

With a sensitivity of 5 mV/Pa and an equivalent noise level of 31 dB, the C516 ML delivers a strong signal and a microphone signal-to-noise ratio of 63 dB for a clear, low-noise output suitable for both stage and studio use. The cardioid pickup pattern emphasizes the instrument while minimizing ambient noise.

Typical use cases include close-miking brass and woodwind instruments, acoustic guitar, percussion, and small amplifiers on stage or in the studio. Its small size and secure mini XLR connection make it ideal for mobile setups, live performances, and broadcast applications where discreet, dependable capture is required.

Key selling points are its broad frequency response, cardioid isolation, metal construction, low weight, and flexible powering via 2–12 V. The compact design and reliable signal performance make the AKG C516 ML a versatile choice for professional instrument miking.

• Frequency response: 60–20,000 Hz
• Cardioid pattern, wired mini XLR (3-pin)
• Lightweight metal housing (46 g), 235 × 47 mm
• Sensitivity 5 mV/Pa, SNR 63 dB, noise 31 dB
• Input voltage 2–12 V, current 2 mA