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The Roger Nichols Gear Collection

AKG Perception 170

Item ID: Percep170

Small-diaphpragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone with Switchable 20dB Pad

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From Our Research Team:

AKG Quality in a Very Affordable Small-condenser Mic!

The AKG Perception 170 small-diaphragm condenser microphone gives you the kind of quality performance and reliability you expect from AKG products, at an amazing value! The Perception 170 works great for everything from drum overheads to acoustic instruments and ensembles, and at this price, it's easy to pick up a pair for stereo miking applications. This cardioid-pattern mic includes a 20dB pad, and its incredibly clear, accurate sound and durable construction make it perfect for any mic locker. Get AKG quality for a great price with the Perception 170!

AKG Perception 170 Small-diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone at a Glance:
  • Perception Series
  • A small-diaphragm performer
  • AKG quality

Perception Series
The AKG Perception Series includes the 120, 170, 220, and 420. Each model features a 20dB attenuation pad for an even wider range of miking capabilities including vocals, brass instruments, electric guitar amps and drums across multiple market applications of studio recording, live sound and broadcast. Designed and engineered in Vienna, Austria, the entire Perception line offers AKG’s signature sound quality captured in a rugged precision-tooled zinc/aluminum alloy body with a dent-resistant stainless steel grille screen.

A small-diaphragm performer
The Perception 170 is a small-diaphragm true condenser microphone offering outstanding build quality and excellent value. The lightweight diaphragm delivers outstanding clarity and transient response and conforms to AKG's stringent quality standards. Its half-inch small-diaphragm true condenser transducer brings AKG studio quality to the project studio and all other areas of recording. A switchable preattenuation pad enable the Perception 170 to be used close to sound sources delivering up to 155 dB SPL. The heavy-duty, all-metal chassis and reliable gold-plated XLR-type output make the Perception 170 an excellent choice for a variety of live sound applications, too.

AKG quality
AKG has been designing and building top-quality microphones for over 60 years, and they continue to put great effort into meeting the needs of modern engineers, producers, and artists. From new, budget-minded models to classic studio essentials, AKG puts quality into every microphone they produce. When you see the familiar logo on an AKG mic, you know it's made to do the job, and do it well.

AKG Perception 170 Small-diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone Features:
  • Professional small-diaphragm, true condenser cardioid microphone
  • Switchable 20 dB preattenuation pad
  • Heavy-duty, roadworthy, all-metal construction
  • AKG sound quality
  • Designed and engineered by AKG in Vienna, Austria
  • Type: 0.5" diaphragm, externally polarized condenser
  • Polar pattern: Cardioid
  • Frequency range: 20Hz-20kHz
  • Sensitivity: 12 mV/Pa (-38 dBV)
  • Max. SPL: 135/155dB SPL (0/-20dB) for 0.5% THD
  • Equivalent noise level: < 21 dB-A(IEC 60268-4)
  • Signal/noise ratio: (A-weighted) 73dB (re 1 Pa)
  • Preattenuation pad: 0dB, -20dB
  • Impedance: <200 ohms
  • Recommended load impedance: >=1000 ohms
  • Current consumption: <=2 mA
  • Power requirement: 48V phantom power to DIN/IEC
  • Connector: 3-pin XLR-type (pin #2 hot)
  • Finish: Metallic blue

The AKG Perception 170 gives you incredible small-diaphragm performance at an amazingly low price!

Perception 170 Image Gallery

Specification Detail
Microphone Type Condenser
Polar Pattern(s) Cardioid
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz
Max SPL 135 / 155 dB SPL (0 / -20 dB) for 0.5% THD
Output Impedance <200 ohms
Signal to Noise Ratio 73 dB (re 1 Pa)
Self Noise < 21 dB-A(IEC 60268-4)
Low Cut Filter No Filter
Pads 20 dB
Length 6.3"
Width .87"
Depth .87"
Weight .95 lbs.
Manufacturer Part Number 3101H00070

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Reviews

based on 6 reviews

Excellent for live recording

by Jay from MA, USA
December 15, 2011
Music Background: Recording engineer
I bought two of theses for live concert recording. I'm really impressed with how clear and clean the sound is, and how wide and accurate the frequency response is.

"ALAN SAY'S BUY IT !"

by Alan Day from Meridian,Mississippi "Land 'O Peavey"
May 20, 2009
Music Background: 48years old in love with making music for 38 years........................
I Use this Little mic for micking acoustic instruments like guitars etc. After Consulting with my sales engineer "Joel Gragg" I decided on this mic for uncompromised sound quality at a price that won'... read more [+]t put you in the "PoorHouse".........Thank's again Guy's @ Sweetwater........Ya'll done it again! close [-]

Not a 451 B BUT.........

by D.J. from Monterey, TN
August 11, 2011
Music Background: Recording Engineer, Live Sound Engineer, Vocalist
It is an extremely serviceable pencil-type condenser mic. For the price, there is no way you can beat it, and that is why I gave it 4.5 stars. My age-old measuring stick, the "price-to-performance r... read more [+]atio" test was passed with flying colors, as this mic easily blows away any other competition at this price point. I personally would not use mine in the studio, as I much prefer the 451 B in that environment. However, on the road or in any live environment, you simply cannot get a better overhead mic for a drum kit without spending a lot more $$. The only drawback to this mic (and the reason I knocked 1/2 star off its rating) is that it is a feedback monster. However, any seasoned sound engineer can remedy that problem pretty easily; I know I was able to once I pinpointed this (these) mic(s) as the source of the feedback. I just wanted to let anyone considering this mic for use on a live stage know that if you are using stage monitors close to this thing (most drummers have a cabinet facing right at them) or at loud volumes (most are, right?), make sure you either have a good feedback suppressor (Sabine FBX2410 is what I use), one heck of an EQ on your monitor, or buy a reflexion filter to place around the mic. Once you do that, these guys sound like pure gold on drum overheads. Again -- for the price I paid for them, the small amount of engineering work that was needed to use them live was nothing. Once that feedback thing was tackled, they sounded wonderfully crisp, bright, and clean just like you would expect a drum kit to sound in the studio. You really can't go wrong picking up a pair of these for what they cost. Whether you are a total newbie picking up your first condenser or a seasoned sound engineer like I am, there is definitely a place for this mic in your mic case! close [-]

A great affordable option

by J. Storie from Los Angeles, CA
June 2, 2008
Music Background: pro musician, guitarist, teacher
I purchased this mic as an option to have for recording acoustic guitars. I have used the MXL 603s for the past 4 years now, and this mic sounds so much warmer. It seems the MXL 603 is a bit harsher, ... read more [+]and this had a darker sound - it is a bit colored, but thats just what im looking for when using my inexpensive MAudio mobile pre into my computer. I like having the -20db pad for louder sources, and for $150 its a great deal. While Im sure Ill eventually upgrade to some KM84s I know Ill always have a place for a mic like this. I give it 4.5 cause it didn't come with a case - 'cmon AKG! we need to take our gear out on the road every now and then! haha. close [-]

A good choice for capturing acoustic guitar

by acoustic guy from north of Nashville
May 23, 2008
Music Background: singer/songwriter
On the advice of the folks at Sweetwater, I purchased this mike as a versatile small diaphragm
condenser. It has significantly improved the quality of recordings I'm getting on acoustic guitar.... read more [+]
You can just point the 170 down at the 12th fret
and get some pretty sweet sounds.

If something happened to this mike, I would definitely buy another one. It picks up the
subtle differences between spruce top and cedar
top acoustics..... It was a good investment for me.. close [-]
Read more reviews

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See Also: Condenser Mics , AKG , AKG Condenser Microphones , AKG Condenser Microphones

AKG Perception 170

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