Iin most cases, there is no manual for microphones. There is usually only a small printout or booklet with the specs, and polar pattern(s).

Let's get specific. What is it that you don't know and would like to know?

Many times finding info on obsolete products from the mfg website bears no fruit, This is when google.com can be a good friend. Found this is less than 5-seconds.

http://www.coutant.org/akgc426b/spec.pdf

Try this too:

http://www.akg.com/mediendatenbank2/psfile/datei/26/c42642490e4dabb73.pdf

AudioGaff wrote: Iin most cases, there is no manual for microphones. There is usually only a small printout or booklet with the specs, and polar pattern(s).

Yes. But an AKG c426b is decidely more complex in operation than an SM58. There are a number of microphones I would suspect to find included with more documentation such as mics like this, Neumann KU-100s, and the like. Besides, I was trying to avoid publicly asking the following question. I ask because I used one that exhibited some weird behavior so I became nervous that I might've used poor assumptions in its use--thereby damaging it. So:

Correct use is as follows, right?

Mic ----> Proprietary (stereo) cable ----> Pattern box ----> XLRs ----> Mic Pre of user's choice with phantom power applied to both channels

And thanks for the links.

Sorry to say that I have never used a C426B and have not yet seen the specs. Your signal path appears to be valid. Are you sure the pattern box is not also the power supply for the mic?

I've used that mic a couple of times and it's pretty straight forward.
You chain seems correct to me. If you are not sure if the Phantom is supposed to be on, turn it off and you'll find out if it's needed. It's been 3 years since I used it last and don't recall there being any question as to how it powers, but I don't recall the pattern box having it's own power.

The pattern box of the 426 is exactly that- a pattern box. Nothing more. Use the AKG cable and box, plug in XLRs and then go into a preamp like any other condenser mic.

--Ben