AKG ARA Professional Dual-Pattern USB Condenser Microphone

Description
Delivery & Returns
Customer Reviews

Description

For those who want a high-quality experience out of their USB microphone, the AKG ARA offers professional-resolution audio, powerful versatility, and superb simplicity, all while providing a stylish on-screen appearance. Whether you're creating online content, podcasting, vlogging, live-streaming, producing music, or fashioning ASMR content, the ARA can come in handy.

The ARA fulfills the needs of those looking for both a studio-quality sound and an effortless setup that avoids mixers, preamps, audio interfaces, and things of that ilk. As such, the mic offers 24-bit / 96 kHz conversion, a built-in shockmount, and internal diffusion to yield pristine sonic quality for your recordings. Take advantage of the integrated desktop stand to place the ARA on a table, or remove the stand and mount the mic to your own mic-mounting system.

Versatile Applications

Whether you're recording a podcast interview, a YouTube video voice-over, or your next Spotify single, ARA helps you to record pristine audio. The ARA can handle anything from traditional voice/instrument recording to vlogging, live streaming, field recording, stereo ASMR, and web conferencing.

Plug-and-Play Universal Compatibility

Plug-and-play setup for Mac/Windows computers and iOS/Android devices ensures easy operation; no assembly and no messing with software settings. Simply connect the ARA to your device with the supplied cable, a separately available Apple Camera Connection Kit (for Lightning devices), or an optional OTG adapter cable to use it with popular audio and video production software, live streaming, and conferencing applications.

Headphone Monitoring with Zero Latency

When you're speaking, singing, or playing an instrument in the studio, you need to hear yourself and your backing tracks at the same time in order to perform your best. That's why ARA is equipped with a "zero-latency" 3.5mm headphone jack to eliminate the short delay between when you perform into the microphone and when you hear yourself in the headphones, so you can stay focused on your performance.

Two-Capsule Array

The ARA's capsule array utilizes two condenser capsules to offer two user-friendly capture modes (polar patterns)—front, and front and back—to accommodate a variety of performances and applications.

Front: Isolates the target source from distracting background noise by rejecting unwanted sounds at the microphone back and sides. This is ideal for spoken word, vocals, and close-miked instruments. If you're familiar with the term "cardioid" then you are familiar with the Front mode; they are the same thing.
Front and Back: Captures and blends together sound equally on all sides—ideal for face-to-face interviews and duets. If you're familiar with the terms "omni" or "omnidirectional" then you are familiar with this mode as well; they are different terms describing the same polar pattern.

Professional Studio Audio Quality

The ARA's advanced circuitry delivers acoustically transparent, 24-bit / 96 kHz audio resolution to meet the standards of studio-quality projects.

Styled with Vintage Appeal

Inspired by classic studio microphones like the legendary AKG C414, ARA's sleek design is sure to spark your creativity. Every function you need—capture modes, mic gain, headphone volume, and mute—is ergonomically positioned and easily accessed right on the mic so you can stay in the moment while always being in control. An integrated, removable desktop stand makes it easy to position the mic on your desktop. The ARA can also be mounted to a traditional mic stand or microphone boom arm for more flexibility in the studio.

Powerful Bundled Software

The ARA works seamlessly with all major audio and video production software and online platforms, and it includes Ableton Live Lite recording software, so you can create content right away.

Microphone

Primary Applications	Studio Recording, Podcast, Web-Streaming, Audio for Video, Conferencing
Form Factor	Stand/Boom Mount
Intended Sound Sources	Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Sound Field	Mono
Capsule	2 x Electret Condenser
Polar Pattern	Cardioid, Omnidirectional
Pattern Selection	Switched (Adjustable on Mic)
Orientation	Side Address
Circuitry	Solid-State
Pad	None
High-Pass Filter	None
Tone Adjustment	None
Gain Adjustment	Yes
Indicators	Single LED (Status)
On-Board Controls	Gain/Sensitivity, Headphone Volume, Mic Mute, Polar Pattern
Windscreen	None

Performance

Frequency Range	20 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL	120 dB SPL (.5% THD)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	91 dB
THD	0.5%

Connectivity

Output Connectors (Analog)	None
Output Connectors (Digital)	1 x USB Type-C
Headphone Connector	1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm
Cable Length	6.6' / 2.01 m
Wireless Connectivity	None
Bluetooth	None

Digital Audio

A/D Conversion	24-Bit
Sample Rate	96 kHz
Operating System Support	Android, Windows, iOS, macOS/OS X
Available Port	USB 2.0

Power

Bus Power	USB
Operating Voltage	5 V
Operating Current Consumption	75 mA

Physical

Color	Silver
Mounting	5/8"-27 Female (with Included Hardware) Desktop Stand (Included)
Included Case	None
Included Filters	None

Packaging Info

Package Weight	2.05 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)	8.7 x 7.3 x 4.6"

Delivery & Returns

At Gear Club Direct, we want you to be happy with your purchase. We understand that there are times when once a product is received, it may not be what you needed or wanted after all. So, we will gladly accept your qualifying return within 15 days of the delivery date. After 15 days of the delivery date, all sales are final.

The Return Process
Customers are required to obtain a Pre-Authorization to return any product. To submit a request for a return, simply log in to your account and request a return and one of our sales representatives will contact you within 24-48 business hours. If you do not have an account with us, please open a help ticket, providing as much detail as possible and whether you are requesting a refund or an exchange. READ MORE