AKG Perception 120 Condenser Microphone
The Perception 120 is a 2/3″ diaphragm true condenser microphone that offers solid build quality, outstanding performance, and excellent value. The low-mass diaphragm delivers a clear sound with accurate sonic detail. A switchable 20 dB preattenuation pad and bass cut filter make the Perception 120 an excellent choice for a wide range of recording and live sound applications. Backed by AKG’s six decades of experience in making microphones and input from sound engineers around the world, the Perception 120 now brings AKG studio quality to musicians and project studio applications. Specifications: • Type: 2/3″ diaphragm true condenser microphone • Dimensions: 53 mm dia. x 165 mm (2.1″ dia. x 6.5″) • Polar pattern: Cardioid • Frequency range: 20 to 20,000 Hz • Rated impedance: < 200 ohms • Sensitivity: 22 mV/Pa (-33 dBV) • Max. SPL: 130/150 dB (0/-20 dB) for 0.5% THD • Equivalent noise level: 22 dBA (IEC 60268-4) • Signal/Noise ratio (A-weighted): 72 dB • Preattenuation pad: 0 dB, -20 dB • Bass filter: 12 dB/octave at 300 Hz • Recommended load impedance: Greater than or equal to 1,000 ohms • Current consumption: < 3 mA • Power requirement: 48V phantom power • Connector: 3-pin XLR.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Great microphone!
I use this microphone to record acoustic guitar and vocals in Garageband. It’s plugged into an ART Tube MP phantom power/preamp which feeds into an M-Audio Fasttrack USB. It’s an affordable setup and sounds great to me.
If you are looking to record yourself in any capacity, I think this mic would do well for you. The mic picks up every overtone and nuance of the acoustic guitar and sounds MUCH better than plugging the guitar’s pickup directly into the M-Audio box.
Vocal recording with this mic is shockingly accurate (to me anyway). My previous mic was an off-brand dynamic which sounded dull in comparison to the AKG. For better or worse, this mic will record you EXACTLY the way you are.
The mic is well built and feels robust. Build quality is absolutely no concern with this mic, and that is primarily what steered me away from the MXL 990.
Some considerations on buying this (or any condenser) mic:
You must have a solid stand. It’s a pretty heavy mic and you don’t want to test the build quality by watching it crash to the floor.
You will need a phantom power & preamp source. Phantom power alone will not do the job.
These mics pick up EVERYTHING. If you breathe funny while playing guitar you’ll hear it on the recording. If you hit pickguard while strumming, this mic picks that up quite loudly. If you leave your cellphone on vibrate on the other side of the room, it’ll pick that up too. SO, if you can’t record in a relatively quiet room you’ll be amazed/frustrated with all that you hear in the recording.
You will want to buy a pop screen if you plan record vocals at all. These mics sound best if you speak/sing directly into them (as I understand) and doing so will produce a loud “puh” sound frequently. The answer is a $20 pop screen.
Downsides to this mic are primarily in the value department. The MXL 990 includes a shock mount and carrying case at the same price. The Perception 220 has a larger diaphragm, comes with the shock mount and carrying case, looks a bit cooler and costs about $80 more. A decent shock mount will cost $40 and I have yet to find the AKG-branded case for sale by its self online, so the price difference is well made up just by the included accessories. Realistically, I don’t see much of a need for the shock mount in my setup, and in the unlikely event that I carry the thing elsewhere I can just use the box/foam it came in.
Overall I’m quite pleased with this microphone. I’d give it 4.5 stars for the lack of a spider mount and case, but to me those are non-issues. This is a great mic from a great brand and I’m confident that if you buy it (and have no need for the shock mount/case) you’ll be just as happy as I am with your purchase.
5 Stars Excellent quality and underpriced
I would have valued this mic far above what it is being sold. Right off the bat, the construction is pro grade, all the way. Solid metal, heavy weight and a nice mat bluish silver finish. The sound quality is excellent. It records warm and rich vocals: running through a Digidesign Mbox 2 mini. It picks up every nuance and every breath. It’s almost too clear. Haven’t used it to record any instruments, only voice in studio. My voice sounds better on this than other mics I’ve used. Very very impressed. And it was well under $100!
5 Stars Lovely microphone
I was using a USB headset microphone for my LibriVox volunteer work. A few weeks ago, I upgraded to this AKG Perception 120 condenser microphone.
It is awesome. It sounds warm and full and has an overall beautiful sound. I’m very happy with this microphone. I should have upgraded a long time ago.
One warning: be sure to purchase a stand in the same order. I ordered my stand separately, so I had to hold the microphone while I used it for the first few days. It’s a heavy piece of equipment, and my arms got tired very quickly.
