AKG Perception 120 Professional Microphone

AKG PERCEPTION 120 PROFESSIONAL MICROPHONE


If you own a home studio, and you are looking for an inexpensive entry level condenser microphone that will provide you with professional sound quality at a reasonable price, you must consider putting the AKG Perception 120 Professional Microphone on your short list of possible choices. AKG is a trusted brand name among professional studio engineers and professional musicians alike. The Perception Series of microphones brings the time tested expertise of AKG down to an affordable level. Although the AKG Perception Series of microphones are high quality, they are not high priced, and they represent a great value for the money. The AKG Perception 120 lists for $229.95, but it can be had a most musical instrument chain stores for a discounted price of $119.97, which in my opinion represents a real value for ones money.

The AKG Perception 120 is a "condenser microphone." A "condenser microphone" is a microphone with an assembly that consists of a flexible diaphragm located in front of a fixed or stationary backplate. This diaphragm/backplate assembly is what is known as a capacitor or "condenser," and it has the ability to store an electrical charge. When sound waves reach the flexible diaphragm, the sound vibrations cause the diaphragm to also vibrate. When the diaphragm vibrates, this causes a change in distance between the backplate and the diaphragm, and that effects the electrical field that exists between the backplate and the diaphragm. It is this change in the relative distance between the diaphragm and the backplate or "condenser" that results in a change in the voltage that exits between them, which in turn results in the creation of an electrical signal which corresponds to the vibrations of the sound source.

Although I have seen the AKG Perception 120 being advertised as being a "true condenser," on different websites, I am afraid this is incorrect. The AKG Perception 120 uses a .667-inch back electret diaphragm. Thus, it is a "permanently biased" condenser microphone, which is also known as an "electret condenser." A permanently biased or electret condenser microphone has a charged backplate that is created when the microphone is manufactured. Some condenser microphones are "externally biased," such as the AKG Perception 220, and they are known as "true condenser microphones." But I will leave the explanation of what an "externally biased" condenser microphone is, and how these two types of condenser microphones differ for another review at a later date. Both externally biased and permanently biased condenser microphones are good microphones, and in general are more sensitive than dynamic microphones. About 95% of the condenser microphones on the market today are electret condensers.

The AKG Perception 120 is a microphone with a Cardioid pickup pattern. This means that it will be most sensitive to picking up or reproducing sounds that originate from directly in front of the microphone, and conversely it will reject or be less sensitive to picking up sounds that originate from the sides or back of the microphone. This is an important feature, especially for a microphone that will be used in recording rooms that are not as acoustically ideal as might be hoped for, such as for home based recordings.

The AKG Perception 120 is a microphone that offers an extended frequency range, with a frequency response that ranges from 20 Hz. to 20,000 Hz. Coincidently that is the exact frequency range for a healthy young person. Thus, because of its extended frequency response, the AKG Perception 120 is a microphone with the ability to reproduce a very natural sound when recording many different types of musical instruments, both acoustic and electric. Because the AKG Perception 120 has such a wide frequency response, it is ideally suited for recording various stringed instruments such as a violin, viola, cello, and even an upright bass, as well as other brass and woodwind orchestral instruments. It is also great microphone for recording acoustic guitar, piano, and for overhead use on percussion instruments and drums. It is also an excellent choice for recording the human voice.

Because of the high sound pressure levels typically generated by today's modern electrified rock musical equipment, one would usually consider using a dynamic microphone for close mincing of guitar and bass cabinets in a live or studio setting, as many condenser microphones are usually too sensitive for these purposes. However, the engineers at AKG took this into consideration when they designed the AKG Perception 120. The AKG Perception 120 has a switchable preattenuation pad. Unswitched, the AKG Perception 120 is capable of handling sound pressure levels (SPL) of up to 130 DB before distorting. By engaging the preattenuation switch, the headroom is increased by 20 dB, allowing the AKG Perception 120 to be capable of handling SPL's of up to 150 dB without clipping, and without altering the frequency response of the microphone. For quiet to normal sound pressure levels, the attenuation switch should be kept off. In cases where high sound pressure levels will be experienced, the attenuation switch can be easily engaged by pushing the preattentuation switch located on the front of the microphone just to the right and above the AKG logo. Of course, because the AKG Perception 120 is a sensitive condenser microphone, it is not recommended that one place it closer than two feet from a sound source that is as high as 150 dB SPL (i.e., a loud guitar speaker cabinet).

The AKG Perception 120 also features a Bass Cut Filter which rolls off at 300 Hz. This is a handy feature to have. This bass cut filter is easily engaged by way of a switch located on the front of the microphone, just above and to the left of the AKG logo. When engaged, the bass cut filter will dramatically reduce the chances of picking up unwanted low end rumbles, such as might travel up the microphone stand, and it also reduces the pickup of "plosives" or other wind noises that might be the result of a singer being too close to the microphone or possibly from an instrument that generates popping sounds due to wind. This filter also reduces the "Proximity Effect" that results from placing the microphone close too a sound source.

The diaphragm on the AGK Perception 120 is .667 inches in size. A microphone that is labeled as being a small diaphragm is usually smaller than that, but a microphone that is labeled as being a large diaphragm is usually one with a diaphragm of at least 1 inch. As such, the AKG Perception 120 is sort of in between the two. It delivers great quality sound at a very inexpensive price. Although it could be used for professional recordings, it may be more suitable for use in home studio applications.

Well I would like to thank you for taking the time to read my review, but now, if you will excuse me, I must get back to my practicing.