AKG needs no introduction. The company makes some of the most-used microphones of all time, including the workhorse 414 condenser and the seven thousand dollar C12 tube mic. The AKG P120 is in a different category altogether, at an unbelievable value. It’s natural to have some reservations about ultra-affordable mics, especially coming from a company known for producing high quality stuff at a price. In this AKG Perception 120 condenser mic review, we’ll determine whether the microphone makes sacrifices in order to keep costs down.
AKG’s Perception Line Delivers Professional Level Performance at Home Studio Friendly Prices
The P120 is the most popular offering from the Perception line, which includes four different condenser mics (one being a small-diaphragm instrument mic). Perception microphones are designed in Vienna and built in China, which keeps production costs to a minimum. As such, the P120 is priced impressively low for home studio enthusiasts and those looking to dabble in recording.
AKG Perception 120 Condenser Mic Review
The AKG P120 is a multi-purpose, 2/3″ diaphragm condenser microphone. Perfect for use in the home studio, it’s well suited for vocals and acoustic instruments. The sound is relatively neutral across the spectrum, with a moderately hyped top end common in budget condenser mics.
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What Makes It Great
For $85, price undoubtedly makes this microphone great. That alone will sway many buyers. Apart from that, it has features not frequently found in this price range, including a switchable pad and bass cut filter. It also feels substantial and not “cheap” by any means, with a nice rugged metal body.
Where It Lacks
The P120 has a self-noise of 19 dB. That’s substantially greater than a similar, albeit more expensive, competitor like the Røde NT-1, which boasts an incredibly low self-noise of 4 dB. The noise value isn’t great, but it shouldn’t be a problem with close miked vocals or instruments.
Who Should Use the AKG P120?
Anyone shopping for their first studio condenser should consider the AKG P120. Even with the budget condenser market as saturated as it is, AKG is able to stand out with the addition of a pad and low cut filter. Most options in this range leave those off to cut costs, but AKG managed to make the most out of their affordable Perception line.
Conclusion: Does the Performance Hold Up to the Price?
Backed by a reputable name like AKG, the P120 holds its own against similarly priced competitors. Nothing about it looks or feels cheap, which is great. Most importantly, the sound is quite impressive as well. I firmly believe anyone who’s getting into home recording for the first time would find few to no faults with the P120.
It’s tough to produce a microphone that’s both ridiculously affordable and desirable, yet AKG has done a knockout job with the Perception series.