AKG D310 & D320 Mics

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mikeh

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Can anyone tell me about AKG 310 or AKG 320B mics? They are dynamic mics - studio silver in color. I'm guessing they are 20-25 years old. I got them thru a friend, but no specs, etc.

I've A/B'd them to SM58s they sound close but a little "brighter". I don't notice a real difference between the 310 vs. 320.

They don't seem as rugged as the 58's so I doubt if I would use them live. But they sound like they could be good snare or hi-hat mics.

I can't find them on the AKG web site (too old?) Any info would be much appreciated.
 
I have about 7 or 8 D310 that I inherited at work. If I remember I'll pop into work tomorrow and dig out the spec on them. :)
 
I have a D321 (from the same series). They were made in the mid to late 80s. I think the specs on mine claim a top end response of 20K. Though I can't really believe that's accurate.
 
some of the specs

Vintage Dynamic Microphone

AKG D310

Up for consideration is a vintage AKG D310 dynamic microphone. It is in excellent cosmetic and working condition, and came from a pro studio outside of Austin, TX. The D310 is still used in pro studios to get just the right match with a specific voice: Foel Studio (outside of London) SAE Aukland (New Nealand), and Michael Wagener's WireWorld Studio. Click here for the AKG Spec Sheet.

MIC SPECS:
* Impedence: 200 Ohms
* Connector: XLR
* 60 - 18,000 Hz
* Pattern: Cardioid
* Max. SPL: 128 / 138 dB
* Made in Austria
 
I have 2 x D310 a D320 and a D330, They were made by AKG to be vocal mics for live use. The D330 is similar to a SM58 but the 330 had notch switches for hi and low pass filtering. The D320 I think (not at the studio right now) has a Hi pass switch too.

I used to use my 310's 320 and 330 as Drum mics (toms) out live and I have also used the 310's on percussion, congas and bongos. I have even used the 310's in the studio on toms when a big kit turns up. They sound great, a 310 on smaller toms sounds as good as a Sennheiser 421.

They are quality mics.

Cheers

alan.
 
I use D320B as one of my voicever mics. Not as sturdy as an SM57/58? Are you kidding? Pick the thing up and hold it in your hand, then the 58. That's milled steel. If you drop the thing, check *the floor* for damage! One thing the specs won't show you. That heavy milled steel body resulted in a mic with incredibly low handling noise. Put on some cans and rub the mic with your fingers and pass it from hand to hand, and listen. Then do the same thing with the 58. The difference is huge. They are simply good dynamic mics. I find no use whatsoever for the high-pass filter, though,-too radical for my taste. As a vocal mic, I prefer the later D690 and D770, but the 310-320 series is really good for voiceovers, assorted percussion, and live sax/bone/trumpet, etc.-Richie
 
Richard Monroe said:
Not as sturdy as an SM57/58? Are you kidding? Pick the thing up and hold it in your hand, then the 58. That's milled steel. If you drop the thing, check *the floor* for damage! , etc.-Richie
Click to expand...

Forgot to mention that, the reason they ended up doing live drums for me was the exit of the broken SM57's, the 310, 320 and 330 could take a big whack from a drum stick and not feel a thing.

Alan.
 
I have the 310, 320 & 330, you bump into a lot of them here in Holland.

Off the top of my head I believe the 320 is either Hyper or Super Cardioid.

I've read that the 310 as well as the 330 are "killer" (?) snare mics, haven't tried that yet, so no guaranties.

This series is famous for having been used by ABBA on big world tours... for what that's worth. Quick search coughed this up, look, it's you're 310: YouTube - ABBA - Gimme Gimme Gimme(live in Wembley, 1979)

... allong with other pleasant scenery ;)
 
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