Description
The AKG P220 is a highly regarded large-diaphragm true condenser microphone, part of AKG’s Project Studio Line. It’s an excellent choice for home and project studios, offering professional-grade features and sound quality at a very competitive price. It builds upon the reputation of the P120 by offering a true large-diaphragm capsule and even lower self-noise.
Akg P220 Features and Specifications:
- Microphone Type: True Condenser. This means it uses an externally polarized capsule (not an electret) which typically results in more consistent performance and a higher-quality sound. It requires +48V phantom power to operate, supplied by your audio interface or mixer.
- Diaphragm: Features a 1-inch (25.4mm) gold-sputtered large diaphragm. This larger diaphragm size generally contributes to a fuller, warmer sound with excellent low-frequency response and high sensitivity, ideal for capturing nuanced details.
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid. This unidirectional pattern focuses sound capture directly from the front of the microphone, while significantly rejecting sound from the sides and rear. This is crucial for isolating the desired sound source (e.g., a vocalist, instrument) and minimizing unwanted room ambiance or background noise.
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz. This wide frequency range allows it to capture the entire audible spectrum, ensuring a detailed and accurate representation of the sound source.
- Max SPL (Sound Pressure Level): 135 dB (155 dB with the -20 dB attenuation pad engaged). This extremely high SPL handling capability makes the P220 incredibly versatile. It can comfortably record very loud sound sources without distortion, including powerful lead vocals, loud guitar amplifiers, and even close-miking drum overheads or snare drums.
- Switchable 20 dB Attenuation Pad: An essential feature for recording loud sources. Engaging this pad reduces the microphone’s output signal by 20dB, preventing the capsule from overloading and avoiding clipping at your audio interface’s preamplifier.
- Switchable Bass-Cut Filter (Low-Cut Filter): This filter rolls off frequencies below 300 Hz (at 12 dB/octave). It’s invaluable for eliminating unwanted low-frequency rumble (e.g., from HVAC systems, footfalls, or traffic noise) and for combating the “proximity effect” (the artificial bass boost that occurs when a sound source is very close to a cardioid microphone).
- Equivalent Noise Level (Self-Noise): 16 dB-A. This is a good self-noise figure for its class, indicating a relatively quiet microphone that won’t introduce significant hiss into your recordings, even with quieter sources.
- Connectivity: Standard 3-pin XLR output. Requires an XLR cable to connect to your audio interface or mixer.
- Build Quality: Features a rugged all-metal body and a sturdy metal grille. The P220 is built to be durable and roadworthy, making it suitable for both studio and some live sound applications.
- Included Accessories: Comes with a spider-type shock mount (which helps isolate the microphone from vibrations and handling noise) and a metal carrying case for safe transport and storage. This is a significant bonus at this price point.
Performance and Sound Quality:
- Warm and Clear Sound: The P220 is often described as offering a warm and clear sound. It’s generally well-balanced, providing good detail in the highs without being overly harsh, and a solid, present low-end due to its large diaphragm.
- Vocal Excellence: It’s particularly well-regarded for lead vocals, where its warmth and clarity can make voices sound full and present in a mix.
- Instrumental Versatility: Beyond vocals, it performs admirably on a variety of instruments:
- Acoustic Guitar: Captures the rich tones and subtle details of acoustic guitars.
- Brass Instruments: Its ability to handle high SPLs and its warm character make it suitable for brass.
- Electric Guitar Amps: Great for miking guitar cabinets due to its high SPL handling.
- Drums: Works well as a drum overhead mic for capturing cymbals and the overall kit sound, and can even be used for close-miking certain drum elements.
- Piano/Strings: Capable of capturing the nuances of these instruments.
- “Studio-Worthy” at an Affordable Price: Many reviews highlight that the P220 delivers performance levels typically associated with more expensive studio microphones, making it an excellent value proposition.
- True Large-Diaphragm Condenser: Provides the characteristic warm and rich sound often desired in studio recordings.
- Exceptional Value: Offers a professional feature set and sound quality at a highly competitive price.
- Highly Versatile: Suitable for a wide array of vocal and instrumental applications, both in the studio and potentially live.
- Robust and Durable Build: All-metal construction ensures longevity.
- Very High SPL Handling (155 dB with pad): Can record extremely loud sound sources without distortion.
- Switchable Pad and Bass-Cut Filter: Essential tools for controlling input levels and eliminating unwanted low-end rumble.
- Low Self-Noise (16 dB-A): Ensures clean recordings, especially for quieter sources.
- Includes Spider Shock Mount and Metal Case: Adds significant value, as these accessories are crucial and often cost extra.
Target Audience:
- Home Studio Owners: Akg p220 An ideal centerpiece microphone for a versatile home recording setup.
- Project Studio Professionals: A reliable and affordable workhorse mic for various tasks.
- Vocalists: Especially those seeking a warm, clear, and present vocal sound.
- Musicians: For recording acoustic guitars, piano, horns, and miking amps or drum overheads.
- Podcasters and Voice-over Artists: Delivers clear, broadcast-quality speech.
The AKG P220 is truly a standout microphone in its category, providing excellent performance and a valuable accessory package that makes it a smart investment for anyone serious about quality recording on a budget.
