AKG Perception 220 Studio Condenser Microphone

zZounds' Take on AKG Perception 220

For many recording enthusiasts building their microphone collection, a large diaphragm condenser mic is the logical "second mic" after a workhorse dynamic mic like the SM57. Thing is, the AKG Perception 220 sounds so good, it makes sense as your very first microphone purchase. With a sophisticated condenser circuit engineered by the same company that makes the legendary C414 and C12 studio condensers, the Perception 220 delivers a sound that's leagues above its price tag. If you're looking to make your own pro-quality musical recordings or even just voice over or podcasting work, the AKG Perception 220 is a serious mic.

Detailed Vocal And Acoustic Instrument Tracking

Dynamic mics have a simple and robust build that makes them great for live use or on the loudest of sound sources, but for the detail and depth required of studio recordings, only a condenser microphone like the AKG Perception 220 will do. Designed by AKG for a wide variety of applications, the Perception 220 excels at recording vocals and acoustic instruments like acoustic guitar. Two simple switches tune the mic for different sources. For example, leaving the bass roll-off flat yields a beefy proximity effect, perfect for capturing rich, present, and resonant sung or spoken vocals (think Eddie Vedder or Don Imus). By engaging the bass roll-off, the Perception 220 becomes the perfect tool for capturing an acoustic guitar sound that's detailed, articulate, and cuts through any mix. That's nowhere near the limit of this microphone's applications, of course. Violins, choirs, percussion, and even sound effect/foley design elements are well served by the Perception 220, and when you engage the -20dB pad switch the mic can handle loud sources like electric guitar, bass amps, and drum kits. Just point and hit record; you'll be pleased with the results.

Build Quality And Included Accessories For Added Value

Designed by AKG in Austria and rigorously quality-controlled in manufacture, your Perception 220 will be part of your mic locker for many years to come. To add to the microphone's value, AKG includes accessories that many other brands consider "optional"--accessories such as a metal carrying case and "spider" shock-mount. They even throw in an extra elastic band for the shock-mount. That's called attending to your customer.

Buy A Pair And Expand Your Recording Options Exponentially

The AKG Perception 220 sounds so good, you might want two of them. With a price this low, you won't have to think twice about it. The Perception 220 is already a versatile microphone, but a pair of Perception 220's will open your setup to the world of stereo recording techniques. Drum overheads, lifelike acoustic instruments, pianos, sophisticated guitar textures, ambient recording, and much more. If you really want to up the ante on your recording technique vocabulary, the zZounds and the AKG Perception 220 lets you do so at an unbeatable low price.

At some point in your recording career, you're going to own an AKG condenser. Start off on the right foot with the Perception 220, an unbeatable value in affordable recording from AKG.

Manufacturer's Description for AKG Perception 220 Studio Condenser Microphone

The AKG Perception 220 Studio Condenser Microphone is a recent addition to the Perception line of quality microphones. If you have never had the chance to experience these mics, here's your chance. Perfect for countless applications, the Perception line is the secret weapon of thousands of studios worldwide. Here are a few quotes from some satisfied customers:

AKG PERCEPTION Series - MARKET REACTION

...I do radio voice overs and I can tell you that after using a $1,000 Neumann, a $650 Shure and a $1,200 Sennheiser, this mic sounds better than any of those

I bought this mic a few weeks ago and have used it for recording vocals and acoustic guitar. The results from this mic were unbelievable for the price! The vocals were clear and warm-sounding. The guitar had a LIVE feel to it.

I own a pair of these mics and have used them to record everything from drums to choirs and they have delivered a very clear and clean sound with awesome detail.

This is THE best buy in an inexpensive condenser mic. So far, I have only used it for vocals and it delivers a warm, transparent sound that I have found lacking in other mics in this price range.

I was just BLOWN AWAY by its clarity and presence - It has that sound that mics a few times its price would have.

Features

- Large-Diaphragm True Condenser microphone with a big, up-front sound quality
- Switchable 20 dB preattenuation pad for use in sound fields as high as 155 dB
- Switchable bass cut filter minimizes noise and boominess
- Spider-type Shock Mount and Metal Case included
- Cardioid pickup minimizes off-axis sound zZounds is an authorized dealer of AKG products.

- Capsule: 1-inch Large-diaphragm true condenser
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency Range: 20 - 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity:18 mA
- Preattenuation Pad: 0 dB , -20 dB
- Bass-cut Filter: 12 dB/octave at 300 Hz
- Maximum SPL for 0.5% THD: 135 dB / 155 dB (0 / -20 dB)
- Impedance: <200 ohms
- Recommended Load Impedance: >1,000 ohms
- Powering: 48 V phantom power
- Current Consumption: < 2 mA
- Output Connector: Gold-plated 3-pin XLR-type
- Finish: Metallic blue
- Dimensions - mm: 53 x 160mm (W x L)
- Dimensions - in: 2.1 x 6.3 in (W x L)
- Net / Shipping Weight: 525 g (18.5 oz) / 955 g (33.7 oz)
- Included Accessories: Metal case, screw-on spider suspension

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging

Shipping Weight: 4 lbs

Shipping Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 6 in