AKG Perception 220

4.6 (358)

$119.00 New

$109.65 Used (Very Good)

4.0 (3)

$205.78 1 available New

$69.00 4 available Used

4.7 (102)

$111.00

Average Price: $137

Standard/Professional

$100

$401+

Price Tier

In the Condenser Microphones category, AKG Perception 220 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "AKG Perception 220". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

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Discover the AKG Perception 220, a marvel in the world of studio recording gear that brings professional-grade audio within reach. With its roots tracing back to the legendary circuitry of the Neumann U87A, this cardioid condenser microphone stands out not just for its heritage but for its flawless performance in capturing sound with clarity and warmth. Perfect for both budding musicians and seasoned professionals, the Perception 220 ensures that every note and nuance is recorded with precision. Whether you're laying down vocal tracks, recording instruments, or capturing ambient soundscapes, this microphone is designed to elevate your audio experience without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

Cardioid polar pattern for focused pickup and minimal background noise
Inspired by the circuitry of the Neumann U87A, offering superior sound quality
Large-diaphragm FET condenser design captures sound with clarity and detail
Robust construction built to withstand the demands of studio and live environments
Versatile performance ideal for vocals, instruments, and ambient recording
2008 - present: A testament to its enduring quality and appeal

Owner's manual

AKG Perception 220 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	Yes
USB Microphone	No

FAQs

What are the primary uses for the AKG Perception 220 microphone?: The AKG Perception 220 is ideal for recording lead vocals, acoustic guitar, and brass instruments, thanks to its warm and clear sound. It features a switchable bass-cut filter and attenuation pad, making it suitable for loud sound sources up to 155dB SPL.
Does the AKG P220 require phantom power?: Yes, the AKG P220 requires phantom power to operate, as it is a condenser microphone. It will not function without a phantom power supply.
What polar pattern does the AKG Perception 220 have?: The AKG Perception 220 has a cardioid polar pattern, which focuses on capturing sound from the front while minimizing noise from the sides and rear.
Is the AKG Perception 220 suitable for high sound pressure levels?: Yes, the AKG Perception 220 is equipped with a -20dB pad, allowing it to handle high sound pressure levels up to 155dB SPL, making it suitable for loud sound sources.
Does the AKG Perception 220 include a shockmount?: Yes, the AKG Perception 220 comes with an included shockmount, which helps reduce unwanted vibrations and handling noise during recordings.

Videos

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Rail City

AKG Perception 220 vs Audio Technica AT2035 Large Condenser Mic Comparison Shootout

Rail City

Comparison - Condenser vs Dynamic microphones - AKG Perception 220 vs Shure SM58

Naveteur Maxime

Versus Series: Maono AU-A04 vs AKG Perception 220

Chris P. | TheMicGuy

MXL 990 VS AKG Perception 220 VS Shure SM57

Legacy Studio

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Wide frequency response and overall balance
Accurately reproduces source material without detail loss
Great bass response for male vocals
Ideal for recording a variety of instruments, including piano and guitar
Does not require a lot of gain to capture details
Included spider shock-mount is sturdy, preventing wobble
Effective lo-cut filter for improved stereo image and voice range
Warm and open sound quality
Heavy and sturdy build quality
Works well for both clean and harsh vocals, including ASMR

CONS

Sound can become "tin can-ish" with very high gain
Heavy mic and shock-mount assembly requires a strong stand to avoid flimsy setups

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about AKG Perception 220.

Use cases and applications

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The AKG P220 is noted for working well with trap and rap, but some users feel it lacks low-end presence in these genres.
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Some users believe a higher-end mic, such as the Mojave MA 201, can capture more detail, potentially eliminating the need for extensive mixing.
Source
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The AKG P220 is recommended for rap vocals, providing a suitable sound profile for artists aiming for a Playboi Carti or King Von style.
Source

Comparisons

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The Rode NT1 is frequently referenced but isn't considered a significant upgrade from the AKG P220 in terms of price or quality.
Source
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Some owners prefer the AKG P220 over the AT2020 for studio vocals, citing a preference for its sound quality despite both being good starting options.
Source

Mods and upgrades

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For those considering the Shure SM7B as an upgrade, a preamp like the Cloudlifter or UA Twinfinity is essential for adequate signal levels.
Source

User experience

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Owners suggest that experimenting with the vocal chain can yield better results than simply upgrading the microphone.
Source

Setup and maintenance

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Using the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, keep the gain knob at a level where it peaks in orange for optimal performance with the AKG P220.
Source
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Using thick blankets draped on stands in a T-shape can improve room acoustics more effectively for recording than standard isolation shields.
Source

Software and compatibility

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A versatile free tube preamp plugin is recommended for experimenting with EQ and compression settings to enhance the AKG P220's sound.
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Features and functionality

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Integrating a preamp and mixing multiple signal paths with EQ and compression can significantly improve the clarity and crispness of recordings with the AKG P220.
Source
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It's mentioned that the AKG P220 lacks noticeable self-noise, making it a preferable choice for clear vocal recordings.
Source

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 24 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

Artist usage

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Zardonic

Singer, Keyboardist

Verified via Image-line

As for the hardware part, got a couple Pioneer SDJ-08 monitors, Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro Headphones, AKG Perception 220 condenser microphone, Roland R-05 Wave/MP3 Recorder, M-Audio Keystation 88es, KORG Monotron and Monotron Delay, M-Audio Fast Track Ultra, and a custom made chiliGREEN laptop which pretty much works as a desktop replacement

Azealia Banks

Rapper

Verified via reddit

Azealia Banks said she used it to demo "212"

Christina Grimmie

Singer, Keyboardist

Verified via YouTube

In her YouTube cover of "Titanium" by David Guetta featuring Sia, Christina Grimmie can be seen using the AKG Perception 220 condenser microphone.

Hecq

Music Producer

Verified via Headphone Commute

See the tools list at the bottom page of the article.

Spock

Music Producer, DJ

Verified via YouTube

In the minute 1:26 Spock uses this microphone.

Dance Loud

Music Producer

Verified via Photo

Featured in this January 5, 2019 Instagram post.

#2019 coming in loud and clear! #microphone #d112 #sm57 #sm58 #akgd890 #perception220 #tascam

SKAITHEMUSICMAN

Singer, Rapper

Verified via Photo

In this instagram photo SKAITHEMUSICMAN can be seen using a AKG Perception 220 to record vocals on August 30th, 2021

Bassi Maestro

Rapper, Music Producer

Verified

In an image from a recording studio session, Bassi Maestro is seen utilizing the AKG Perception 220 microphone, complete with a pop filter and shock mount, to ensure optimal recording performance.

Album Usage

The AKG Perception 220 has been featured on the following albums:

DILEMMA

Azealia Banks (2023)

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use AKG Perception 220, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Native Instruments Absynth 5 Music Software

Native Instruments KONTAKT 6 Music Software

SoundToys Little PrimalTap Music Software

Shure SM58 Dynamic Microphones

Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphones

Shure SM7B Dynamic Microphones

Korg Monotron DELAY Analog Ribbon Synthesizer Synthesizers

M-Audio Fast Track Ultra USB 2.0 Audio Interface Audio Interfaces

Apple MacBook Pro (General) Computers & Peripherals

TASCAM DR-40 4-Track Portable Digital Recorder Portable Recorders

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