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The Roger Nichols Gear Collection

AKG Perception 420

Item ID: Percep420

Large-diaphragm Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone with Bass Roll-off and Switchable Pad

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From Our Research Team:

An Amazing and Affordable Multi-pattern Condenser from AKG

The AKG Perception 420 large diaphragm condenser microphone gives you high sensitivity, a very forgiving SPL capacity, and multiple pickup patterns; in short, it's a versatile addition to any pro facility, where uncompromising quality is standard. The Perception 420 features a 20dB pad, switchable bass roll-off, and pristine sound quality. You can select between cardioid, omni, and figure-eight pickup patterns for a variety of miking applications. This mic is ruggedly constructed and includes a spider-style shockmount and aluminum carrying case. AKG means quality, and the Perception 420 is no exception!

AKG Perception 420 Large Diaphragm Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone at a Glance:
  • Perception Series
  • Multi-pattern condenser
  • Pro-level 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.

Multi-pattern condenser
AKG's Perception 420 is a multi-pattern large-diaphragm condenser microphone for more demanding professional studio recording applications. Three selectable polar patterns – cardioid, omnidirectional or figure-eight – allow a wide range of stereo miking techniques and ambient recording.

Pro-level performer
The 420 is ideal for professional studio recording of grand piano, woodwind and brass instruments as well as drums and percussion. Offering high sensitivity and 155dB maximum SPL, the Perception 420 delivers a warm transparent sound quality in a selection of cardioid, omni-directional or figure-eight pickup patterns. A switchable bass cut filter and preattenuation pad enable the Perception 420 to be used close to sound sources in sound fields as high as 155 dB. The microphone's chassis is made of precision-tooled zinc/aluminium alloy and boasts a dent resistant stainless-steel wire-mesh front grille. It comes complete with a spider-type shock mount in an aluminium carrying case.

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 420 Large Diaphragm Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone Features:
  • Back-to-back large-diaphragm multi-pattern transducer
  • True condenser technology
  • High sensitivity and 155dB maximum SPL capability
  • Switchable 20dB preattenuation pad
  • Switchable bass cut filter
  • Type: Dual-capsule, 1" large-diaphragm, true condenser pressure-gradient microphone
  • Polar pattern: Cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-eight
  • Frequency range: 20Hz-20kHz
  • Sensitivity: 28 mV/Pa (-31 dBV)
  • Max. SPL: 135/155dB SPL (0/-20dB) for 0.5% THD
  • Equivalent noise level: 16dB-A (IEC 60268-4)
  • Signal/noise ratio (A-weighted): 78dB
  • Preattenuation pad: 0dB, -20dB
  • Bass filter: 12dB/octave, 300Hz
  • Impedance : <=200 ohms
  • Recommended load impedance: >=1000 ohms
  • Current consumption: <=2 mA
  • Power requirement: 48V phantom power to DIN/IEC
  • Connector: 3-pin XLR
  • Finish: Metallic blue/nickel grille
  • Spider-type shock mount and aluminium carrying case included

The AKG Perception 420 is a versatile performer, and an incredible value!

Perception 420 Image Gallery

Specification Detail
Microphone Type Conenser
Polar Pattern(s) Carioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-eight
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz
Max SPL 135/155 dB SL (0/-20 dB) or 0.5% THD
Output Impedance <=200 ohms
Signal to Noise Ratio 78dB
Self Noise 16 dB-A (IEC 60268-4)
Diaphragm Size 1"
Low Cut Filter 12 dB/octave, 300 Hz
Pads 0dB, -20dB
Length 6.5"
Width 2"
Depth 2"
Weight 1.16 lbs.
Manufacturer Part Number 3101H0020

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Reviews

based on 4 reviews

"ALAN SAY'S BUY IT !"

by Alan Day from Meridian,Mississippi "Land 'O Peavey"
May 20, 2009
Music Background: 48 years old and been in love with making music for 38years.........
After Consulting with my Sweetwater Sales Engineer "Joel Gragg". I realized I needed a Jam Up Vocal mic for my Recording Studio that didn't compromise Sound Quality and would not Break the Bank either... read more [+]. If you are into Recording in home or in your own private studio. You can't beat this Mic for the Price. I've used it religiously for Vocal tracking and it is multi-directional with an awesome pattern.Comes with a Great "shockmount" and hardshell carrying case...........Thank's Guy's Ya'll came through for me one more time! close [-]

Great mic

by Voo Doo Johnny from pgh pa usa
August 5, 2011
Music Background: Musician
This is a great mic, it will stand up to the best in its class, it is realyl built well i have been recording with it since i got it, not 1 problem. if you expect a 5,000 neuman it's not but for the ... read more [+]price you can't do better, i am ordering another. comes with nice case and shock mount. Thanks Danielle for the advice. close [-]

Cool As a Breeze!!

by Ldozier from Sherrill, AR
February 25, 2010
Music Background: singer, songwriter, and composer
Hey, I bought this mic over a year ago and yesterday I decided to give it it's first run. I tried testing it out on a gospel song in which at times I sung very high soprano. When I first hooked the mi... read more [+]c up to my preamp I was a little nervous because it doesn't cost all that much. But when I got to the bridge of my song my vocals broke through like ice. This is one of the best low cost mics out there and I sound really good. The mid range is great with just a tad of high range. The features are good as well if you know anything about mics you know that a multi-pattern can really drive up the price. But, with the 420 it is affordable to most home studio owners. AKG really out did themselves on the quality, sound, features, and price of the mic. I recommend this mic to anyone who is looking for a go to mic. close [-]

I Like it

by Twice from BHAM,AL
April 8, 2010
Music Background: Engineer, Musician
I have owned it for about a week now,I first tried it at home with an old dbx preamp that was idle. I was somewhat impressed. I ran out to a local store and bought a presonus preamp for about $130. ... read more [+]I am extremely impressed with this sound. I have recorded on a C12 Microphone, and this thing is similar, at has a Professional sound that you would find in a high dollar studio. close [-]

inSync Review

by: Stephen Gallagher
My first experience with the Perception series microphones was with the 200 model. I was so impressed with its performance on a live recording that I decided I needed to get one for my own use. Of cou... read more
Read more reviews

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

AKG Perception 420

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