The Professional's Source 866.276.1435 / 212.502.6357

AKG Perception 420 - Large Diaphragm Multi-Pattern Studio Microphone

  • Price: $249.00
  • Instant Savings: -$15.00
  • Offer ends JUN 30 '12
  • You Pay: $234.00
  • GBP 149.04
  • B&H # AKP420
  • Mfr# 3101 H 00090

Product Highlights

  • Omni, Cardioid and Figure-Eight Patterns
  • 155dB Maximum SPL
  • Low-Frequency Roll-Off Filter
  • -20dB Pad

Protect Your Purchase

International Pricing Disclaimer
 

What item is right for you?

Ask our Experts!

866.276.1435
Live Chat

The AKG Perception 420 Condenser Studio Microphone provides a host of professional features that are sure to satisfy the budget conscious project and professional studio engineer alike. The microphone features a multi-pattern large diaphragm element, capable of cardioid, omnidirectional and figure-eight polar patterns.

This gives engineers the flexibility to capture audio at both sides of the microphone, with minimal feedback and leakage from nearby audio sources, or with a generous frontal and off-axis pickup area. Additional features include a low-frequency roll-off for rumble, hum and low-frequency noise and a -20dB Pad switch for capturing loud, transient sources such as speaker cabinets.

Multiple Polar Patterns
This gives engineers the flexibility to capture audio at both sides of the microphone, with minimal feedback and leakage from nearby audio sources, or with a generous frontal and off-axis pickup area.
Low Frequency Roll-Off Switch
A low-frequency roll-off filter switch reduces hum, ambiance and other low-frequency noise.
20dB Pad
Also featured, is a 20dB Pad switch that maximizes headroom when capturing high volume sources such as percussion instruments, speaker cabinets, etc.
Transducer Dual-capsule,1-inch large-diaphragm, true condenser pressure-gradient microphone
Polar Pattern Cardioid / Omnidirectional / Figure-Eight
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz
Dynamic Range (Typical) Not Specified By Manufacturer
Signal-to-Noise Ratio 78 dB
Maximum Input Sound Level 135/155 dB SPL (0/-20 dB) for 0.5% THD
Power Requirements +48V
Output Impedance < = 200 ohms
Output Connectors 3-pin XLR
Pad -20dB
Low Frequency Roll-Off 12 dB/octave, 300 Hz
Dimensions (LxDiameter) 6.5 x 2" (165 x 53mm)
Weight 18.5 oz (525 g)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
AKG Perception 420 - Large Diaphragm Multi-Pattern Studio Microphone
 
4.5

(based on 6 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (3)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (3)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Easy to use (5)
  • Good audio (4)
  • Versatile (4)
  • Compact (3)
  • Durable (3)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Professional recording (5)
    • Amateur recording (4)
    • Home studio (4)
    • Performances (3)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Experienced (4)

    REVIEWS

    Reviewed by 6 customers

    Sort by

    Displaying reviews 1-6

    Back to top

     
    5.0

    its one the amazing mic I brought.

    By Akashproduction

    from NYC

    About Me Experienced

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Clear Sound
    • Durable
    • Easy To Use

    Cons

    • Bulky/Heavy

    Best Uses

    • Amateur Recording
    • Home Studio
    • Performances
    • Professional Recording

    Comments about AKG Perception 420 - Large Diaphragm Multi-Pattern Studio Microphone:

    I use this Perception 420 for Vocal recording, the quality for this price is great. B&H as great deals..

    Comment on this review

    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    Great sound for small price

    By Loic

    from Camarillo, CA

    About Me Experienced

    Verified Reviewer

    Pros

    • Durable
    • Easy To Use
    • Versatile

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Amateur Recording
      • Home Studio

      Comments about AKG Perception 420 - Large Diaphragm Multi-Pattern Studio Microphone:

      I had a chance to try 10 different studio mics before buying.
      Brands like Apex, Audio-Technica, AKG, Prodipe... in a range between $100-400.
      In comparaison to a cheap (but still) Neumann mic.

      I tried 3 different takes:
      Acoustic Guitar (Guild GAC 40)
      Man's voice
      Flute

      The AKGs, Perception 220 or 420, are the only two that exceeded my expectations in term of quality.

      There is a great warmth in mid low frequencies (almost too much), even better than the Tube Apex mics, that were too screamy in the High frequencies.

      Let's be clear: This wont be worth a Tube Neumann mic. But for that price, I found it better than other mics twice as expensive.

      It's a great choice.

      Comment on this review

      (0 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

       
      4.0

      A solid U87 copy

      By John Bonnell Mic Mods

      from Oklahoma

      About Me Professional Musician

      Verified Reviewer

      Pros

      • Compact
      • Durable
      • Lightweight

      Cons

      • Poor Sound Quality

      Best Uses

      • Professional Recording

      Comments about AKG Perception 420 - Large Diaphragm Multi-Pattern Studio Microphone:

      One of the best Chinese U87 copies. Sounds absolutely awful as-is. Bright, grainy, cheap, etc. But these problems can be fixed, and it will sound amazing.

      Comment on this review

       
      4.0

      Great mic great price

      By Elkechon

      from New York NY

      About Me Experienced

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Clear Sound
      • Compact
      • Easy To Use
      • Lightweight
      • Versatile

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Amateur Recording
        • Home Studio
        • Professional Recording

        Comments about AKG Perception 420 - Large Diaphragm Multi-Pattern Studio Microphone:

        I use this mic in my home studio. It's great for vocals and instrument I would recommend this mic to anyone who can't pen thousands on a mic.

        Comment on this review

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Perception Is Perfection

        By Charles the Jammer

        from Cincinnati, OH

        About Me Professional Musician

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Clear Sound
        • Compact
        • Easy To Use
        • Professional Functions
        • Versatile

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Amateur Recording
          • Events
          • Home Studio
          • Mobile DJ
          • Performances
          • Professional Recording

          Comments about AKG Perception 420 - Large Diaphragm Multi-Pattern Studio Microphone:

          Not long ago a microphone of this quality would have costs thousands of dollars. Thanks to the incredible research and development team at AKG anyone can enjoy professional sound at consumer prices. Don't settle for less. Perception is perfection

          Comment on this review

          (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Beautiful. Smart. Flexible

          By dretheviking

          from New York, NY

          About Me Experienced

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Clear Sound
          • Easy To Use
          • Versatile

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Performances
            • Professional Recording

            Comments about AKG Perception 420 - Large Diaphragm Multi-Pattern Studio Microphone:

            I was looking for a mic with a different look, but that could also be used in different environments. I've used the 420 in the field in very loud music environments and in almost silent sound stages. Amazing sound.

            Comment on this review

            Displaying reviews 1-6

            Back to top

            Cables

            Pearstone -  3-Pin XLR Male to 3-Pin XLR Female Audio Cable (6')
              • Original: $15.99
              • Save: $1.60
            • Price: $14.39
            • GBP 9.17
             

            Accessory Packages

            Pearstone -  Vocal Microphone Accessory Bundle - Essential
            • Price: $57.95
            • GBP 36.91
             

            Stands & Support

            Ultimate Support -  Microphone Stand
            • Price: $17.65
            • GBP 11.24
             

            Shock Mounts

            AKG -  SH-100 Shockmount
            • Price: $39.00
            • GBP 24.84
             

            Wind Protection

            AKG -  W4000 Microphone Windscreen
            • Price: $19.00
            • GBP 12.10
             
            View all Accessories

            What's in the Box

            AKG Perception 420 - Large Diaphragm Multi-Pattern Studio Microphone
            • Multi-Pattern Microphone
            • Spider Suspension Mount
            • Metal Case
            • 2 Year Warranty
             
             
            See any errors on this page? Let us know.

            Close

            Close