Updates:
- 1/25/21. Article/link cleanup.
Hello there friend and Welcome!!
Before we dive right into the AKG P220 vs. AT2020, grab a snack, sit back and relax because..
You’ve come to the right place!!
What I will bring you in this review
Today I will outline the Perception 220, and then compare it with the AT2020 towards the end. 🙂
- Ratings/Price
- Specifications
- Summary
- Pros
- Cons
- Video Review
- Who this mic benefits?
- What you will need?
- Thoughts from Stu’s notepad
- Consensus/Conclusion
- Similarities & Differences
- Final Word
Now without further ado, let’s get rolling!
AKG P220
Ratings/Price
- Old Model: Amazon
- New Model: Amazon | Check Sweetwater! | Check B&H! | Check eBay!
I’m listing both because there don’t seem to be any discernible differences besides shape. Please let me know if there is one! They both have the same features, etc.
Specifications
- Microphone Type: Condenser
- Mono/Stereo: Mono
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Diaphragm Size: 1″ (25.4mm)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Max SPL 135db: (155dB w/pad). What is SPL?
- Output impedance: 200 Ohms
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 78dB (A-weighted)
- Self Noise: 16dB (A-weighted)
- Low Cut Filter: 300Hz (-12dB/octave)
- Pads: -20dB
- Color: Black
- Connector: XLR. What is XLR?
- Weight: 1.17 lbs.
- Included Accessories: 1x Shockmount, 1x Metal Carrying Case
- Manufacturer Part Number: 3101H00080
Summary
The AKG Perception 220 is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone that records very clean and accurate. This seems to be the word on the street. Condenser mic vs. Dynamic mic.
Apparently, the 220 is a clone of the Neumann U87 circuit. The capsule backplates are also copies of the Neumann K67 design. What is a cardioid capsule?
The mic was designed in Austria and manufactured in China.
Pros
- Good tonal balance, detailed and warm.
- Versatile. You can record a lot of things well with it.
- Quiet. Much quieter than some cheaper mics.
- Sturdy and well built. Durable. Has some weight to it.
- True to life sound. Very accurate.
- Comes with a nice case.
- Warm low mid-range and crisp highs.
Cons
- May suddenly stop working (isolated case).
- The provided Shock mount is shoddy (isolated case).
- External finishing coat scratches after a time. (isolated case).
Video Review
Who this mic benefits?
I’ve seen it endorsed for all of the following:
- Orchestra
- Choir recordings
- Guitar amp cab
- Vocals/Vocal tracking
- Electric guitar. Just don’t count on it for electric guitar in live performances.
- Acoustic guitar
- Mandolin
- Overhead drum miking
- Cymbals/Toms
- Podcasting/Voiceover
- Trumpet
- Kick Drum/Bass
- Screamo Vocals. Lol
- Classical guitar
- Violin
- Saxophone
- Banjo
- Harmonica
- Cello
What you will need?
This mic requires 48v phantom power from an audio interface or preamp.
It does well with:
- The Art Tube MP Studio mic preamp
- Golden Age Project Pre73
- Scarlett Solo. I would also recommend the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.
I would recommend a separate pop-filter and shock mount for this mic. I like the Samson PS01 and have been using it since 2007.
- You will also need XLR cable(s).
Thoughts from Stu’s notepad
- The mic has a -20dB pad and a bass roll-off select. The dB pad allows for a higher SPL (Sound pressure level), meaning you can scream to your heart’s content into this puppy.
- For vocals, you will want to be between half a foot to 2 feet away for best results, depending on how powerful your voice is. The same can be said for instruments.
- The mic is very sensitive and picks up a lot.
Consensus/Conclusion
Warm mic with honest frequency response. Really durable and versatile. Hardly any complaints abound.
Similarities & Differences
Similarities
- Both are large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphones. Large diaphragm vs. Small diaphragm.
- Both mics sport a flat and neutral response.
- Both mics are pretty versatile.
- Both are well built and durable.
Differences
- The Perception 220 is more sensitive than the AT2020, meaning it picks up a lot more sound overall. I have the AT2020 in my studio with no Acoustic Sound Treatment, and it hardly picks up any background noise. Clips below!
- The Perception 220 has a -20dB pad and a bass roll-off. The AT2o2o does not have any onboard features, and can only handle an SPL level of 144 as opposed to the 155 of the 220. What is SPL?
- The P220 comes with a shock-mount and pop filter while the AT2020 has neither.
AT2020 tests as promised.
with Pop-Filter:
with Pop-Filter under a blanket:
with Pop-Filter, under a blanket, farther away:
Final Word
In my estimation, the Perception 220 slightly outclasses the AT2020. It’s got a couple of nice features in the -20dB pad and bass roll-off, and can also handle a higher SPL. The shock mount you received with the 220 is likely to work just fine as well. The AT2020 doesn’t have any of these features but is still a great mic. I would just recommend the P220 over it slightly due to these subtle differences.
SEE IT FOR YOURSELF ON AMAZON!!
Still interested in learning about the AT2020?
CHECK OUT MY OFFICIAL AUDIO TECHNICA AT2020 CONDENSER MICROPHONE REVIEW!!
Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this article on the AKG P220 vs. AT2020.
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!
Are you convinced that the P220 is the better buy? I would love to hear from you. Until next time…
All the best and God bless,
-Stu
Be sure to check out my Reviews and Resources page for more helpful and informative articles!
