AKG Perception 200 Large Diaphragm True Condenser Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)After trying progressively better microphones, I decided to get serious about buying a good microphone. The intended use of the microphone is for narrative vocal recording, as opposed to musical vocal recording, with the possibility of recording acoustic guitar and conga drum as well. I could not be more pleased with my choice.
Several other microphones were considered, including the Perception 100. The primary difference between the two models is the 200 features two switches allowing the microphone to be used in very high volume level situations and to reduce bass input. In retrospect, while these are not gimmicks, I question how much my particular need for these features will be. The difference in price was reasonable, so my dissatisfaction is minimal. The real rating should be four point eight (4.8) points out of five.
The sound quality offered by the Perception 200 more than makes up for any dissatisfaction over spending a little more than I needed to. Where I work, we have a broadcast quality microphone in a sound isolated environment. That microphone cost 3 to 5 times what I spent on the Perception 200. Digital recordings produced by both microphones on the same equipment show very little difference in sound capture. In informal blind listening, through the same playback equipment, most people agreed the Perception recordings sounded slightly warmer, but the vocal range was identical and the Perception captured subtle vocal nuances as well as the more expensive studio microphone.
According to AKG, except for the aforementioned attenuation switches, the Perception 100 is supposed to deliver the same response as the Perception 200. Only because of the differ4ence in cost, I'd slightly downgrade the overall value of the 200. The performance is outstanding at any price. I highly recommend this microphone to serious home recorders or studio operators wanting quality on a tight budget.

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Ground-breaking, high-quality AKG large-diaphragm recording microphones have defined the international studio standard for decades. The new Perception 100 and Perception 200 microphones are based on AKG's nearly 6 decades of experience and from input provided by sound engineers around the world that use AKG products every day.

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AKG C1000S Multi Purpose Studio Vocal/Instrument Microphone Review

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(More customer reviews)This could be one of the most versatile, and under appreciated, microphones in AKG's lineup. This mic was purchased to complement a portable digital audio recorder with the idea of using one setup for both audio interviews and recording spoken word narrations as well as producing on-location recordings of various types. While AKG does not list this particular microphone for use with this type of application, we are finding this an excellent mic for these purposes.
The mic has a solid feel in the hand and very good balance. The last is important if the mic is being used hand held, like a reporter's microphone, for conducting an interview. While lacking the traditional ball head of the reporter's microphone, the C1000's shape lends itself to one-on-one interviews very easily. The sound quality was superior to other hand held microphones we tried.
Being a condenser microphone, some type of phantom power is required. The mic is designed to accept a standard 9V battery when used without another power source available. The mic does feature an LED to let you know if the battery is functioning. The field recorders we are using have phantom power capability, so I can't comment on the battery operation of this mic. With the usual precautions concerning wind, the microphone performs well when outdoors.
In a studio situation, the mic performs excellently. Being a small diameter mic, the sound is crisper than what most studio mics deliver. Listeners to recorded narrations produced with this mic did not find this objectionable. In some cases, the C1000 will make a good alternate studio mic for a speaker with a slightly flat voice. To help with voice characteristics, AKG supplies an accessory, the PB 1000, which boosts the "presence" of the voice. This is a small plastic filter that the user installs by unscrewing the microphone body and snapping the Presence Booster over the capsule. Unscrewing the body also reveals an internal pop filter that is surprisingly effective.
A second snap-on accessory, the PPC 1000 Polar Pattern Converter, converts the pickup pattern from cardiod to hypercardioid. This makes the mic more directional for use in onstage situations or where noise from the peripheral areas may be a problem. This too is an effective accessory.
Properly placed, this microphone is capable of doing a lot. While it may not be suitable as a hand held mic for singing vocals, it would do very well placed off stage for recording a group singing onstage. The response graphs also suggests this mic will do very well for recording acoustic string instruments, cymbal or even higher range brass instruments. As previously mentioned, it also does a very good job for recording voice over type spoken word recordings.
This mic is priced within the range of the home recorder's budget yet it will deliver studio quality recordings in a variety of situations. The AKG C1000 would certainly be a contender if I had to have only one microphone and wanted to be as versatile as possible.


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The versatility of the C 1000 S makes this an extremely popular model, and one ideally suited for all kinds of recording and live sound applications. If no phantom power is available, the mic can be powered by a standard 9 V battery, making it perfect for mobile use. With its new battery monitoring electronics, the C 1000 S now features a reliable LED warning light. The red LED above the the microphone switch lights up when the remaining battery life falls below 45 minutes. The polar pattern can quickly be switched from cardioid to hypercardioid simply by attaching the PPC 1000 Polar Pattern Converter provided to the microphone capsule. The PB 1000 Presence Boost Adapter also supplied with the C 1000 S adds 3 to 5 dB of high-end enhancement between 5 and 9 kHz, improving clarity of speech and adding definition to instrument sounds.

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AKG PERCEPTION 420 Professional large-dual-diaphragm true-condenser microphone with switchable polar patterns. Review

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(More customer reviews)I picked up a pair of these when they came out and they've done the job quite well as backup mics. They don't have the magical sound of premium microphones (my primary mics cost me a LOT more money), but they offer a rich feature set and sound pretty decent. I do primarily live classical recording, and I've used these both as spots and as a secondary main pair.
In a world full of cardiods, many beginning recordists are unaware of the effectiveness of other techniques. Multipattern mics let you easily experiment with both M/S (Mid-Side) and Blumlein recording. In a nice room, spaced omnis can also make the recording feel more natural. These mics are perfect for performing that sort of experiment, and they'll give you a result that you won't be ashamed of.
I should also point out that the shock mount that comes with this mic is very nice, as is the carrying case. In the last few years, we've had a flood of inexpensive microphones. Some are good and some aren't. These are good.

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The AKG Perception 420 Studio Condenser Microphone features legendary AKG sound quality and a dual-element design that accommodates cardioid, omni, and figure-8 patterns. The Perception 420 includes a shock mount and a metal case, and is equipped with a -20dB pad switch and a bass cut filter switch that allows easy removal of wind noise and other unwanted low frequencies. The AKG Perception 420 Studio Condenser Microphone is a new addition to the acclaimed Perception line of AKG microphones.

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AKG Acoustics K-240 Semi Open Studio Headphones Review

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(More customer reviews)First, although K240 phones old and new surround your ears, they are vented. Ambient noise is not reduced greatly as a result, but this design improves sound quality.
I have used the 600 ohm K240M phones since 1986. The new K240S are 55 ohms making them far more compatible with todays lower voltage gear. Even better, this new design gives deep bass response that I never thought was possible from phones. Even a 32 foot bombarde pipe organ stop sounds quite real, although you will not feel the room shake. Listening to a signal generator through these new K240S phones gives an impression of powerful bass down to at least 40 Hz. The old K240M drops off below 100 Hz. A slight dip in the midrange(K240M) has been filled in, making the K240S more true sounding.
Both the new and old versions reproduce operatic voices without increased "ping" which can be very abrasive. Years ago I started using phones to judge voices on choral recordings, resorting to speakers only to judge the organ sound. Speakers can make some beautiful voices sound nasty. Producer John Culshaw documented this in one of his books on recording the Wagner Ring.
The open air design minimizes ear sweating while giving a more open perspective. "In your head" effects are greatly suppressed compared to many sealed type phones. When watching opera DVD I find no conflict between the phone perspective and the TV screen on DVD that are well mixed. Orchestral sound is excellent, as is piano. To my ears, these phones give a perspective and tonal balance that is very close to what I hear at Boston Symphony Hall, when I sit in the second balcony front. These seats overhang the stage. When I sing in a choir, the live perspective is even closer to what the phones produce, provided my position on stage is fairly central. This is, in my opinion, a valid sound perspective, even if it is quite different from the tenth row center sound I aim for when I build speakers. Non performers sometimes have trouble accepting this close a perspective at first, only because it is not familiar. Many other phones give a perspective that is too close for comfort, a good reason to avoid the low end.
It is good to bear in mind that individual ears are unique in shape and that phones are designed to work on a "standard ear" made with an average shape. Phones will give different response curves depending on how your ear pinnae and canal differs from that "laboratory standard ear" shape.
People with small heads will have trouble keeping the phones on. It is unfortunate that although this problem has been known for years, nothing has been done to correct this.
AKG did not change any parts that touch your ears and head, a very wise move. Some parts are interchangeble, as they have the same stock number on AKG parts lists. Unfortunately AKG has of late been hard to deal with, making part purchases difficult.
Consider buying the K 240 studio phones in the MK II version as you get a spare cord and spare ear pads with a velvet like feel. Having these extra parts on hand is worth the extra cost and makes this four star item a 5 star item.

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The Studio version of these classic hi-fi stereo headphones uses XXL speakers with Varimotion diaphragms for higher sensitivity, a wider dynamic range, and higher sound levels. Other features include semi-open earphones, a solid bass range, clear highs, and excellent comfort.

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