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CardioidAKG Acoustics P120

Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The P120 is a medium-diaphragm condenser mic with switchable pad and filter. It is the successor to the Perception 120, which was cosmetically similar but used an electret capsule. The P120 changes the capsule to a “true condenser” style.

The published frequency response charts suggest a voicing change for the P120, as well; while the older mic had a broad 5dB boost centered at 9kHz, the P120 has a sharp +5dB peak around 12kHz, with a flat response through 8kHz.

The self-noise rating of the P120 is improved by 3dB over the Perception 120 — yet is still relatively high at 19dBA.

How does the AKG P120 differ from the Perception 120?

  1. The P120 is black, rather than blue.
  2. The P120 is more sensitive (24mV/Pa vs 22mV/Pa).
  3. The P120 has lower noise (19dBA vs 22dBA).
  4. The P120’s high-frequency response is different: flatter from 3-8kHz, sharply boosted at 12kHz.

The P120 ships with a “stand adapter” (swivel mount).

Permalink: AKG Acoustics P120

Specifications

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Cardioid (24 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
  • Pad: -20dB (Via Switch)
  • Filter: HPF: -6dB/octave @ 300Hz (Via Switch)
Capsule Dimensions Impedance SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 17mm
200 Ohms (Low) Max SPL: 150 dB
Self-noise: 19.0 dB(A)
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
455g (16.05oz) 165mm (6.50'') 54mm (2.13'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires phantom power

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