AKG perception 420 Review [With Video]
Hi friend and Welcome!
Before we get into the specifics of the AKG Perception 420 condenser microphone, grab a snack, sit back and relax because..
You’ve come to the right place!!
What I will bring you in this review
- Ratings/Price
- Specifications
- Summary
- Pros
- Cons
- Video Review
- Who this mic benefits?
- What you will need?
- Consensus/Conclusion
- Final Word
Now without further ado, let’s get rolling!
AKG Perception 420
Ratings/Price
Specifications
- Microphone Type: Condenser
- Mono/Stereo: Mono
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8. What is a cardioid capsule?
- 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
I was curious as to why this XLR mic cost a bit more than other similar options, and I found out it’s because it allows you to record 3 different polar patterns! What is the difference between a USB microphone and an XLR microphone?
Let me give you a rundown of each type of pattern:
- Cardioid – These are very common and great for recording vocals in the studio. They pick up sound from one direction (no, not the band, lol).
- Omni – These pick up sound from just about every direction equally. They are less susceptible to plosives (the popping sound made by certain consonants in speech)
- Figure 8 – This type picks up sound from the front and back, and are good for recording two voices at the same time, or a vocalist and a guitarist.
So yeah, this mic therefore becomes incredibly versatile and useful for many different studio applications. One thing to note is that if you are looking for a mic that will enhance the sound of your voice, you should look elsewhere. This is a very neutral and flat sounding microphone, in the best way possible.
Pros
- Three types of polar patterns for versatility.
- Excellent at recording vocals as well as instruments.
- Remarkable reproduction of the voice.
- Flat and neutral, with a little extra emphasis on the highs.
- The shock-mount that comes with it is extremely solid.
- One reviewer compared it with the Nuemann TLM 103 and couldn’t find that much of a difference!
- Very natural sounding.
- Warm transparent sound that is ideal for recording grand piano, woodwind and brass instruments as well as drums and percussion instruments.
- Rugged aluminum carrying case & shockmount.
Cons
Well, after scouring the internet and looking at this mic from many different perspectives, I could not find a glaring con that really stood out to me.
Check out this informative video review + sound test!!
Who this microphone benefits?
- people who want to record instruments, as well as vocals
- people who want a flat and neutral response from their recording: i.e. and honest reproduction of their voice
- people who need versatility out of their mic. This one does it all!
- drum overheads
- electric guitar amps
- can handle sound pressure levels of around 155 dB
What you will need?
This mic requires:
- 48v Phantom power via a good audio interface. What does an audio interface do?
- XLR connectivity
If you’d like to learn more about the ins and outs (no pun intended) of audio interfaces: Your audio interface
- Preamp vs. Interface
- Bit depth vs. sample rate (how your computer processes the sound from the mic).
Consensus/Conclusion
An extremely versatile mic with 3 polar patterns for added flexibility. It can handle high sound pressure levels as well.
SEE THE AKG PERCEPTION 420 ON AMAZON!!
Final Word
Well, that’s about it for today folks! I hope you’ve enjoyed my AKG perception 420 condenser microphone review!!
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know below or Contact me!!
What do you think about the Perception 420? Let me know as well! Until then..
All the best and God bless,
-Stu
Be sure to check out my Reviews and Resources page for more helpful and informative articles!
Hi Stu. Great article on the AKG Perception 420. Now I understand why it’s a little pricey. It may cost more, but it’s more versatile with three different polar pattern settings. Without this knowledge, I would have never considered such an expensive mic. With all that it can do, it’s a fair deal. Although it retails at $329, I found it for approximately $175 on Amazon. Not bad.