Christopher Richards comments:
The AKG D 202 is coveted and somewhat rare even in “standard” form. Best guess is this one may be a one of a kind custom job by AKG for a studio (I found it in Southern CA), or that it is a prototype or limited edition. No data tag anywhere, but #8123 is neatly engraved just below the proprietary sintered brass windscreen. Looks like a factory marking. The figure-eight body, integral shock mount, and pigtail cord (a high-end professional feature to eliminate mechanical noise at the cable connection point) are what separates this from any other 202 I’ve ever seen.
These are great-sounding microphones, the first of AKG’s highly acclaimed dual capsule offerings. With separate high and low end pickups, the bass module is at the bottom of the handle, thus the unique and very cool looking “vents” in that area. Also featured is a multi-position bass roll-off switch. The D 202 is designed (successfully) to perform like an expensive condenser mic, but without the proximity effect of those units, and without the need for a phantom power supply.
I plugged in this mic and it reproduced my voice in a smooth and accurate manner. Seems to sound just as it’s designed. (“Stock” 202s have a black screen.) The pigtail terminates in a standard male three-pin connector. The bass response switch turns more easily than I’d have expected. This may be normal for this item but in my opinion it seems loose. There is a rubberized sheathing (more integral noise prevention) around the barrel at the connector end of the pigtail.
Photographs courtesy of Mr. Richards
Webmaster’s Note: Chris Richards contacted me via this web site, and thoughtfully volunteered to provide his comments and these photographs, for which I am most appreciative. Thank you, Chris.
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