AKG Perception 120 Reviews

[brandondrury]

Compare the best prices from all over the web on AKG Perception 120
AKG Perception 120 Description
In 2005, AKG launched Perception microphones models 100 and 200 and it marked the beginning of a big success story. With Perception, AKG created a new series of microphones with legendary AKG sound and quality at an outstanding price/performance level. AKG's Perception mics are among the best wired condenser microphones at their price point.

The Perception 120 is a general-purpose condenser microphone. Its 2/3" cardioid capsule delivers beautifully-balanced response with excellent transients. It features AKG's design and logo style, True Condenser capsule technology, switchable 20 dB pre attenuation, and switchable bass-cut filter. The condenser is housed in a rugged die-cast chassis and dent-resistant stainless steel grille screen. Requires phantom power.

[Pterodactyl Pants]

Quality: 10
Very solid build! Aesthetics always make a big first impression, and this mic just feels GOOD to hold. Solid, cold, heavy. I do not have a lot of experience with expensive vocal mics, but the sound of this mic is fantastic. Before using this mic I tried a Rode NT1-A, which was a big step up from the dynamic mics I had previously used on vocals. However, the AKG for me was much more vibrant and transparent than the Rode, and much cheaper (I picked mine up for AUD $220).

Reliability: 10
Does everything I need it to. I don't use the pad or roll off features much so I can't really comment on how well they work.

Overall Rating: 10
I would absolutely recommend this mic. It is inexpensive and has a great sound on vocals. I haven't used it much beyond a vocal mic, however I did try it on a guitar amp and preferred a simple SM57.

[claypotts]

I own some really expensive microphones and some I love and some have been a bit disappointing. I picked the Perception 120 yesterday intending for it to be a mic I just use for Garageband (I do most of my work on my Roland VS-2400). The mic performed so well, that I had to try it on my pro system. It just knocked me out with the sound I got from it. I was so impressed that I ordered another 120 just now. These are my first AKG mics and I must say they know how to give bang for the buck!

[vintageblue]

Quality: 8
First off, let me say that this mic is built like a tank! Hands down this is the first condenser mic I've ever owned that rivals an SM57 in punishment taking department. The tolerances of this mic are up to usual AKG fare so one need not worry about using kid gloves with this sucker.
I purchased this mic($69 NOS) with the intent of close miking snare drums; I really like the natural high end crack/snap you get from an AKG condenser(like a 460B) and the 120 didn't dissapoint me. The -20db pad worked like a charm. Both the roll-off and pad switches are extremely sturdy not high-school-shop class flimsy like on other companies mics.
My only real gripe with the mic is that for whatever reason, AKG has placed an internal windscreen underneath the thick wire grill, and there is no way to open the mic to try and remove it. I am almost certain that another level of clarity could be obtained from this mic if said windscreen were to be removed. So consider that a future mod for the 120.

Reliability: 10
As stated above, this condenser thinks it's a dynamic and has served me faithfully thus far. Though I bought it "used" it had undoubtedly only been used once or twice maybe as it came with all original packaging & accessories. No need to deal with tech support, though I must add that the sales associate who sold me the 120 included the spider mount from a 220/420 at no extra cost! Go me!

Overall Rating: 9
I am always wary of recommendations when it comes to subjective things like microphones. This mic has served me well, but then again, I am using it in an unconventional way. But I can say that for anyone looking to have an unbiased recording of a midrangey instrument/vocal, this mic will not dissapoint. Just remember that any mic should be paired with a solid preamp!