AKG Acoustics GmbH

C 542 BL





  • Extremely small and inconspicuous, lightweight yet rugged
  • Delivers superior sound combined with outstanding ease of use
  • High sensitivity and low self-noise ensures generous headroom

The C 542 BL is a high-quality boundary microphone designed to deliver superior results for a multitude of recording applications. The boundary layer technique is well-known for recording and offers non-directional pickup that is frequencyindependent.


Succeeding the proven C 562 BL, the C 542 BL is small, lightweight and easy to place . no stand is needed. Since the transducer sits in a metal plate only 5 mm (0.2 in) thick, the plate doesn’t interfere with or color the sound. Frequency response is very uniform within its hemisphere and it captures the “room sound’’ of an instrument very accurately.


The C 542 BL can be permanently attached to the floor or wall of a studio using the screw holes in the plate or attached temporarily using the supplied adhesive compound. Its 3-pin output connector also has a switchable bass-cut filter to minimize surface-born noise.


Easy to use and sonically versatile, the C 542 BL is a great addition to the “mic locker’’ of any studio.

© 2008 AKG Acoustics GmbH


Polar patternomnidirectional (hemispherical)
Frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz
Sensitivity20 mV/Pa (-34 dBV)
Max. SPL130 dB (for 1% THD)
Equivalent noise level (CCIR 468-3)26 dB
Equivalent noise level16 dB-A
Signal/noise ratio (A-weighted)78 dB
Bass filterswitchable flat or 150 Hz, 12 dB/octave
Impedance<600 ohms
Recommended load impedance>=2.000 ohms
Supply voltage9 to 52 V phantom power to DIN 45596
Current consumption<2 mA
Connector3-pin XLR
Finishdark gray
Net weight56 g (2 oz.) (without cable)


C 542 BL
High-resolution image (JPG, 125.2 KB)