AKG Perception 220

The Perception 220 is a fixed cardioid, large diaphragm FET condenser mic. It's frequency response ranges from 20-20,000Hz and is fairly flat. In theory, it could be a perfect vox microphone in a studio setting because of how flat the response is.

Here is a picture of the graphed response:

https://en.audiofanzine.com/condenser-microphone/akg/Perception-220/medias/pictures/a.play,m.923034.html

It is also a nice overhead.
I've only used it as a single overhead, but a matching pair would sound delicious because of where the peak sits on the high frequencies(somewhere between 10 and 11k).
It's got a high pass filter or bass rolloff switch that will bring down the lows starting at about 300Hz.
It also has a pad switch that brings it down -20dB which has lead to me experiment with it in live situations. It works great as a live overhead, room mic, and Bass Cab mic.

It comes with a shock mount and a decent plastic carrying case. It is on sale for 150$ new. When I purchased it a few years back, I think it was closer to 200$. 150$ for this microphone is a steal.



OVERALL OPINION

My favorite thing about this mic is that I've yet to get tired of it. As a 150$ microphone, that is actually astounding!
I also love that it gives so much freedom to E.Q. in post! Equally captured frequencies are incredibly helpful when doing a large mix!
Where the highs are smoothly accented in the response, it is also able to capture very natural sounds. I love using it to record live acoustic sessions. Great for catching the dynamic of the room.
This mic was recommended to me by a friend and fellow sound engineer years ago. I bought it as my first condenser. It still finds it's way into most of my studio projects somehow or another.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new mic to add to their collection but especially to those who are new to the world of pro audio and in need of a first decent and decently priced condenser mic. It is all around trust worthy.

Pros:
- Price Point; It will pay for itself in one session.
- Flat Frequency Response makes it very versatile.
- Very smooth sound.
- Great overhead.
- Great Vocal mic(in a studio setting).
- Great room mic.

Cons:
- DO NOT BOTHER trying to mic guitar cabs.
- A little sensitive. Even for a condenser.
- The High Pass filter cuts too much out and starts to affect the warmth of the sound.
- Figuring out the proper time to use the pad versus volume or gain cuts can be tricky. It could just be me, though.

I use this mic for vocals. For now on a male voice quite serious and hot.
Comes in a nice carrying case with everything you need.
It is heavy and feels solid.

OVERALL OPINION

I have very little experience with the microphones. And I did not long ago.
But for now, that I go out I like. It must be said that the singer I record has a beautiful voice.
And is rather well rendered, rather subtle.
In fact I'm very happy, but I have no points of comparison. I would say to models, it's perfect. And maybe to make recordings more seriously, but in this case, I guess you have a play adapted (that I did not) and an acquisition channel audio very transparent.
For my little portable configuration (macbook pro + + AudioBox VTB1), this is the best!