The AKG D-1000E is a dynamic microphone with a fixed Cardioid polar pattern and a three-position voicing switch that provides two alternate voices for the microphone.
 
The three voices are created with an internal RC network. The modes are labeled B, M, and S; their behavior is as follows:
 
- B (Bass) - “Flat, wide-range response at medium to long distances, pronounced bass emphasis (proximity effect) at close distances.” At working distances of 1m or greater, this mode provides the flattest frequency response of the three available modes. According to the mic’s schematic, the “B” switch position bypasses the RC networks, which means the sound of the capsule is being passed straight through to the XLR jack without equalization or filtering.
 
- M (Medium) - “Moderately reduced bass and midrange at medium to long distances, normal bass (neutralized proximity effect) at close distances.” This mode introduces a self EQ that attenuates mids below 3kHz by 4dB, with additional attenuation (up to 6dB total) below 500Hz.
 
- S (Sharp) - “Slightly reduced bass and midrange at medium to long distances, moderately reduced bass at close distances.” In fact, this mode provides an aggressive low shelf below 1500Hz, with 13dB attenuation at 100Hz. It is recommended for use in reducing wind and handling noise (for outdoor productions), or any time speech intelligibility is required.
 
All modes provide a broad 2dB presence boost from 3–6kHz, which rolls off fairly sharply above 11kHz.
 
The mic’s body is nickel-plated brass. The unusual grille material is sintered bronze.