Description
The AKG P420 is a high-performance large-diaphragm true condenser microphone, sitting at the top of AKG’s “Perception” series (P120, P220, P420). It’s designed for demanding project studio applications and offers significant versatility thanks to its multiple selectable polar patterns. This makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of recording scenarios, from solo vocals to ensemble recording and ambient sounds.
Akg P420 Features & Specifications:
- Microphone Type: True Condenser. Like the P220, it features an externally polarized capsule, contributing to its detailed and consistent sound. It requires +48V phantom power from your audio interface or mixer to operate.
- Diaphragm: Utilizes a 1-inch (25.4mm) dual-diaphragm design. The dual-diaphragm is what enables its multi-pattern capability. Large diaphragms generally provide a fuller, warmer sound with excellent low-frequency response and high sensitivity.
- Polar Patterns: This is the Akg P420’s standout feature. It offers three selectable polar patterns:
- Cardioid: The standard “heart-shaped” pattern, picking up sound primarily from the front while rejecting sound from the sides and rear. Ideal for isolating vocals or individual instruments.
- Omnidirectional: Picks up sound equally from all directions (360 degrees). Great for capturing room ambiance, ensembles, or recording multiple sources around the microphone.
- Figure-8 (Bidirectional): Picks up sound equally from the front and rear, while strongly rejecting sound from the sides. Useful for recording two vocalists facing each other, stereo miking techniques (like M/S), or capturing direct sound along with room reflections from the back.
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz. This wide range ensures it captures the full audible spectrum with detail and accuracy.
- Max SPL (Sound Pressure Level): 135 dB (155 dB with the -20 dB attenuation pad engaged). This extremely high SPL handling makes the P420 capable of recording very loud sources without distortion, such as loud vocals, screaming guitar amps, drums, and percussion.
- Switchable 20 dB Attenuation Pad: Essential for handling high sound pressure levels, preventing clipping at the microphone’s capsule and overloading your preamp.
- Switchable Bass-Cut Filter (Low-Cut Filter): Rolls off frequencies below 300 Hz (at 12 dB/octave). This helps eliminate unwanted low-end rumble (e.g., from HVAC, footfalls, or traffic) and can be used to mitigate the “proximity effect” when close-miking.
- Equivalent Noise Level (Self-Noise): 15 dB-A. This is a very good self-noise figure for its class, indicating a very quiet microphone that won’t introduce noticeable hiss into your recordings, even for subtle or distant sources.
- Connectivity: Standard 3-pin XLR output. Requires an XLR cable to connect to an audio interface or mixer.
- Build Quality: Features a rugged all-metal body and a sturdy metal grille. The P420 is built for durability, suitable for rigorous studio use.
- Included Accessories: Comes with a spider-type shock mount (which isolates the microphone from vibrations and handling noise) and a metal carrying case for safe transport and storage. This is a comprehensive package, adding significant value.
Akg P420 Performance and Sound Quality:
- Warm, Transparent, and Detailed Sound: The P420 is praised for its balanced sound profile. It delivers warmth in the lows and mids, combined with clear and transparent highs, capturing fine nuances.
- Highly Versatile for Diverse Sources:
- Vocals: Excellent for lead and backing vocals across genres, providing richness and clarity.
- Acoustic Instruments: Superb for acoustic guitars, grand pianos, strings, woodwinds, and brass, capturing their natural timbre.
- Ensembles: The omnidirectional pattern makes it great for capturing the overall sound of an ensemble or choir.
- Drums & Percussion: Its high SPL handling and ability to switch patterns make it versatile for drum overheads, room mics, or even close-miking certain elements.
- Ambient Recording: The omni pattern is perfect for capturing room ambience or soundscapes.
- Stereo Miking: The figure-8 pattern opens up possibilities for advanced stereo techniques like M/S (Mid-Side) recording.
- Professional Results on a Budget: Many users find that the P420 performs at a level comparable to more expensive studio microphones, making it an incredible value for project and home studios.
- Multi-Pattern Versatility: The ability to switch between Cardioid, Omnidirectional, and Figure-8 polar patterns makes it incredibly adaptable to almost any recording situation.
- True Large-Diaphragm Condenser: Delivers the warm, full, and detailed sound characteristic of high-quality studio condensers.
- Very High SPL Handling (155 dB with pad): Can record extremely loud sources without distorting.
- Low Self-Noise (15 dB-A): Ensures clean, quiet recordings, even for subtle sounds.
- Switchable Pad and Bass-Cut Filter: Provides essential control for different sound sources and environments.
- Robust All-Metal Construction: Built for durability and reliability.
- Comprehensive Accessory Package: Includes a high-quality shock mount and a durable metal carrying case, saving additional costs.
Target Audience:
- Advanced Home Studio Owners: For those seeking a versatile, high-quality centerpiece microphone to handle a wide array of recording tasks.
- Project Studio Professionals: A reliable workhorse microphone for various recording situations, offering professional results without a premium price tag.
- Vocalists and Musicians: Who need a flexible microphone to capture various instruments, vocals, and ensembles with detail and clarity.
- Content Creators & Podcasters: Especially those looking for enhanced control over room sound and professional vocal presence.
