In the world of pro audio, AKG microphones and headsets have been synonymous with excellence for 70 years. Founded in 1947 in Vienna by Dr. Rudolf Goerike and Ernst Pless, AKG soon became one of the biggest players in the world of sound. Within months, the first AKG microphones were being used in radio stations, theatres and Jazz-Clubs. With its growing success, AKG also expanded geographically with a German subsidiary founded in 1955. By the end of the fifties, AKG_s worldwide distribution network had grown to other parts of Europe and abroad.
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In 1984 AKG went public and started a new phase of enormous growth. In 1985 the US subsidiary of AKG was founded, followed by other expansions such as the acquisition of dbx Professional Products in 1989.
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In 1994 AKG became a part of Harman International Industries, Inc. The following years brought a time of restructuring and sharpening of the product line and distribution strategy.This successful path continued throughout the nineties: AKG presented product innovations like the WMS 60 Multichannel Wireless Microphone System, the AKG Hearo Series or the C 4000 B the world's first dual large-diaphragm electret microphone.
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AKG microphones and headphones have a long history on tour and in 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.
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Today AKG is synonymous with good sound, stands for passion in music providing the highest quality and ongoing innovation in the world of music.
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As part of the Harman Professional Division, AKG remains dedicated to innovating professional headphones and microphones and is able to draw on the technologies of its sister companies who make up the famous family of Harman brands which include:_ AMX, BSS, Crown, dbx, JBL, Lexicon, Soundcraft, Studer, and Martin Professional lighting.
AKG
Beginning with just five workers assembling mics by hand at a small factory in Vienna, AKG, founded in 1947 by Dr. Rudolf Goerike and Ernst Pless, soon became one of the biggest players in the world of audio. Their early microphones were quickly adopted by European radio stations, theaters and jazz clubs and began spreading worldwide. The introduction of their first headphones in 1949, continued their growth, but it was with the release of several firsts, including the first high-quality cardioid condenser mic, the D 12, and the C 12 remote-controlled multi-pattern mic in the early '50s that the company began a more rapid expansion. The C 12 was adopted by the BBC, then the preeminent broadcaster in the world, guaranteeing instant demand around the globe.
AKG has created many products over the years that have become standard tools for audio professionals worldwide: the C 414 multi-pattern condenser, the C 451 small-diaphragm reference condenser, the studio-standard K-series of headphones and many others. Since becoming part of Harman International in 1994, AKG has continued to innovate with new live vocal microphones, analog and digital wireless systems, the Perception series of budget-friendly studio microphones and collaborations with artists like Tiësto for custom-designed headphones for DJs, among many other new products.
