After extensive market research, AKG has designed a high-performance vocal microphone to answer the specific vocal characteristics and frequency patterns of women‘s voices.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – April 16, 2007 – Custom-designed for female performers, AKG has announced the sleek new Elle C live performance vocal microphone optimized for the acoustic and ergonomic requirements of the female vocalist. The new Elle C condenser microphone is the result of AKG‘s 60-year history of manufacturing groundbreaking mic technology, combined with extensive market research conducted to address the exact vocal characteristics and aesthetic preferences of female performers.

Delivering an extremely accurate, detailed and natural sound, the AKG Elle C features an XLR connector module with 24-carat gold plated pins for optimized connectivity, as well as resistance to corrosion and humidity. Additionally, the Elle C features a spring steel wire-mesh grill for extreme ruggedness offering reliable control of pops and wind noise while an artist is on stage.

“In looking at the professional audio market in general and the microphone market specifically, we realized there are very few specialized instruments for female performers,” explained Stefan Gubi, President of AKG. “We wanted to design a high-performance microphone fine-tuned for the needs of a female vocalist both in terms of sound quality and physical appearance. The result of a detailed market research project, the Elle C delivers a technologically-advanced microphone solution to a largely unaddressed, yet vast marketplace of female vocalists.”
When researching the female vocalist marketplace, AKG addressed how women viewed the current live performance microphone offerings and inquired about the acoustic performance of their current microphone choice. Asking questions to get an accurate picture of her acoustic and aesthetic likes and dislikes about each of the models currently available, AKG was able to compile reliable data about what is important to the female performer and how to address her specific live performance needs.

The resulting Elle C microphone features a frequency range of 60 to 20,000 Hz and premium 24-carat gold plated transducer case for optimum conductivity. Not only is the sonic quality of the microphone aimed at complementing the female voice, so too is the aesthetic look of the Elle C. Offering a slender and elegant silhouette, the lightweight unit is available in a high-gloss metallic or white pearlescent finish to visually complement any performance.

About AKG Acoustics:
AKG Acoustics is widely recognized as the most innovative manufacturer of microphones, wireless systems and headphones in the world. Since its founding in Vienna, Austria in 1947, the company has been granted over 1,500 patents. Today, AKG continues its investment in research and development, providing its engineers with the most advanced tools available for design, testing and performance simulation.

AKG Acoustics GmbH is headquartered in Vienna, Austria. Located at 8500 Balboa Boulevard, Northridge, CA 91329, AKG Acoustics, U.S. markets the full line of AKG Acoustics microphones, headphones, wireless systems and processing for recording, concert sound reinforcement, commercial sound, broadcast and home entertainment applications. AKG Acoustics is part of the Harman International (NYSE: HAR) family of companies, which includes trusted brands such as BSS, Crown, JBL, Infinity, Lexicon, Mark Levinson, Soundcraft, Studer, dbx, Harman-Kardon, Revel and DigiTech.

About the Harman Pro Group:
The Harman Pro Group (www.harmanpro.com) is the world‘s largest provider of professional audio products and system solutions for commercial sound, contracting, tour sound, recording and broadcast, musician, portable PA and cinema applications. The Group is headquartered in Northridge, California and includes industry leaders AKG Acoustics, BSS Audio, Crown International, dbx, DigiTech, JBL Professional, Lexicon, Soundcraft, and Studer. The Group is part of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR), a leading supplier of high-quality, high fidelity audio products and infotainment systems for the automotive, home and professional markets.