AKG D5

My band and I recently needed some vocal mics for our rehearsing room. We knew we wanted something in the price range of the Shure SM58, but before going directly for it, we decided to research a little bit for other options or brands who could have similar mics.

After watching some videos, we were convinced that the AKG D5 could in fact be slightly clearer than the SM58 itself, and having at the time a discount of 30% in Thomann, we decided to buy it right away.

We couldn't be happier about it! The construction is superb, it feels sturdy and the sound is very clear. The noise rejection also works really well. We have been using them for some months now on a weekly basis, also for concerts and to record guitar and drums. It's a very versatile mic!

The package also included a warranty, but for now none of ours has shown any sign of malfunction or degradation. One of them has been accidentally dropped more than once but it works as well as the others. In one occasion we had the opportunity to compare them to some SM58 from another band (more or less the same use and age), and I can assure that they sounded clearer to my ears.

I needed a mic to track vocals in various acoustic environments. My goal was to get decent audio quality besides maximal rejection of unwanted ambience. The D5 seems to fit the bill nicely.

The mic rolls of the low end in an I would say natural way, it has a clear midrange and a smooth top end without being harsh. Transient response is good along with the level of detail, especially given the price. Build quality is sturdy, I've already dropped it a few times accidentally without making any damage to it (not even a scratch which was surprising).

You may need to experiment a bit with mic technique to avoid excess sibilance and popping sounds although I think the mic handles these quite good.

The rejection of ambience is one of the strengths of this mic I think. I tracked some demos in an almost bathroom like ambience in a rehearsal room and the vocals still sounded dry. In the mix I couldn't hear any room sound. When used in a moderately treated room it's simply awesome!

As (I think) most of us I was also considering the SM58 and had the opportunity to test them side-by-side. I think the D5 wins in clarity with a more natural, crisp and a more detailed sound. Although I can imagine situations where I would rather pick the SM58, especially with a harsher and more sibilant female voice.

Overall it's a great vocal mic with a detailed and natural sound. Would recommend it!