AKG P220 Review

Are you looking for a top-of-the-line condenser microphone that won’t break the bank? Look no further than the AKG P220!

Sure, it may sound too good to be true, but this mic is the real deal. With a true condenser capsule, you’ll be able to enjoy a neutral frequency response, perfect for a variety of applications.

Plus, the max SPL of 135 dB and the bass roll-off switch make it easy to tailor the sound to your liking.

So don’t wait another minute – treat yourself to the AKG P220 and you’ll be sure to be singing its praises!

Key Takeaways

  • The AKG P220 is a large-diaphragm true condenser microphone with a frequency response of 20 Hz – 20 kHz.
  • It has a max SPL of 135 dB, with a 20 dB pad increasing it to 155 dB, making it suitable for aggressive music styles and high SPL applications.
  • The P220 is ideal for studio vocals, providing warmth and body and reducing edginess, and it can also be used for live vocals, holding its own compared to the popular SM58 microphone.
  • While it is suitable for capturing acoustic guitar sound, it may not add sparkle to the guitar and may require another microphone for shaping tone when used with guitar and bass amps.

Specifications and Features

Frequently, the AKG P220 features a large-diaphragm true condenser microphone with a frequency response of 20 Hz – 20 kHz and a max SPL of 135 dB. It has a chunky and solid build, making it suitable for taking on the road and offers a true condenser capsule, unlike the budget-friendly P120.

Thanks to its high SPL, it’s capable of handling aggressive music styles and has a bass roll-off switch to filter out anything below 300 Hz. Moreover, its sound quality is quite clear and precise, making it ideal for recording both studio and live vocals. It’s also great for capturing acoustic guitar, as well as guitar and bass amps when used in conjunction with another microphone.

When compared to other microphones, such as the AKG P420 or Audio-Technica AT2020, the AKG P220 is the preferred choice for its sound quality and affordability.

Studio Vocals

You’ll find that the AKG P220 is an ideal microphone for recording studio vocals due to its warmth and body. With a 20 Hz – 20 kHz frequency response, and a max SPL of 135 dB, it can handle both soft and aggressive vocal styles.

Using proper vocal recording techniques and microphone placement, you can capture a natural and full-bodied sound. This microphone is also capable of rejecting off-axis sound, making it suitable for capturing live performances.

Its chunky and solid build makes it the perfect candidate for taking on the road. Overall, the AKG P220 is a great choice for studio vocals.

Live Vocals

Surprisingly, the P220 holds its own compared to a legendary microphone like the SM58 for live vocals. Its high SPL makes it suitable for capturing even aggressive vocal styles, and it also does a surprisingly good job of rejecting off-axis sound. This makes it a decent candidate for a live performance microphone.

When compared to the SM58, it offers a warmer, fuller sound, although it lacks the depth of the SM58 for capturing a full vocal sound. However, the P220 is a great choice for vocalists looking for a versatile microphone for their live performances.

Drums

With its high SPL of 135 dB (155 dB with pad), the AKG P220 is a great choice for capturing drums. Whether you’re looking for close miking techniques or alternative drum microphones, the P220 is worth experimenting with.

The microphone is surprisingly good at rejecting off-axis sound, making it suitable for live vocals as well. While it doesn’t excel in any specific drum application, it can certainly get the job done.

For best results, you can combine the P220 with another microphone to shape the tone of the drums. It’s also worth noting that the P220 has a true condenser capsule, which offers a noticeable difference in sound quality.

Guitar and Bass Amps

It also works wonders as a guitar microphone, allowing you to capture the sound of your guitar or bass amp with ease. The P220 is great for close miking techniques, allowing you to get a detailed and accurate representation of the sound. It can also be used for far-miking techniques for a more roomy and full-bodied sound.

Tone shaping can be done by utilizing multiple microphones and blending them together. The P220 is a great choice for this purpose due to its neutral frequency response and true condenser capsule. Its high SPL makes it suitable for even the most aggressive of tones.

Conclusion

The AKG P220 is an excellent choice for any musician. Its true condenser capsule and neutral frequency response make it great for studio vocals, live vocals, drums, and guitar/bass amps.

The max SPL of 135 dB and bass roll-off switch give you the ability to further customize the sound.

With its versatility, affordability, and superior sound quality, the AKG P220 is a must-have for any serious musician.

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