Product ReviewsAKG Perception 420 Condenser Cable Professional Microphone

AKG 420 Perception

I purchased this mic from a great ebay seller at a great price, that's always a plus. Have to say that it has lived up to all that was said and demonstrated about it. It is crystal clear and very responsive. Having a mic with two diaphrams is a big plus when you have limited space. I use it for home recordings only, never out on stage and that's only because the places I play are simply too small. Feedback with condensers is always a problem in an enclosed space using monitors and when mic levels have to be up in volume to cover drums and such. I am, however still considering the Sterling Audio ST59. I haven't had or heard it in action myself but I did own a ST 55 and found it to be excellent. The 59 has multiple settings like the 420 does. Sterling mics have a wide range of pricing but the quality on all of them is excellent... a very underated company IMHO ... but back to this mic.... after using it, I just may consider keeping it, I think it is that good and I would go so far as to say I love it. If you want a mic that is so sensitive that you can hear yourself breathing in the cans, this is you mic.. above, I checked off lightweight as NO and that is a good thing... built like a little tank... just make sure that if you purchase one that it comes with the shock mount if you don't have one.. you will need it if you are a foot tapper while you record and if the neighbors next door are fighting, you will hear every word..lolRead full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: bjboydent

Pro quality studio all-rounder on a budget!

One of the best Chinese large-diaphragm condensers out there. The AKG circuit design is cribbed straight from the U87Ai, and while the components aren't terribly high end, the sound quality is fantastic for the price. It's easily worth double the MSRP, and with a little skill can be easily modified to sound like mics costing over $1000. The - 20dB pad makes it useful on loud sources, and the multipattern switch makes it versatile for use as a room mic, or vocal, or even hard-to-mic instruments like piano and cello. A studio Swiss army knife!Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: primepulsetimep...

Excellent Mic

I didn't have a huge budget, but I did a lot of research on mics and also looked at which recordings/artists used certain ones in their home studios. The AKG Perception 420 was a winner for me from the brand reputation, the features (3 patterns - so I can use it for just vocals or guitar or a group of people - no matter), and it was used by a couple of people I respected. I am thoroughly happy with this purchase.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: ctownsellers

The 420 is a mic that can be used for just about everything, anytime. ;)

I use this for vocals, room effect and drum overheads. Heard good things and got it for $150, I am very happy with the multi pattern option as well as the pad/boost and linear pick-up signal switch. One of the first large condenser purchases for my locker, BIG difference between the 420 and AKG paired C1000S's when recording drum overheads. For vocals,I use an ART tube pre for this and can sound like Barry White, really hot. (as in hot signal) Put one of these in the middle of a bass, guitar and drums and hit 'RECORD'.Read full review...

AKG Percetion 420 Professional Microphone

I decided I needed a better mike than my s57 for recording vocals. I have some friends who use a condenser mic onstage for vocals and acoustic instruments and decided to have a go. I have not been disappointed. I have had the mic for a few months and am very satisfied with it. I use it with my playing partner for recording practice sessions. We place the mike in front of a PA speaker and record on a Tascam. Just had to try a few placement positions and yahoo! Excellent results. I also use it for recording on my Emac via garage band. The sound is crystal clear and alive. I sing in midrange, usually key of G, F#, E. All original acoustic singer/songwriter with a R&R, Blues, Americana bend. With this mic I can sing naturally, with no forced effort, and it comes across clear as a bell. I accompany myself on an Ålvarez acoustic and, after a few placement/positioning test runs, I was amazed at the clarity, texture, and separation of both the vocals and simultaneous acoustic guitar Well done, AKG.Read full review...

Versatile Mic

No dislikes here. It took my recording to a completely new level. If you are considering a new mic, this is the one. I have several mics that are higher end ones in price and reputation but this beats all but one including mics by Blue, Sony, and Shure.It gives you a clean, rich full sound and has several options as far as roll off switches and the multi pattern choices make it a no brainer.Read full review...

Great Mic, sounds like AKG should

I have 4 414's, 2 BULS, and 2 silver EB's, this 420 sounds very very close to my BULS models. I would highly recommend this mic anytime if you do not have the money to buy the 414.

very cheap to it's quality !

i made several recordings with it it handled very hard works ,i compared it with very expensive mics like neumann u 87 and c414 b xll it made very good resullts.the main reason for me was its price,it very very cheap and have a great results much more expected than it's price ! it's great for both vocal or instruments recordings.though it's very cheap it's performance is excellent.it has a good results and has half the price to its class.Read full review...

Like its costlier AKG stablemates

For the money, beautiful definition on male and female voices, as well as piano and double bass. Multiple pattern gives it the flexibility of a 414.

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: bjboydent

Multi-pattern Value

Simply the best value for a large diaphragm multi-pattern condenser. love the first generation ice blue finish. just get it