AKG put their new D 4 stage microphone center stage at Winter NAMM 2008. It's a high quality live performance microphone that aims to replace a lot of Shure SM57s. It's more than proper for drums and percussion, wind instruments, and guitar amps.

The D 4 is constructed ruggedly with an all-metal body and an ultra-thick, dent-resistant grille -- kind of like a rapping robot lumberjack. With the good people at their local patent office putting the stamp on Laminate Varimotion diaphragm technology, the D 4 also has a finely tuned response without any extra tuning resonators. The capsule mounting is custom-built for road use. Don't let H.R. get his hands on this one.

Arriving with the D 4 is an integrated stand adapter and a mounting bracket. Product manager Thomas Umbauer offered his comments:

"Offering the latest advancements in microphone diaphragm technology, combined with a sturdy physical design, the D 4 stage microphone was designed with the live musician in mind. The capsule is positioned right under the wire-mesh grill for an 'up-close sound' and high sound pressure levels while the rugged all-metal body provides the necessary durability required of professional equipment.”