Gearank

Gearank High Notes

• 2022.08: Highest Rated Condenser Mic Under $100
• 2022.03: Equal Highest Rated XLR Condenser Mic Under $100
  Tied With:
  MXL 770
  Audio-Technica AT2020
  

Overview

Getting a mic that does it all is often something that would make people recommend expensive microphones. Affordable options usually don't have enough features or only sound good on some instruments or voices.

The AKG P120 is a versatile mic designed to be able to record various sound sources. It's equipped with bass roll off and pad switches. This makes it great for startup home studio engineers that want a versatile first mic.

It's 2/3-inch diaphragm captures great detail and transient response. A bass roll off switch and -20dB pad adds to the microphone's versatility.

Along with versatility, price-to-performance ratio is the main positive of the AKG P120. I can recommend this as a great first mic for many since it does a lot of things in the studio that would usually require different mics. It can be compared to the Audio Technica AT2020 when it comes to vocal mic duty with its tastefully warm and ever so slightly compressed sound. It accomplishes this smooth sound signature without losing detail, and it's neutral enough to be useful for all kinds of voice types but does especially well with high-pitched and shrill vocalists who need to accentuate less of their edgy highs and gain a bit more body.

On a more critical note, the AKG P120 only ships with a stand adapter and no other accessories… not even a travel pouch. I prefer microphones especially those geared towards beginner recordists come with as many accessories as possible to get them up and running right away. Be sure to buy an XLR cable, stand and pop filter if you're planning to buy this as your first condenser microphone.

If you're looking for a versatile mic to cover all the bases in your studio or want a backup mic that plays nicely with other mics, the AKG P120 is a great pick at this price.

Specifications

• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
• Diaphragm Size: 0.67" / 17.02mm
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Max SPL: 130dB, 150dB w/Pad
• Power Requirements: 48V phantom power (+/- 4V)
• Best For: Recording instruments, Singing, Voiceovers, Podcasts