Pro Audio C411/PP Vibration Pickup for Stringed Instruments (2571H00040)

This thing doesn't get enough love. Sounds great on most acoustic instruments. There is a sweet spot on your instrument for this pickup and it might take a while to find it. For my violin it's right behind the bridge on the body under the G string. I'd recommend starting there on a violin, placing it perpendicular to the bridge. I removed the original casing on mine (not recommended) and rewired it into a smaller enclosure, but i'm not sure it improved the sound quality. I don't know how the tone of the AKG C411 compares to the technologically similar Ischell pickup (over twice the price) or the Schertler Basik (similar in price). All three are contact condenser microphones. The Ischell gives you a little EQ control. The AKG is the most affordable. Here are a few things to know about it before buying: The AKG C411 requires phantom power. The output can also be a little hot for cheaper preamps. You will most likely need to EQ this pickup, preferably using an eq with sweepable midrange to remove some of the boxiness in the sound. On my violin, I usually need to notch out a little near 600 Hz, and sometimes around 300 (this may have more to do with how your top plate is tuned). Then there are the normal fiddle unpleasantries in the high mids you should deal with. EDIT (7/10/2017) Ok I've been using this pickup regularly for over two years and the cable where I wrap it around the chin rest is starting to wear out so I'll probably be buying another one very soon. Since the initial review we've seen the release of the Behringer X-AIR series of mixers. The XR12 and the new Midas MR12 is the perfect preamp/direct box for something like this if you really want to control your sound. Not only does it give you all the EQ and effects you'll need, it allows you to blend another source like a mic with this pickup. The AKG C411 blended with a small microphone mounted in the right place has allowed me to get very very close to achieving the sound I want.

The photo is showing the inside of my kora (west african harp-lute) where I had to sand and use wood glue to attach this thing to the underside of the bridge. It's so convenient that it just requires phantom power to use. My Pickup The World pickup (the thing that looks like a piece of silver gum next to the AKG 411) requires at least 1 ohm hi-z input to use which isn't always ideal. I experimented with placement for about 5 hours and found the place I like best. One inch, 30 degrees, just the slightest movements make a gigantic difference strangely. The sound is definitely not a microphone but is clear and extremely low noise. Actually much lower noise than my Pickup The World pickup (must be because it's a microphone not a contact mic). No quacking or artifacts, but not the warmest sound ever like a really great microphone placement. I wasn't expecting it to sound as good as it does though. When you combine the two pickups L and R you get a phenomenal stereo sound. I highly recommend this if you are recording or experimenting with your sound. They really ought to ship this with some thick double sided tape instead of the horrible black putty. I used 3M outdoor mounting double sided tape and it worked very well - easy to cut down to the right size.

I play the Sitar and the Surbahar and have had issues with ways to amplify the instruments. Upon recommendation I bought a C411 and was astounded at the quality and ease , with no feedback issues through my P.A. I immediately bought 2 more for all my instruments. The sound is true and rich without the nagging trebly bite of most transducers , I also tried the mic out on my dobro and mandolin with equally great results.. Very happy and recommend to anyone ,but with confidence ...Note: Uses Phantom Power

In terms of recording sound effects, I have found that the AKG Pro Audio C411 PP High-Performance Micro Condenser Vibration Pickup is a game-changer. The greatest feature is that there is no background noise to distort the recording, making them ideal for recording things like gates opening and shutting, doors locking and unlocking, and more. But, there is one thing to remember while using these mics. Little and light as they are, the wires aren't always silent while being handled. But it shouldn't put you off; it's a tiny problem that can be solved with a little TLC. The incredible clarity of sound captured by these mics more than makes up for any noise introduced by your hands. The portability of the AKG C411 PP is one of its main selling points for me. Because of their compact size, they may be used in a wide variety of settings. And setting them up couldn't be simpler; just connect them to your mixer or recorder and you're ready to go. If you're serious about recording sound effects, you need the AKG Pro Audio C411 PP High-Performance Micro Condenser Vibration Pickup. They provide superb entertainment value and aural satisfaction. A little caution while working with the cords is all that's required to enjoy the outstanding sound quality.

EXCELENTE

I recived the new mic AKG C411P for my 5 string handmade violin. And I must say-It is the best product for amplify the acoustic instrument, with keeping its natural sound. No feedback issues, and easy to use. Dont think other things, buy and use)

I bought it and used it only for four months. I was happy with it but now it has stopped working. You cannot predict it's performance , moreover it does not work with most of the DI inputs. I would say it's a bad investment. No performance guarantee.

Product is good but looks to be fragile. What i did not realize is that this does need Phantom Power. The product is lightweight. But the XLR connector is heavy. I wanted to use this on Indian classical instrument Veena. I tried to stick the connector to Veena but the double sided tape did not hold it well. I am planning to return this and will probably go for usual mic and point it towards the instrument

It is expensive, but it is worth every riyal

Very happy with this mic so far. I use it on a hand pan drum. I would have liked the cable to be a bit thicker though as it looks like it could be easily damaged if something gets accidently placed on top of it like a chair leg, keyboard stand leg or flight case. Especially being black on a dark stage you might not notice until it's too late. I understand they need to be lightweight for attachment to string instruments and such but any lightweight cable trailing on a stage floor is asking for trouble. Perhaps they could offer two versions - a lightweight cable and a heavy duty cable.

Amazing mic! I used it for Kanoun, it captured all the range and now I can hear myself with a lousy band.

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Works beyond what I expected. As long as you have the right set up, it’s crazy what you can hear.