Pricing and availability

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Sweetwater
4.5 (25)
$99.00
Guitar Center
4.5 (22)
$79.99
Amazon
4.7 (3581)
$79.99
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$117.80 New
$43.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (9)
$129.00
zZounds
5.0 (2)
$129.00
B&H
4.5 (13)
$129.00
Thomann
4.7 (294)
$92.00

Average Price: $103

Standard/Professional

$100

$401+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 7 merchants for "AKG Perception 120 Condenser Microphone". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Designed for versatility and precision, the AKG Perception 120 Condenser Microphone is your gateway to professional studio recording. Whether you're capturing the subtle nuances of a vocal performance or the intricate details of a grand piano, this microphone's 2/3" large diaphragm ensures exceptional clarity and warmth. Sporting a cardioid pickup pattern, it effectively minimizes background noise and isolates the main sound source, making it perfect for home studios and live recording environments alike.

What sets the Perception 120 apart is its adaptability. With a switchable low cut filter at 120 Hz and a -20 dB pad, this microphone is tailored to handle a wide range of dynamics, from delicate whispers to booming percussion. Capable of handling a maximum SPL of 130/150 dB, it stands strong even when capturing high-energy performances without distortion. Encased in a sleek black finish, it not only sounds professional but looks the part too.

This microphone’s frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz ensures you capture every detail with precision, while the included stand adapter provides stability and ease of use in any setup. The AKG Perception 120 is more than just a microphone; it's an essential tool for any recording artist looking to elevate their sound with reliability and style.

Key Features:

  • 2/3" large diaphragm condenser microphone
  • Cardioid characteristic pattern
  • Frequency range: 20 - 20,000 Hz
  • Switchable low cut at 120 Hz
  • Switchable -20 dB pad
  • Maximum SPL: 130/150 dB
  • Incl. stand adapter

Owner's manual

AKG Perception 120 Condenser Microphone User Manual

Product specs

Available since August 2014
Tube No
Switchable Polar Pattern No
Omnidirectional No
Cardioid Yes
Figure-8 No
Low Cut Yes
Pad Yes
shockmount included No
USB Microphone No

FAQs

Does the AKG Perception 120 require phantom power?

Yes, the AKG Perception 120 requires 48V phantom power, which can be supplied by an audio interface, mixing console, or an external mic preamp.

What polar pattern does the AKG Perception 120 use?

The AKG Perception 120 features a cardioid polar pattern, which is ideal for capturing sound from the front while minimizing noise from the sides and rear.

Is the AKG Perception 120 suitable for home studio recording?

Yes, the AKG Perception 120 is well-suited for home studio recording, offering a low cut filter and a pad to handle various recording environments and sound sources.

Does the AKG Perception 120 come with a shockmount?

No, the AKG Perception 120 does not include a shockmount, so you may need to purchase one separately for optimal isolation from handling noise.

What are the key features of the AKG Perception 120?

The AKG Perception 120 features a cardioid polar pattern, a low cut filter, and a pad switch, making it versatile for different recording applications.

CaneMajor

CaneMajor

Choosing the AKG Perception 120 or the Audio-Technica AT2020

Video thumbnail for Choosing the AKG Perception 120 or the Audio-Technica AT2020 by CaneMajor

Choosing the AKG Perception 120 or the Audio-Technica AT2020

CaneMajor

CaneMajor

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent sound quality, especially for the price

  • Durable metal construction withstands harsh conditions

  • Versatile: great for vocals, guitars, amps, and more

  • Features like high and low end roll-off enhance recording

  • Provides clear, distinct capture compared to dynamic mics

  • Good starter mic for home studios

  • Requires phantom power, ensuring compatibility with professional setups

  • Reliable, lasting over 10 years of heavy usage

CONS

  • Produces harsh, sibilant vocals on most singers

  • High pass feature may make sound more shrill

  • Does not closely mimic the sound of higher-end models it tries to replicate (e.g., U87)

  • Some may find it lacking the distinct AKG sound quality

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about AKG Perception 120 Condenser Microphone.

Setup and maintenance

  • Finding the right distance from the AKG P120 is crucial; it varies with vocal style and room acoustics for optimal sound capture.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The microphone is employed in producing hyperpop vocals, even in non-treated rooms, though achieving high quality is challenging.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Supertone Clear plug-in is suggested to reduce reflections and noise in recordings, helpful for those in untreated spaces.

    Source

User experience

  • Experimentation with singing techniques is necessary to counteract acoustic limitations and improve vocal recordings with the AKG P120.

    Source
  • An owner of the AKG P120 praises its durability and versatility, highlighting satisfaction across different recording situations.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Perception 220, with a large-diaphragm true condenser, outperforms the P120, which has a small-diameter electret, in head-to-head tests.

    Source
  • It's noted that the MXL 990, under $100, is favored over both the AKG P120 and AT2020 for voice-over work by some users.

    Source
  • The AT2020 is often described as having too much lo-mids and sounding "tinny," especially in comparison to CAD 2400's or NT-1 for various applications.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 22 Ratings

5 star
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jimmarchi1

You can use this to record certain things.

This is a fixed cardioid u87 copy that's made in china to akg spec. It has transformer balanced output and used perceptions trade for peanuts. It's weird to me that akg knocked off a u87 and it doesn't sound much like one, but it doesn't sound like an akg either. It's like a somewhat nicer version of that green and gold mxl.

The perception produces harsh, sibilant vocals on most singers. Its equipped with a high pass that makes it more shrill and a pad. You could use this on a guitar or bass amp if you had to but you will want to use the high pass on your channel and maybe shelf some harsh out on guitar cabs. A pair can be used as room mics pointed away from the source with channel phases flipped. It can sound okay on acoustic guitar but actually shines on the resonant head of kick drums with the high pass off and pad engaged. I've also stuck this on kick drum batter head on the floor tom side positioned straight on just a tad in from the rim where it produces a nice whack and thump combined with a dynamic inside the shell or sub kick on the resonant head... and if the drummer breaks it you won't be upset.

thefixerofficial

AKG Perception 120 Condenser Microphone

Bought From Pawnshop and it seems to be a reliable microphone

S

recording vocal and instruments

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Josh Homme uses AKG Perception 120 Condenser Microphone

Josh Homme

Guitarist

Kyuss

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"Acoustic guitars I recorded with an AKG condenser pointing two inches from the bridge," says Josh Homme about the AKG Perception 120 Condenser Microphone, used in his studio setup.

See how Hunter Agufish uses AKG Perception 120 Condenser Microphone

Hunter Agufish

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

To record his voice, Hunter uses a akg p120 mic

See how Marina Andrienko uses AKG Perception 120 Condenser Microphone

Marina Andrienko

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

She used a AKG Perception 120 for this video, and it was written in description.

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