AKG P220 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone Reviews

Honestly this mic is probably all one would ever need. It's fun to dream about owning one of the dozens of classic vintage tube mics or shelling out a bunch of money for a 'better' condenser mic. In reality though, this mic sounds just perfectly fine on just about anything. It's got a nice silky and crisp high end sheen and very little noise. For 99% of music producers I think this mic is just fine.

Ultimately I think it mostly comes down to your creativity and performance first and foremost, and number two.. your room/mic placement as well as your ability to mix. This is coming from someone who has been obsessed with dreaming about and buying more and more gear (a habit which gets expensive real fast) in order to achieve a 'better' sound. I have come to realize that perhaps counterintuitively, the end result is often times far better and more genuine when the least time is spent obsessing over which mic or preamp to use or plug ins to buy, etc. This mic will work for the vast majority of applications and sounds about as good as any mic on the market imo.

Unless you are David Gilmore or Robert plant, I think you don't need to spend any extra money for a higher end mic. If anything, put the money into improving your room acoustics and recording environment. I use a Rhodes NTK-1A on mainly everything and have gotten great results. I recently did an A/B test between the Rhodes mic and this mic.. I honestly was not able to distinguish the two. Nearly identical sound, the Rhodes being slightly more expensive.

All of that is to say, this mic does the job and will sound great on just about anything you throw at it, despite the low price! ;)

this is my first XLR mic and its awesome, I've had mine for maybe almost a year or so, and as I've had my fair share of problems it's really a good mic and I recommend it for anyone who's looking for a quality but cheap mic

The mic is solidly built and comes in a handsome, secure case, with excellent shock mount. I wanted a mic with which I could record both my singing and guitar playing simultaneously. Anyone who who has tried this, knows the frustrations involved in the attempt. Until now, despite many various combinations of mic, guitar and voice, mixing, eq tweaking, recording guitar and voice separately, etc., I could not do this without losing the vibe, or getting some excessive bleed of the guitar into the vocal track. The many utube videos I had watched did little to help me on this matter. The game changer came with the AKG P220! Seated with the P220 at about six inches away from my mouth, with pop filter in place, and singing and playing at an average volume, it picks up the singing and guitar combo flawlessly, rejecting the guitar sound just enough for a perfect blend without any later tweaking in the mix whatsoever. Prior to this, the guitar would always overwhelm my voice, whether using a single condenser or dynamic mic or two mics in whatever combinations and at whatever distances and/or volume settings. This single track of voice and guitar recorded properly together with a single mic was what I had been looking for. The AKG P220 has just enough of a rejection pattern built in to do what I wanted it to do for the guitar, without compromising my voice at the same time. Not an easy task. Just be sure not to whale away at your guitar, and you will be fine. If you want to do what I had attempted unsuccessfully for years to do, then buy this mic. I promise, you won't be sorry. Thanks AKG and thanks Jordan for your helpful follow-up.

I have bought AKG mics for a long time and have never had one issue. Always great sound and good quality recordings!

I've been wanting to buy a good microphone for as long as I can remember but never really did because the ones that sound right to me are quite expensive. Not so long ago I decided to do some research again and sure enough found every mic in the 100$ price range sub optimal until a band member suggest the P220 to me.

First of all, it literally retails for less than it's supposed to cost. I don't quite get it how AKG is making a profit on these considering that you get a cool looking carrying case, a very high quality shock mount and a machined metal body that looks and weighs solid.

Then this microphone doesn't just sound better than it's competition, it's literally way above it in every way, I'd imagine it's unfair to compare P220 with anything that goes less than 500 dollars. It's extremely clear, sensitive and pleasant to the ear overall. While some people call it airy and what not I never found that to be the case, nuanced and unforgiving is what I'd call it.

As someone who's got a rather deep voice I have to say the lows are very refined and detailed which is very important to me. I don't even feel like buying that Blue baby bottle I've been thinking of getting some day anymore, anything substantially better is probably a U87. Yes I you read that right, even I find it hard to believe but it is true.

The mids are clear and punchy, while it is true that the highs are a bit elevated it's not something that is immediately obvious, there's tons of space to move around in EQ anyway. Consider this, even if I were exaggerating, this microphone VERY MUCH provides studio quality at a price that you simply should not be buying studio gear for.

P220 is excellent, simply a joy to have and use, somehow there is no compromise about the quality and then Sweetwater makes the experience even better.

Do get this gem, it will make you smile.

This mic is amazing for the price. For $... you will get a lot of mic. The first time I tested it I thought that I was just hearing my own voice, but it was in fact the mic. It it very crisp and clear sounding and it feels like it captures sounds the way they actually happen in the room. I would 100% buy this mic again!

Incredible ability to capture vocals. I have not tried it with instruments. Hears my voice better than I do. I got this partially to capture Tuvan/Mongolian throatsinging, and it works amazingly well for that, better than any microphone I've previously used, although I'm a novice recorder so my frame of reference is limited. This is the most expensive microphone I have ever used.

I'm no pro but as I continued to be unhappy recording my voice with my Shure SM58 I started to research if there was a better tool for the job.

My voice is low and not powerful so when I push it for volume my pitch suffers badly. My learning experience led me to condenser Mic's. I'm running this through my Helix with 48v phantom power enabled and recording in Garageband and after tweaking the gain on the Helix a bit I landed where I wanted to. I could use my normal speaking volume while singing and the mic picked it up so much better than the dynamic. I also used it to record my acoustic guitar parts although now I'm thinking about getting pencil mic's (Still condenser's) for that since it's picking up string noise as well as the creaking of my guitar strap when I make subtle movements. Anyway. This mic definitely did serve my purpose and I thought the extra money for the case and isolation mount was well worth going with this instead of the next level down.

Haven't gone crazy with recording yet, but it's clean and clear in reproduction and built solid. Of course there are better condenser microphones, but for the price it performs well so far.

What I like about this mic is that there doesn't seem to be any hyped frequencies. Pretty round tone straight through no eq. I use the bass roll off switch and it works well no real color change that I notice, subtle as it should be but I'm no pro.

It is also a bit smaller and heavier than other condenser mics that I've used. The smaller size actually works to your advantage in tight spaces if need be.

I gave this mic five stars because it was easy to mix with this mic as well after tracking with it as a drum overhead.

Customer service is engaging and attentive, I didn't have any questions this time but I get the feeling if I do I'm in good hands!!!

It's a good mic for the money. I use it for podcasts and it sounds great!

The mic I initially wanted was apparently going to be unavailable for some time, so they called me up and asked if I'd still like that particular one of if I'd be down with them guiding me to another product of similar value/capabilities. My man Chris led me to a great new microphone and got it to me even more quickly than I anticipated. He was great to talk to on the phone, and ton of help, and I will def be doing business with them again. Thanks, y'all!

Fantastic microphone for the price, and grateful to James Masterson for (always!) pointing me in the right direction! As I am working on my recording chops, this mic has really stepped up the game for my vocals.

I have 2 of these and they're outstanding for home recording and gigs. The 20db cut eliminates a lot of breath sounds and background without a loss of sound quality. Outstanding podcasting mics as well.

Would buy again.

Nothing bad to say about AKG P220. Used it at home for vocals and acoustic guitar recording with presonus ioStation pre-amps and it worked beautifully. No shortfalls I could see or hear

This is my first condenser mic. I use it for everything in my home studio. Drums, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and voice. I love the way it sounds!

I have found that it sounds specially nice in front of my amp, with the -20dB pad enabled. It has a smooth sound that I can't get from my dynamic mics.

It also works great for voice. I find that my voice sounds kind of "muffled" through my Samson Q7, which is an inexpensive take on the SM58. The AKG sounds more natural to what I hear on real life, it suits my voice perfectly.

On acoustic guitar, it sounds ok, but I am not completely blown away by it. I think its probably my inexperience on recording other than what the P220 actually picks up.

Overall, I think you can't go wrong with the P220. If you are looking into getting your first condenser microphone, this is a great choice for not a lot of money. I only wish I had two!

I really like this for voice. I can't compare it with thousand(s) dollar mikes and you shouldn't either. If you can afford the top $ stuff, go for it, but be honest to yourself about how much better they
sound. It's a great mike and I suspect it would work well recording guitars.

Does exactly what I need it to! And the sound is superb for the price

Absolutely the best mic at this price point. Stunningly transparent and crisp. Perfect for anything you throw at it. Vocals, bass, electric and acoustic guitar, amazing for overheads.

These microphones have paid for themselves in both musical application and content creation, 4 times over by now. And counting. I've used a pair of them for everything from podcasts to drum sessions. They are very transparent and when paired with great preamps and/or interfaces, they do their job well. Don't expect boutique sounds, but also don't be surprised if you end up capturing exactly what you planned. Pad and roll-off switches are great, as well as the (wonderful) case and (can't believe it's included) shockmount. Great for the value! (:

AKG P220 is an excellent microphone to recording voice and instruments, the low frequency is super fantastic . I want to thank the Sweetwater team for the excellent service and communication during the online purchase thanks again for everything

I didn't realize how much mic money could buy! If I'd known we could have sounded this good for so little I would have done it sooner. It is by no means a cheap sound but an inexpensive sound at a great price. So maybe it is a "cheap" sound.

Grabbed this a sturdy mic I could travel with and work on my album when in hotels and while visiting my mom in her lake home. Its very solid and tough but its also a true condenser. It isnt my fanciest mic but for some reason this thing is the best for cutting my baritone vocals. I also like it for tracking my viola (which I always play with a mute). I expected competency but its more than a workhorse, it is actually great for my voice. It has held up very well and compliments my revolution 2x2 as a travel rig. AKG quality and this thing is a tank to boot. I also like it for alto sax. It has presence and takes EQ and compression well, standing out in the complicated mixes I have going on 8 vocal harmonies with 8 guitar parts flying around an active drummer bass etc. Impressed.

Captures vocals well which is mainly what I bought it for. Sounds are warm, clean and clear. Works well with my Scarlett 4i4's 48v phantom power. The included case and spider mount provide great value for the price.

This is my first condenser mic so I'm still learning, but I feel I made a good choice.

I am just getting up and started with my own little studio!! I have worked with a lot of live performance mics(Shure, Sennheiser etc) but I am impressed with the quality of sound this little puppy puts out!! It is great with voals and my Martin acoustic!! I use it also on micing my bass amp it sounds great but not exactly the mic for low end instruments...but overall I am well pleased!!

Just absolutely love this mic. Comes with the case and shock mount. Buy that plosives filter please. This mic does it all for me. Don't need many polar patterns, the cardoid one is perfect for me. Using the On Stage boom mic mount to present it to me and move the mic out of the way when not working. I love the midrange of this mic so much. It gets my voice so right. I am already self conscious of my voice already. Highs are smooth and not edgy. Bass is where I expect, but the high pass filter or my soon to be included new mic effects channel strip will further improve things. I want the dbx 286s single channel strip. A must for vocals and voice over work. Guess where I am buying it?

So the build of this mic is very nice. Like a pound or so of nice metal with a reasonable well made element screen. It is not a Neumann so lets get that out of the way. But for what I do get, this mic on sale by the way of this review I just could'nt pass up. I may say more when I really get deeper into my voice over work. This may not be the ideal mic for voice over or podcasting, but I am really loving this mic. Now just need that dbx 286s and call it done!

I heard the Perception Tube 820 mic. Loved it. I heard the P120 on some home recordings. Loved it. (Then again, it also is a testament to the skill level of the tracking personnel, too.) So I figured, "Hey, Self, let me take one step closer to the Tube 820 and cop this one." I'm still working it out to get the optimal sound out of it in my less-than-ideal recording environment, but so far, I'm loving this as well. It's helping me to establish a few 'go-to' vocal signal chains for me that are really solid. I'm uniquely happy with this mic!

In my home studio I have used AT2035, Rode NT and SE2200. If you have an untreated room, this one is the best. What set it apart is the off axis noise rejection, which AT lacked while being a very transparent mic. This mic has a lot similar with SEs and C214s, while SE somehow a little bit more production ready. Having said that, I still prefer to use this one for acoustic Guitars, and this is also my go to mic for Vocals.

I bought these for overheads on our kit at church. These are a great option for a 3 mic set up or a cymbal mic with an aggressive HPF. We've been very happy with the results.

Great mic, very sensitive great for recording!

Today was the "Test" for our new AKG P220. It was a minimum equipment test! Plugged our new AKG into a mixer with phantom power and then into a small amp. Yes, it picked up voices and instruments very well. Even with our lack of understanding of a good setup, it did very well. Our next test is set up the complete PA in a large room and learn all it has to offer. First Impression was very good. Only to get better!

I bought this mic for my son ding recording. The sound is good quality. I already have the AKG 214 for myself and the P220 gives good output close to the 214. plus my son diggs it and is happy.

amazing value, as good as or better than condenser mics costing much more

Sound-wise, AKG quality shines thru in this budget priced condenser. I must admit I was pleasantly surprised at the 220's clarity and honest, true sound capture. This mic is SO worth the price of admission...add in the hard case and quality shock mount, and this is a no-brainer. AKG makes some of the best mics on the planet, and their know-how is evident in every aspect of this microphone. No harsh highs, nice,full mids, and zero low frequency mud is the deal here. Recommended!

I've had the mic for less than a year. It used work fine but now if i get to close or loud it cuts out for a few seconds then returns to normal. I searched many forums for a fix but I've found nothing. Their are other people with same problem but no fix. Waiting on AKG support to email me back.

It's not a great mic for doing harmonies on it has more of a direct sound, its more geared towards podcasters. It's a little tricky doing vocals on you really have to stand in position, don't get me wrong its a good quality mic and the price is fantastic but its a podcasters mic.

I bought this mic for recording vocals only. I kept reading about how "crisp" and "present" the mid-highs were. I'm a nut on high end presence and mid warmth. Unfortunately, even with my brand new Behringer mixer, I have to boost the mic about 6dB around 6k to make my vocals pop out in any type of composition I write (light to heavy). However, I do admit, the low mids are quite warm and pleasant, even though, with the bass rolloff on, I still have to pull back about 3dB around 200hz.
But honestly, for the price, you may consider these minor quibbles!
I think the traveling case is really cute, and the mic is solidly built and shows AKG's dedication to producing quality products in a very competitive market.

I don't like this mic. I've tried using it to record vocals and they always sound very harsh and brittle in comparison to other mics. Cringe-y sound. I love the case though.