Hi friend and Welcome!!
Before we discuss the AKG P220 vs. P420, 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 AKG P420 and then compare and contrast it with the 220 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 P420
Price: Check Amazon! | Check Sweetwater! | Check B&H! | Check eBay!
Specifications
- Microphone Type: Condenser
- Mono/Stereo: Mono
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8
- Diaphragm Size: 1″ (25.4mm). Large Diaphragm vs. Small Diaphragm.
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Max SPL: 135dB (155dB w/Pad). What is SPL?
- Output Impedance: 200 Ohms
- Signal To Noise Ratio: 79dB (A-weighted)
- Self Noise: 15dB (A-weighted)
- Low Cut Filter: 300Hz (-12dB/octave)
- Pads: -20dB
- Color: Black
- Connector: XLR. What is XLR?
- Weight: 1.17 lbs.
- Manufacturer Part Number: 3101H00090
Summary
The AKG Perception 420 is a very neutral mic right up until the treble which is given a nice presence boost from about 5kHz into the air region at 10kHz.
This ensures your voice has a bit of extra sparkle while remaining mostly neutral otherwise.
Image: Recording Hacks
In addition to that, the 420 comes with 3 different polar patterns for added versatility:
- Cardioid – These pick up sound from the front and reject noise from the sides and rear.
- Omnidirectional – This pattern is used to pick up sounds coming from all directions.
- Figure 8 – This is used for instances such as an interview or dual singers, as it picks up sound from the front and back.
This mic also requires an XLR cable.
Pros
- Versatile. Can handle almost anything you throw at it.
- 3 polar patterns.
- Flat and neutral, with some emphasis on the treble end.
- Good Shock mount.
- Has a touch of warmth, which makes it ideal for many different instruments.
- The carrying case and shock mount that it comes with are both solid.
Cons
I honestly have looked in a lot of places to find a bad word about this mic and I couldn’t find anything.
Check out this informative video review + sound test!!
Who this mic benefits?
I’ve seen it endorsed for:
- Grand piano
- Woodwind
- Brass
- Drums/drum overheads
- Percussion
- Vocals
- Electric guitar amps
- Mandolin
That said, this microphone will work fantastic with pretty much everything voiceover/vocal related, and is excellent for podcasts.
What you will need?
This mic requires:
48v phantom power via your audio interface or preamp.
- Related: What does an Audio Interface Do?
In the past, I used the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and loved it, but I’m now rocking the Universal Audio Volt 2 and it’s a dream! Definitely give that one a look.
Other items needed:
- XLR cable(s) as mentioned above.
- A pop-filter.
- A shock mount (This mic comes with one, however).
- A mic stand of some sort.
Thoughts from Stu’s notepad
- This mic has a -20dB pad and a low-cut filter. The pad enables an SPL (Sound pressure level) of 155 dB.
- This mic will not enhance the sound of your voice. It’s pretty neutral sounding across the frequency spectrum.
Consensus/Conclusion
A versatile mic with some added flexibility in the 3 patterns. Feels extremely rugged and heavy. Has some weight to it.
Similarities & Differences
Similarities
- Both mics have a -20dB pad and a low-cut filter.
- Both mics require 48v phantom power.
- Both mics are cardioid condensers. What is a cardioid capsule?
- Both can handle up to 155db SPL. What is SPL?
Differences
- The AKG P420 has 3 polar patterns while the 220 only records in cardioid mode.
- Price. The 220 is a bit cheaper than the 420.
Outside of those differences, these mics are pretty darn similar my friend.
Final Word
Which of these you should go with depends on if you need the 3 polar patterns or not.
I would say if you don’t, just go with the P220 as it’s almost identical to the 420 and cheaper as well.
If you need the 3 polar patterns, the 420 is your boy.
Overall these mics are often overlooked in this price range but really are a great solution for your home studio needs.
They are durable and do well with so many different instruments, it’s hard to pass one up.
The fact that they sound really even, yet still warm and smooth is an added bonus.
Perhaps the icing on the cake is the 155dB sound pressure level.
You just don’t find that often in other low-budget mid-tier microphones.
Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this article on the AKG P220 vs. P420.
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!
Which of these tickles your pickle? Do you need the 3 polar patterns? 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!
