AKG Perception 420

The Perception 420 is the nicest and most expensive mic in AKG's Perception line. The Perception mics are definitely aimed at the home studio market, but you will actually see the 420 pop up in a few pro studios here and there. This is the only one of the perception mics that I have owned that I still have. The others I all found to be lacking in the sound quality category so I sold them off. First of all this mic has a lot of nice features. It is a dual capsule condenser mic with a large diaphragm, which is going to get you a more full and round sound than one with a smaller diaphragm. The mic housing is a very attractive metallic blue with a silver mesh pop screen over the capsule. It comes with a nice aluminum hard case and a spider shock mount, so you won't have to go buy those necessary amenities elsewhere like you'd end up doing with cheaper mics. The mic comes with a 20 dB pad if the signal is clipping in the mic. One of the best features of this mic though is the fact that it can handle so much noise without clipping in the first place. I have recorded a guitar amp that was set extremely loud, probably over 140dB, and this mic was picking it up fine without even having to engage the pad. That is one of the best SPL handling sessions that I've seen from a mic at any price. The polar pattern on this mic is also switchable, which is fantastic for a $300 mic. You can go from cadioid to figure 8 to omni on this mic. There is also a low cut filter, which will cut out some of the rumble and bass noise on your signals that don't need it like vocals. This is one bad pitfall of this mic though, because I think it definitely takes out too much lows and cuts into the body of most sounds.

OVERALL OPINION

This mic is definitely the best of the perception series due to more features and increased sound quality. I think that this mic is actually a killer deal at only $300. I like to use this mic on my upright piano pointing at the sound board on the back, it sounds awesome. I have also used it on some vocalists over more expensive ones sometimes. It is a really great value mic, and offers a lot of features and decent sound. It's a good deal.

Condenser microphone, switchable pattern (cardioid, omnidirectional or figure-8)

Microphone jacks used for singing.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it as an amateur since 1 month, coupled with a preamp BlueTube and an external soundcard Tascam FireOne on a laptop (requires holiday) and a pop filter.

Before I used my mic scene (Sennheiser EW135 G2) or SM58 (which I do not like). the difference is not comparable.

My advice is to take that as an amateur:

First impression: the packaging: it comes with a carrying case with protective foam, which is very reassuring given the fragility of these microphones. It is quite heavy and seems well made.

First tests:
This microphone is very sensitive and very faithful to the grain of the voice that is crystal clear that I have ever had with those I used before (at the same time it was not made for)
It does not mask the absence of voice (which is a good point but also requires them to be very rigorous in decision)
We must be careful to be in a quiet room (although it does not mean the transplanted (low) wind from the computer, it will capture cons by the sounds of someone typing on the keyboard or ... the drill to the floor below)
We tried it in a fairly large room, without carpet, and suddenly catches have some sort of natural reverb. (Which does not bother me, it's very light)
I do not put "excellent" rating because as I have no real basis for comparison, having never before had this type of microphone. AKG brand was recommended to us by an engineer when we asked him what kind of mic choice, affordable, to make recordings at home.

We have not tested the other positions the microphone (omni, figure-8)

to get a better idea, you can listen to recordings made with this mic on this page (under the conditions described above, without the drill):

https://www.reverbnation.com/Lucywhisperingtales

There is no effect, no EQ on the voice, they are taken raw, made at once, so anything that is most natural ... including errors

Notice to complete the experience with ...

good music at all