AKG P220 Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone (Black)

• B&H is proud to be partnering with Audio Test Kitchen, the world’s most comprehensive online audio product comparison platform, to improve the resources provided to our customers shopping for the right microphone for their given application.
• This provides you with the ability to listen to a growing selection of microphones with spoken word recordings captured in a standardized environment, with levels matched by the talented engineers at Audio Test Kitchen in its impressive reference studio.
• Audio Test Kitchen records microphones under identical conditions so you can compare them, apples-to-apples. The source, signal chain, and level never change. The only differences you will hear are between the microphones.

True-Condenser Capsule

The true condenser capsule of the P220 utilizes a 1" gold-sputtered diaphragm tuned to yield a detailed sound with slight rises in high and low frequencies. Plus, it is capable of handling SPLs up to 155 dB (-20 pad on) without audible distortion, so it'll have no problem taking on drums and guitar amps. A low-cut filter at 300 Hz can be engaged to help reduce rumble, wind noise, or even bass buildup from up-close miking. Stage bleed and background noise are attenuated by the mic's cardioid polar pattern, which is most sensitive to sound in front of the microphone. Use a separately available XLR cable to connect the P220 to an XLR mic input that can supply 48V phantom power.

Cardioid Polar Pattern

This side-address microphone is most sensitive to sounds arriving in front of it while picking up much less of sounds arriving from the sides or rear (from monitor speakers or neighboring instruments). This makes the microphone equally suited for recording and onstage use.

Gold-Sputtered Large Diaphragm

The P220 features a true condenser capsule design. Its 1" large diaphragm is made of a plastic foil that is gold-sputtered on one side only to prevent shorting to the back electrode, even at extremely high sound pressure levels.

All-Metal Body

The all-metal body adds to the rejection of RF interference, so you can use the microphone near transmitter stations and along with wireless microphones or other communications equipment. The extremely rugged, heavy body and sturdy front grille protect the microphone from damage from tough handling on stage.

High Headroom and Minimum Distortion

Capable of handling sound pressure levels up to 155 dB without introducing perceptible distortion and built to resist high temperatures and humidity, the microphone will give excellent results in a wide range of applications.

Bass-Cut Filter

Selector 1 on the microphone front further reduces low-end distortion caused by footfall, wind noise, and air conditioning rumble. The filter also minimizes the proximity effect that close-in miking from less than 4" causes in any unidirectional microphone. The filter rolls off at 12 dB/octave from 300 Hz downward.

Switchable Pad

Selector 2 on the microphone front lets you increase the headroom by 20 dB for distortion-free recording up close. The pre-attenuation pad prevents the microphone's output level, particularly at low frequencies, from overloading the miniature transformers used in many mixer input stages, etc.

Connecting to Audio Equipment

The P220 uses a condenser transducer designed for 48V phantom powering from a source such as an external mic preamp, an audio interface, or a mixing console. It provides a balanced output on an XLR 3-pin male connector; use an XLR cable (available separately) to connect the microphone to a balanced XLR input with phantom power.

Shockmount and Metal Case

Included with the P220 are a spider-type shockmount and a metal carrying case. The shockmount absorbs vibrations, which aids in isolating the mic from stand handling noise and foot noise.