Yay for the economic downturn! Sure you're gonna be kicked out of your house, but you might finally be able to afford that hand-held condenser you've always wanted! First SuperLux unveiled the $133 S125, and now AKG announces throws its hat into the ring with the AKG LC Light Condenser. BTW, AKG's hat is a top-hat with the top punched through.

The AKG LC is far from the company's first handheld condenser -- dig the C535 -- but it represents a radically new design. And may I say, it's their coolest-looking mic yet: the slim-line body is finished in a glossy, piano-black finish, making it look like the only mic a ninja would ever need.

The AKG Light Condenser Premium Vocal Microphone (it's full, proper name) is tailored for stage use, with a voicing that will cut through any mix and a tight cardioid pickup pattern for very-high feedback rejection. A spring-steel wire-mesh grill offers protection and abatement of plosives and wind noise.

The electronics are equally snazzy: 24-carat connectors for the capsule ensure clarity and resistance to corrosion, and the XLR connector is furnished with 24-carat pins as well. The LC ships with the PB1000 presence-boost adapter, which adds a 3 - 5db boost to the 5 - 9 kHz range for heightened articulation in the human voice.

As of yet, no pricing or availability have been announced, though, like we said, AKG has labeled this an "affordable" condenser, so keep your eyes out.