Not a lot of information out there so I figured I would link and paste everything to here and I encourage others to post any other info.
**UPDATED**A VERY detailed Engineering Data sheet backed up my berklee.edu.
PDF Link via GoogleOfficial AKG info:Archive Library**All parts discontinued**SE-5EFreq Response: 10-25,000Hz
Battery Life: 550 hrs continuous or 1000 hrs intermittent
Phantom: 9-52 volts DC (bypasses on/off switch)
Measurements: 4 5/8" x 13/16" dia.
Weight: w/ battery 3 oz
Battery: 6v PX-23
CE-1 CardioidMeasurements: 1 7/16" x 13/16" dia.
Weight: 1/2 oz
CE-2 OmnidirectionalSame as CE-1
CE-5 Cardioid w/ screenMeasurements: 1 15/16" long x 2 1/16"
CE-8 Short-Shotgun HypercardioidBuilt in Roll-off? This is the only pic that shows a response diagram.
Measurements: 8 9/10" long x 13/16" dia.
Weight: 2 oz (capsule)
Sensitivity: -42db
CE-10Is it me or does this mean the other caps could be ran like actives with the bodies and caps separated by wire somehow?
Measurements: 7/8" long x 9/16" dia
Cable Length: 4' (23' optional on 10/7 series)
Info from an old ebay ad:Mark Glinsky
08-03-2003, 02:21 AM
FS: AKG C-501E / C-502E Electret Condenser Microphones, 3 Extra Capsules
The combination of the CE-1 / CE-2 mic capsules and the SE-5E powering modules constitute the C-501E / C-502E microphone combos.
The CE-1 cardioid and CE-2 omnidirectional capsules have built-in FET preamplifiers, and are finished in nickel-plated brass. Sensitivity with the SE-5E powering module is -48dBm (EIA G11: -141dBm).
Dimensions of each CE-1 / CE-2 capsule are 1.45 inches long x .80 inches diameter, weight is 0.5 ounce.
Each microphone combo comes in the original AKG microphone case, with foam and the original AKG mic clip.
The SE-5E powering module mates with any of the capsules to make a complete microphone terminated with 3-pin XLR-type connector. In addition to its electrical functions, the powering module forms the body or shaft of the microphone.
The module house one PX-23 battery or equivalent (I have 2 of these, but not sure if they're still any good, probably not), on/off switch and audio output circuitry. Provides low-impedance output, and may be used in phantom-powered system (on/off switch is bypassed when phantom powering is used).
Frequency range - 10-25,000 Hz
Approx. Battery Life - 550 hours continuous, 1000 hours intermittent
Acceptable Phantom-Power Source: 9-52 volts DC (via suitable voltage-dropping network)
Finish - Nickel-plated brass
Overall Dimensions: 4.625 inches long x 13/16 inches diameter
Net weight (including battery): 3 oz.
The following is from the AKG Microphone Brochure:
C-500 SYSTEM MODULAR ELECTRET-CONDENSER MICROPHONES
Matches any application - with add-on/interchangeable precision capsules.
AKG pioneered this exciting modular concept with its earlier introduction of the world-famous C-450 studio condenser system. This new C-500 Electret-Condenser System also provides studio quality and astonishing versatility - at a cost within the reach of most budgets. The C-500 system offers 5 interchangeable transducer capsules and a common, mating powering module. Simply changing capsules can create different microphones for different applications - anything from rock vocals to motion-picture sound. 4 complete basic microphone "combos" are available.
Furthermore, all components are available separately and can be added as requirements grow.
C-501E: BASIC CARDIOD "COMBO"
Invaluable in most home or studio recording, broadcast and sound-reinforcement applications. Cardiod pattern reduces background noise and feedback, and provides better isolation between microphones. Complete microphone including CE-1 cardiod capsule with built-in FET reamplifier, SE-5E powering module with battery,
SA-11/1 stand adapter and foam-lined carrying case.
C-502E: BASIC OMNIDIRECTIONAL "COMBO"
Recommended for home or studio recording and broadcasting where extra "hall" ambience may be desired, where extended low-frequency response is needed or where several nstrumentalists, vocalists or other performers are to be grouped around a single microphone. Complete microphone including CE-2 omnidirectional capsule with built-in FET preamplifier, SE-5E powering module with battery,
SA-11/1 stand adapter and foam-lined carrying case.
C-505E: VOCALIST'S CARDIOD "COMBO"
Ideal for pop and rock vocalists, stand-up comics and emcees. Internal shock mounting and a fixed wire-mesh windscreen / pop filter make this microphone perfect for hand-held and "close-talking" use. Attractive, contemporary styling lends professionalism to every performance. Identical in all other respects to the C-501E combo.
Complete microphone including CE-5 cardiod capsule with built-in FET preamplifier,
SE-5E powering module with battery, SA-11/1 stand adapter and foam-lined
carrying case.
Notable Internal Links:http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=100635.0They precede the 300b's. Nice starter mics.
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=120346.0They seem to be going for < $100, on average, on ebay when they pop up. They have been out of production since the early/mid 80s AFAIK.
LMA Links:http://www.archive.org/details/gd1982-08-10.akg-ce1.mance.cbass.82875.sbeok.flac16*
http://www.archive.org/details/gd85-10-26.mance.minches.18986.sbeok.shnf*
http://www.archive.org/details/gd1981-05-15.akg.mance.cohen.30113.sbeok.shnf*
http://www.archive.org/details/gd80-06-12.set2.akgse5.clugston.7007.sbeok.shnfhttp://www.archive.org/details/gd80-06-13.akg.clugston.7196.sbeok.shnfhttp://www.archive.org/details/gd80-06-14.akg.clugston.7198.sbeok.shnf*these are the shows that sold me on the mics
Other links. Tips, replacement parts, reviews, etc.:Replacement batteryFunctional WindscreensMore to come...