Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $103
Standard/Professional
$100
$401+
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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 ManualProduct 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
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Does the AKG Perception 120 require phantom power?
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Yes, the AKG Perception 120 requires 48V phantom power, which can be supplied by an audio interface, mixing console, or an external mic preamp.
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What polar pattern does the AKG Perception 120 use?
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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.
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Is the AKG Perception 120 suitable for home studio recording?
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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.
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Does the AKG Perception 120 come with a shockmount?
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No, the AKG Perception 120 does not include a shockmount, so you may need to purchase one separately for optimal isolation from handling noise.
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What are the key features of the AKG Perception 120?
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The AKG Perception 120 features a cardioid polar pattern, a low cut filter, and a pad switch, making it versatile for different recording applications.
Videos
CaneMajor
Choosing the AKG Perception 120 or the Audio-Technica AT2020
Reviews
PROS
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Excellent sound quality, especially for the price
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Durable metal construction withstands harsh conditions
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Versatile: great for vocals, guitars, amps, and more
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Features like high and low end roll-off enhance recording
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Provides clear, distinct capture compared to dynamic mics
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Good starter mic for home studios
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Requires phantom power, ensuring compatibility with professional setups
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Reliable, lasting over 10 years of heavy usage
CONS
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Produces harsh, sibilant vocals on most singers
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High pass feature may make sound more shrill
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Does not closely mimic the sound of higher-end models it tries to replicate (e.g., U87)
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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
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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
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The microphone is employed in producing hyperpop vocals, even in non-treated rooms, though achieving high quality is challenging.
Source
Software and compatibility
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Supertone Clear plug-in is suggested to reduce reflections and noise in recordings, helpful for those in untreated spaces.
Source
User experience
Comparisons
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The Perception 220, with a large-diaphragm true condenser, outperforms the P120, which has a small-diameter electret, in head-to-head tests.
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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.
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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
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 22 Ratings
41029
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.
208
AKG Perception 120 Condenser Microphone
Bought From Pawnshop and it seems to be a reliable microphone
Artist usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use AKG Perception 120 Condenser Microphone, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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