About AKG
Sixty years of quality sound: Sixty years of AKG.
In the world of pro audio, AKG microphones and headsets have been synonymous with excellence for several decades. In 2007, the company proudly celebrates its 60th anniversary and starts its next phase of worldwide expansion.
Recording studios, radio and TV stations, opera houses and famous stages around the world count on AKG products. Internationally known musicians and performers have frequently been seen over the years using our high-quality microphones and headphones. Today AKG is one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality microphones, headphones and wireless equipment. Here is the brief story of one of the most famous brands in the professional audio world.
AKG, founded in Vienna in 1947 by Dr. Rudolf Goerike and Ernst Pless, soon became one of the biggest players in the world of sound. Today AKG is synonymous with “good” seems Kind of a weak descriptor; use “superior” sound, representing passion in music by providing the highest quality and ongoing innovation. Within months of the company’s establishment, the first AKG microphones were already being used in radio stations, theatres and jazz clubs. The products (the AKG DYN Series) were at that time manufactured by hand by five workers.
In 1949, the first AKG headphones came on the market. Then, in the early ’50s, AKG made a breakthrough with several new products: totally new products like the D 12, the world’s first high-quality condenser microphone complete with cardioid characteristics; the C 12, the world’s first remote-controlled, multi pattern capacitor microphone; and the D 36 made acoustic history. One of the first customers to purchase the famous C 12 microphone was the BBC in London.
Worldwide AKG expansion
With its growing success, AKG also expanded geographically, with a German subsidiary founded in 1955. By the end of the 1950s, AKG’s worldwide distribution network had grown to other parts of Europe and abroad. In the ‘60s, AKG successfully started exporting into former Eastern Bloc countries and Latin America. Concerned with technological quality, AKG focused on what it did best: high-quality audio transducers. The results were first-rate products in all categories. In the following years, AKG launched the world's first two-way cardioid microphones (D 202, D 224) and developed the CMS modular condenser microphone system.
The 1970s: AKG innovations around the clock
The ‘70s began like the ‘60s ended at AKG: with continuous innovations. The company started the decade with the presentation of the BX 20, the world's first truly portable studio reverberation unit. In 1972 a special stamp by the British Post Office commemorating the 50th anniversary of the BBC showed historical microphones along with models from the AKG catalog. One year later AKG was granted its 1,000th patent. At the same time the company presented the K 140 "integrated open" headphones. These were followed by more innovations like the AKG Transversal Suspension (TS) system, the world’s first two-way headphones, and the true vocal microphone line that cemented the high-quality international reputation of AKG products.
By the end of the ‘70s, the first endorsement contracts were signed with Frank Sinatra, Roger Whittaker, Falco and other artists. As the technological leader, AKG was first in perfecting upcoming digital technology. The company used the first units successfully at the Moscow Olympics (1980). After this, the company continued with digital innovations like the BX 25 ED digital/analog reverberation unit and the large diaphragm stereo condenser microphones with advanced solid-state electronics.
AKG goes public
In 1984 AKG went public and started a new phase of enormous growth. In 1985 the U.S. subsidiary of AKG was founded, followed by other expansions such as the acquisition of dbx® Professional Products in 1989. The expansion continued through the beginning of the ‘90s with acquisitions in Great Britain, Germany and other countries.
Expansion was also a key strategy with AKG products: In the beginning of the ‘90s, AKG took to the stars when the “Audimir” space project used AKG products for room simulation in outer space. AKG continued its product expansion and success with a new generation of headphones called the K Series; the ergonomically shaped, triangular-section Tri-Power Series dynamic musicians' microphones; the AKG Blue Line Series modular microphone system; the new C 547 boundary microphone; and the C 621 and C 647 "slim-line" gooseneck microphones for stage and installed-system use.
AKG as a part of Harman International
In 1994 AKG became a part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated. The following years brought restructuring, and enhancement of the product line and distribution strategy. The wireless microphone line was extended, with great products used on tour by Rod Stewart, Peter Gabriel and Simply Red. In 1995 the world's smallest dual-diaphragm system in the world, the CK 77/C 577, was introduced – big in sound, smaller than a thumbnail and specifically designed for theater, TV and film use. AKG also developed the new Performer Series affordable microphones for karaoke, home recording and performing musicians.
This successful path continued throughout the ‘90s: AKG presented product innovations like the WMS 60 multichannel wireless microphone system, the AKG Hearo Series and the C 4000 B, the world's first dual large-diaphragm electret microphone. The new millennium started with an even stronger AKG focus on its core products. A new production strategy was implemented at the R&D headquarters in Vienna to strengthen the leading technology position of AKG in the world of professional audio.
New fame with the 60th anniversary
In 2007, AKG celebrates its 60th anniversary, but instead of looking back, AKG is looking toward a bright future with additional growth. In addition to the development of new geographical markets, the focus will be on the strategic positioning of AKG in existing and new markets. To achieve these goals, the brand has been relaunched with a new corporate logo and brand image. In 2007, many new and innovative AKG products will be launched. With these and many more activities, AKG hopes to continue to be world famous for its high-quality microphones and headphones within the professional audio world.
AKG on stage worldwide
AKG microphones and headphones have a long history on tour and in the studio with international musicians such as Frank Sinatra, Eric Clapton, Peter Gabriel, Stevie Wonder, Aerosmith, the Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, Anastacia, Eros Ramazzotti, Kanye West and Simply Red. Not only well-respected internationally, AKG has fans closer to home as well: Falco, Austria’s most famous pop-star, is an AKG user, as well as the upcoming Austrian star Christina Stürmer.
Some notable events:
In the world of pro audio, AKG microphones and headsets have been synonymous with excellence for several decades. In 2007, the company proudly celebrates its 60th anniversary and starts its next phase of worldwide expansion.
Recording studios, radio and TV stations, opera houses and famous stages around the world count on AKG products. Internationally known musicians and performers have frequently been seen over the years using our high-quality microphones and headphones. Today AKG is one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality microphones, headphones and wireless equipment. Here is the brief story of one of the most famous brands in the professional audio world.
AKG, founded in Vienna in 1947 by Dr. Rudolf Goerike and Ernst Pless, soon became one of the biggest players in the world of sound. Today AKG is synonymous with “good” seems Kind of a weak descriptor; use “superior” sound, representing passion in music by providing the highest quality and ongoing innovation. Within months of the company’s establishment, the first AKG microphones were already being used in radio stations, theatres and jazz clubs. The products (the AKG DYN Series) were at that time manufactured by hand by five workers.
In 1949, the first AKG headphones came on the market. Then, in the early ’50s, AKG made a breakthrough with several new products: totally new products like the D 12, the world’s first high-quality condenser microphone complete with cardioid characteristics; the C 12, the world’s first remote-controlled, multi pattern capacitor microphone; and the D 36 made acoustic history. One of the first customers to purchase the famous C 12 microphone was the BBC in London.
Worldwide AKG expansion
With its growing success, AKG also expanded geographically, with a German subsidiary founded in 1955. By the end of the 1950s, AKG’s worldwide distribution network had grown to other parts of Europe and abroad. In the ‘60s, AKG successfully started exporting into former Eastern Bloc countries and Latin America. Concerned with technological quality, AKG focused on what it did best: high-quality audio transducers. The results were first-rate products in all categories. In the following years, AKG launched the world's first two-way cardioid microphones (D 202, D 224) and developed the CMS modular condenser microphone system.
The 1970s: AKG innovations around the clock
The ‘70s began like the ‘60s ended at AKG: with continuous innovations. The company started the decade with the presentation of the BX 20, the world's first truly portable studio reverberation unit. In 1972 a special stamp by the British Post Office commemorating the 50th anniversary of the BBC showed historical microphones along with models from the AKG catalog. One year later AKG was granted its 1,000th patent. At the same time the company presented the K 140 "integrated open" headphones. These were followed by more innovations like the AKG Transversal Suspension (TS) system, the world’s first two-way headphones, and the true vocal microphone line that cemented the high-quality international reputation of AKG products.
By the end of the ‘70s, the first endorsement contracts were signed with Frank Sinatra, Roger Whittaker, Falco and other artists. As the technological leader, AKG was first in perfecting upcoming digital technology. The company used the first units successfully at the Moscow Olympics (1980). After this, the company continued with digital innovations like the BX 25 ED digital/analog reverberation unit and the large diaphragm stereo condenser microphones with advanced solid-state electronics.
AKG goes public
In 1984 AKG went public and started a new phase of enormous growth. In 1985 the U.S. subsidiary of AKG was founded, followed by other expansions such as the acquisition of dbx® Professional Products in 1989. The expansion continued through the beginning of the ‘90s with acquisitions in Great Britain, Germany and other countries.
Expansion was also a key strategy with AKG products: In the beginning of the ‘90s, AKG took to the stars when the “Audimir” space project used AKG products for room simulation in outer space. AKG continued its product expansion and success with a new generation of headphones called the K Series; the ergonomically shaped, triangular-section Tri-Power Series dynamic musicians' microphones; the AKG Blue Line Series modular microphone system; the new C 547 boundary microphone; and the C 621 and C 647 "slim-line" gooseneck microphones for stage and installed-system use.
AKG as a part of Harman International
In 1994 AKG became a part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated. The following years brought restructuring, and enhancement of the product line and distribution strategy. The wireless microphone line was extended, with great products used on tour by Rod Stewart, Peter Gabriel and Simply Red. In 1995 the world's smallest dual-diaphragm system in the world, the CK 77/C 577, was introduced – big in sound, smaller than a thumbnail and specifically designed for theater, TV and film use. AKG also developed the new Performer Series affordable microphones for karaoke, home recording and performing musicians.
This successful path continued throughout the ‘90s: AKG presented product innovations like the WMS 60 multichannel wireless microphone system, the AKG Hearo Series and the C 4000 B, the world's first dual large-diaphragm electret microphone. The new millennium started with an even stronger AKG focus on its core products. A new production strategy was implemented at the R&D headquarters in Vienna to strengthen the leading technology position of AKG in the world of professional audio.
New fame with the 60th anniversary
In 2007, AKG celebrates its 60th anniversary, but instead of looking back, AKG is looking toward a bright future with additional growth. In addition to the development of new geographical markets, the focus will be on the strategic positioning of AKG in existing and new markets. To achieve these goals, the brand has been relaunched with a new corporate logo and brand image. In 2007, many new and innovative AKG products will be launched. With these and many more activities, AKG hopes to continue to be world famous for its high-quality microphones and headphones within the professional audio world.
AKG on stage worldwide
AKG microphones and headphones have a long history on tour and in the studio with international musicians such as Frank Sinatra, Eric Clapton, Peter Gabriel, Stevie Wonder, Aerosmith, the Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, Anastacia, Eros Ramazzotti, Kanye West and Simply Red. Not only well-respected internationally, AKG has fans closer to home as well: Falco, Austria’s most famous pop-star, is an AKG user, as well as the upcoming Austrian star Christina Stürmer.
Some notable events:
- 1955: The first postwar Salzburg Festival (Austria) uses AKG microphones. A unidirectional microphone is specifically designed for Herbert von Karajan.
- 1955: Hans Hass uses AKG products to shoot his first underwater sound movie, “Adventures in the Red Sea,” which won first prize at the “Biennale” biannual film festival in Venice, Italy.
- 1972: A special stamp is issued by the British Post Office commemorating the 50th anniversary of the BBC showing historical microphones, including several AKG models.
- 1991: AKG takes to the stars when the "Audimir" space project uses AKG products for room simulation in outer space (at the MIR space station).
- 1997: AKG wireless mics are used on the "Arctic Northeast" project for the Austrian Broadcasting Company, providing quality and reliable performance even at low arctic temperatures.
- 1999: Remix of Caruso's voice is completed with Hearo 777s.
- 2003: Leading novelist Dan Brown mentions AKG headphones in two of his best-selling novels, "The Da Vinci Code" and "Deception Point."
- 2006: AKG provides quality sound for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
