TEST: AKG IVM-4

 It is always astonishing how much a pyramid structure prevails in the instrumental sector in terms of the number of providers. Once you reach a certain quality class, you will only find around 3-4 manufacturers on the market, while the confusion of competing products increases by what feels like a factor of ten with each level you move down.

This is also the case in the area of radio links, where, strictly speaking, you only have to deal with four providers beyond the ominous €500 limit. One of the protagonists in this weight class is the company AKG, which, as far as I know, still has all of its products manufactured in its home country of Austria.

With the IVM 4, our direct European neighbors have a product on the market that, in addition to the transmission and configuration standards, also has a room simulation that is intended to psychoacoustically reduce the notorious isolation of the user from the outside world.

I'm excited about it!



construction

The AKG IVM 4 set consists of the SST 4 transmitter unit, the SPR 4 receiver part and the IP 2 earphones.

Like almost all products in this area, the transmitter is 9.5 inches wide (half a rack unit). However, a frame construction is included in the scope of delivery, which ensures that the transmitter can be easily installed in a standard rack.

Weighing just under 1 kilogram, the transmitter is pleasantly light and has a switchable transmission power of 10, 20, 50 and 100 mW, although within Europe you have to limit yourself to a maximum transmission power of 50 mW.

The carrier frequency ranges are between 500 - 530, 570 - 600, 790 - 820 and 835 - 865 MHz with a switching bandwidth of 30 MHz, adjustable in 25 kHz steps.

On the back, in addition to the bayonet fitting of the rather short antenna, there are all the connections for feeding and forwarding the signal. The main focus is on two combined balanced XLR / jack input sockets, which allow the input of a mono or stereo signal both symmetrically and asymmetrically.

The unprocessed signal can be transferred for further processing via two additional audio loop jack sockets, which are connected directly to the audio in sockets. Optionally, additional transmitting units can be connected here in order to provide all artists with an in-ear signal even if there are not enough monitor paths.

For example, you can use an additional stereo line-out socket to send the earphone signal directly to an additional monitor box.

A connection socket for the included power supply and a data interface for integrating the HiQNet network product, in which the transmitter is controlled via a computer using the HUB 4000 Q, round off the back.

On the front, in addition to a large, easy-to-read display, there is a combined on/off switch - headphone volume control and a multi-function button for internal menu navigation.

The entire workmanship of the transmitter makes a very good impression, no imperfections in the details and all high-quality components in the production.

The associated SPR 4 receiver is in no way inferior to this appearance. The magnesium die-cast housing is very robust and is also impeccably manufactured.

The product is powered by two standard AA batteries or the BP 4000 battery pack. The second ones can then also be charged via the contacts on the bottom.

The product is both switched on and its volume is controlled using a rotary control on the front. The small but easy-to-read display shows the most important parameters such as the field strength of the radio signal, battery charge status and the activation of the factory-installed hearing protection limiter.

You can also change the individual parameters according to your personal preferences using a small jogging wheel on the side of the housing.

The last product is the earphones IP 2, which comes with 3 different ear attachments. The earphones have a pleasantly soft cable that has no stiffness whatsoever.

The set also comes with a 12-piece color code set to make it easier to tell the individual units apart when operating multiple transmitters in parallel.



Practice

As you would expect, almost everything works automatically when you start using the product. The transmitter and receiver can be found immediately and the entire setup is configured within just a few steps.

Without any further adjustments, I put the earphones on and am initially shocked! The sound is extremely treble-heavy and very thin and sharp, so unpleasant that this cannot possibly be AKG's factory setting.

This turned out to be true, the error was the user's, i.e. me. Similar to a regular iPhone/iPod receiver, I only placed the earphones far enough in my ear to provide enough support for regular use. However, this did not ensure that the ear canal was completely isolated from the outside world and allowed the sound to drift into the above-mentioned spheres.

Only after I had completely “sunken” the earphones into my ear canal did the sound that I expected reveal itself to me. Suddenly it was there, transparent, balanced and neutral, sound-technically at the highest level without over-emphasis or excessive coloring.

Now we could focus on the additional parameters of sound and dynamics processing, which also characterize the IVM 4 Set. In addition to an impact sound filter with a flexible operating frequency, the product has 10 different presets that adapt the overall sound to the user's personal hearing sensitivity.

The room simulation mentioned in the introduction is generated via phase shifts, which makes it easier for newcomers to in-ears to get started in the unfamiliar listening situation.

The user can choose the psychoacoustic range from the simulation of a monitor at close range to a more open sound image.

I also really liked the compressor built in by dbx, which covers the entire practical area with 9 different presets without having to use an additional outgear compressor at the monitor position.

After just a short time I had found my personal setup, which in terms of sound was only marginally different from a very well-tuned studio setup. Dynamics, sound and practical value are at an exceptionally high level.

In the subsequent practical test, the product goes one better. In terms of distance, the IVM 4 set continued to deliver a signal even after all of its competitors that I had tested so far had long since given up.


Conclusion

With the IVM 4 Set, AKG delivers a radio link for the highest demands. The workmanship, proof of performance, components and, above all, the sound of the product are exclusively in the top range, which makes the product an absolute purchase recommendation.


Top score!

———————

Additional Informations:

AKG Acoustics, an internationally recognized name in the audio industry, has a rich and intriguing history that spans over seven decades. The company's journey began in 1947 in Vienna, Austria, founded by two visionaries, Dr. Rudolf Görike and Ernst Pless. This period, post-World War II, was marked by a strong desire for technological advancement and innovation, which Görike and Pless capitalized on.

The company's name, "AKG," stands for "Akustische und Kino-Geräte Gesellschaft m.b.H.," which translates to "Acoustic and Cinema Equipment." Initially, AKG focused on producing motion picture equipment. However, they soon realized the potential and demand for high-quality audio equipment. This realization marked a significant shift in their business focus, leading them to venture into the world of audio technology.

AKG's first major breakthrough came with the DYN Series of microphones, particularly the D12. Introduced in the early 1950s, the D12 was the world's first dynamic cardioid microphone. Its ability to handle high sound pressure levels made it a favorite in radio stations, recording studios, and on stage, laying the groundwork for AKG's reputation in the microphone industry.

In the 1960s, AKG introduced the C12 VR, a reissue of the legendary C12 microphone. The C12 VR became renowned for its warm sound and became a staple in recording studios worldwide. It was during this era that AKG also started expanding its product range to include headphones. The K120, their first pair of headphones, was an instant success, paving the way for a series of innovative headphone designs.

AKG's commitment to innovation was further demonstrated in the 1970s with the release of the K240. These headphones were semi-open, a design that was revolutionary at the time and offered a more natural listening experience. The K240 headphones became a standard in the broadcasting and recording industry due to their durability and sound quality.

The 1980s saw AKG continuing to innovate, particularly in the field of microphone technology. They released the C414 B-ULS, an improvement on the C414 with a more robust design and enhanced sound quality. This microphone became a favorite among sound engineers for its versatility and reliability.

In the 1990s, AKG's commitment to quality and innovation attracted the attention of Harman International, a major player in the audio and infotainment industry. In 1994, AKG became a part of the Harman International Industries, which provided the company with more resources for research and development.

Entering the 21st century, AKG continued to be a leader in audio innovation. They embraced the digital age with products like the C214, which offered the performance of the C414 at a more affordable price point, making professional-quality sound accessible to a wider range of users.

Today, AKG is known not just for microphones and headphones but for a range of audio products that cater to professionals and audio enthusiasts alike. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and the pursuit of perfect sound has made them a staple in studios, stages, and homes around the world.

Throughout its history, AKG has been awarded numerous patents and accolades for its technological advancements. Their products have been used by legendary musicians, producers, and sound engineers, contributing to countless iconic recordings and performances. The story of AKG is not just about a company, but about a legacy of sound that continues to shape the audio world.

———————————


Dr. Rudolf Görike, a physicist, and Ernst Pless, an engineer, were two Viennese who founded AKG¹. AKG, originally known as Akustische und Kino-Geräte Gesellschaft m.b.H., is an acoustics engineering and manufacturing company¹. The company was established in Vienna, Austria, in 1947¹.

## Early Years

AKG's initial business was to provide technical equipment for cinemas, including loudspeakers, film projectors, and light meters¹. The company gradually expanded its product line to include car horns, door intercoms, carbon microphone capsules for telephones, headsets, and cushion speakers¹.

## Technological Innovations

During this period, AKG developed its first patents, the moving coil technology, and the principle of mass load membranes. These innovations allowed its products to have extended frequency ranges¹.

## Breakthrough with the D12 Microphone

The creation of the D12 microphone in 1953 marked a significant milestone for AKG. The D12 was the world's first dynamic cardioid microphone and had excellent sonic qualities for its time¹. This product set the standard for voice transmissions and found its way into radio stations and recording studios worldwide¹.

## Expansion and Recognition

AKG continued to improve its products, leading to the famous C414 and C12 microphones¹. By the end of the 1970s and into the 1980s, the company began producing magnetic cartridges, such as the P25 in 1982¹. In 1984, AKG became a public company and was listed on the Vienna stock exchange¹. As a blue-chip company, it was one of the most traded stocks¹.

## Acquisition by Harman International Industries

In 1994, the American company Harman International Industries acquired AKG¹. By this time, AKG's United States subsidiary had been established in Los Angeles in 1985¹. AKG Acoustics USA, still headquartered in the San Fernando Valley, also houses regional offices for Crown Audio, another Harman Industries subsidiary¹.

## Recent Developments

In 2010, the company received the prestigious Technical Grammy award¹. In 2016, it was announced that the AKG Vienna facilities would be shut down in 2017, with a transfer of brand headquarters to California, USA¹. Most current AKG-branded products are made in Harman's overseas production facilities¹.

## Conclusion

Dr. Rudolf Görike and Ernst Pless, through their founding of AKG, have made significant contributions to the field of acoustics engineering and manufacturing. Their innovations continue to influence the industry, and their legacy lives on in the products that bear the AKG brand.