AKG P120 Vs Rode NT2A - MICROPHONE SHOWDOWN
Вставка
- Опубліковано 13 чер 2024
- Dylan recommended a mic for me to try out, and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised.
The AKG P120 is the cheapest mic in the Perception lineup for AKG, but it is one hell of a start.
Looking forward to trying the P220 and the P420.
US Links
Buy the AKG P120 - amzn.to/2YRjID4
Buy the AKG P220 - amzn.to/2YTQYth
Buy the AKG P420 - amzn.to/3cRFTRU
UK Links -
Buy the AKG P120 - amzn.to/3junmfm
Buy the AKG P220 - amzn.to/2YVq9Fa
Buy the AKG P420 - amzn.to/3rxdxAc
Canada Links -
Buy the AKG P120 - amzn.to/3p1Z5yu
Buy the AKG P220 - amzn.to/3tDOgq7
Buy the AKG P420 - amzn.to/3rzY6qS
Time Stamps -
00:00 Intro
00:28 Setup
01:03 The Perception Lineup
01:23 Build Quality
01:44 Specs
01:57 Explanation of Capsule Size
03:00 Back to Specs
04:32 Plosive Test
04:42 - Off Axis Rejection
05:10 Acoustic Guitar Test
05:37 Produced Audio A/B Test
07:03 Mic Reveal
07:15 Outro
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My Gear -
Mics - RODE NT2A - amzn.to/2WWQTnn
- TZ Audio Products Stellar X2 - amzn.to/3gHTj0X
Mixer - Arturia Audiofuse Studio - amzn.to/33kSBnq
Secondary Boom Arm - amzn.to/2WBhveB
Camera - Canon T7i - amzn.to/2X3yTYi
Lenses - Canon 50mm 1.8 - amzn.to/2LxiI0k
Canon 24mm 2.8 - amzn.to/2zF96Ok - Наука та технологія
![Best $100 Vocal Microphones [Condenser Mic Shootout - AKG, MXL, SE Electronics]](/img/n.gif)
The natural clarity and presence you get from an AKG microphone (even the Dynamic D5) is so good!
Not gonna lie...I am a fan of AKG!
Great video, Thanks for making it. I've watched a few videos now for the P120 and I have to say yours was the best and most informative especially with the information about the capsule size, which i wasn't aware of. I've ordered one of the P120's for myself and I guess i'll see how it holds up. I'm just a bedroom musician just getting into recording. I have a cheap dynamic mic and this will be the first mic i spend a little bit of money on.
Nice!
I appreciate your klind words!
This mic will treat you well...and works great as an instrument mic.
Cheers and good luck!
@@DarkCornerStudios that's good to know. I intend to use it to mic my amps, as well as a vocal mic. I might try micing my PA too with synth and vocals going through it and see how that sounds ( not at the same time). I subscribed I'll check out some more of your videos.
@@From_A_Diverging_Timeline Cheers and thanks for watching!
I was just looking for a mic review and I ended up just enjoying the ride! You have a great talent of relating to people. Cheers!
Thanks Philip!
Those are some very kind words!
Cheers and thanks for watching!
Mr. You rock! Great videos you have. Thanks for the information you gave us. Also. how come you haven't hit 1KK followers!! Hope you get it soon.
Thanks for this review. That was very helpful for me 👍🏻
Good job Bro!! Very Useful Info!
There are times when I like the razor-detail of the AT2020 or NT-1A (instructional, authoritative), but your voice had that 'silky' high end on the P120, and that's rare at this price point. I often pick a 'personality' of mic. BTW, a gradual de-bumping EQ of the NT-1A really makes it smooth. Little jumps and jinks in EQ generate phase-cancellation grunge. To soften the P120 you can do a similar looong slope EQ. Your low end is booming just slightly...actually impressive, to have enough bass without bounce. A "comfortable" sound.
Nice ! It is so hard ... shopping for a mic. Thanks!
In the market for a cheap condenser?
This one is delightful.
Dont be too afraid to climb the product stack either...it is quite affordable!
Im so happy! Saw the P120 for ~50bucks and decided I can take the gamble (It's my first "actual" microphone and my old mic felt a bit out of place as my old setup used a 20$ USB Mic)
Great video! Subbed and I'm definitely saving up for this mic.
Cheers and thanks for watching!!
Nice Video Already got the blue yeti but for these videos are amazing quality
Thanks!
Cheers and thanks for watching!
Thanks for the video.
Loved it.
Thanks for watching!
I have no clue how you don’t have WAY more subs. Your reviews are top notch! I hope you keep it up. Your big break is coming.
It's moving steadily up.
Ebbs and flows in tech as well.
I'm still marching forward!
Thanks for your kind words!!
Such a great video man 👌✌🤟
Thanks, I was going to get this for quiet hypnosis sessions
Hypnosis sessions?
That sounds cool!!
I prefer the sound of the p120 significantly, I was a bit shocked actually. Such a great 🎤
I know right?
I am looking forward to trying out the P220 and the P420
@@DarkCornerStudios I was like Dang mic b is crispy as heck, I love it 😍
@@DarkCornerStudios hey i have one quick question. I have p120 but i am looking to buy another microphone. I am thinking about aston origin. Will it be a significant improvement from p120?
NT2A sounds rich and warm, the p120 is brighter picks up a lot of noise but I can handle it. I'm listening on HD280 Pro. I've been avoiding the rode because I feel like it makes everybody sound the same.
Just for giggles I thought I’d let you know I bought the unicorn! 🦄 I haven’t had time to open it yet. I’ll see what it sounds like with the focusrite 2i2 3rd gen and probably the dbx 286s if I need to control the noise a bit.
Have a great day and be safe out there!
That’s the exact set up I’m looking to get…except the p220…how did it work out for you?
Hello, can you tell me how the P120 reacts in an untreated room in terms of reverberation / echo (if you shout or sing loudly for example). I have a strong hesitation between the P120 and the Shure SM58 (intended rather for the stage), it is the problem of the reverberation which makes me hesitate (for recording vocals and rap).
"Rocks usually are cheaper" Freakin' Funny!!! Thanks for the demo!
Cheers and thanks for watching!
Rocks should in theory be expensive since many of them are literally millions of years old. If there was a society on another planet, an earth rock would be considered rare and probably worth the same price of a diamond or more
So um, er, you're sayin' it was a throw away line? HUH!
A lot of people tend to buy the Audio Technica AT2020 but I am sure AKG P120 does a great job under the same budget. I am not saying AT is any bad. Of course it must be a great microphone but I liked the AKG better and your video just proved it! Thanks! 💙
Cheers!!
AT is overated microphone.
I were legitimately surprised that the processed audio of the AKG sounded better to me. I felt that the Rode were a little to muddy at the low ends.
Excuse me, I don't speak English, could you tell me which microphone is A and which is B please.
B sounds better to me
@@mcrikter320 B is the AKG one.
@@EvalianMassey Thanks
It is rude to dislike your video's. I rarely dislike video's and all I have seen from you doesn't deserve a dislike. Having said that, I'm waiting on two NT2A's to arrive, partly based on your recommendation... I like the P120, but the NT2A has more options to offer, particulary the switchable polar pattern. I don't like the harsh high's of the NT2A, so maybe I'll replace the capsules with some RK-47's. But, as said, I'm waiting to get them this week. I'll use them for field recordings (mid-side) of my brassband and rockband. Not for singing.
Mic B was getting better clarity and polarity in voice. I was expecting that be rode. but I am amazed by performance of AKG p120
Hello, is there any difference between akg p220 and akg p420 price is little but same on Amazon. Plz help me to select the one 🙏 😢
Bonjour à vous j'aimerais vous solliciter à m'aider à choisir un micro je cherche un micro spécial qui a un timbre chaleureux un hyper cardiaque de préférence bien présent proposez-moi un micro s'il vous plaît sachant que j'ai une voix aiguë mon interface est une focus 2i2 3 gen merci de m'aider ???
Why is this mic not recommended for audiobooks? Thanks in advance and great job.
the crystal-y high boost of the p120 makes the nt2a sound a touch muddy every time they're switched.
on headphones its really clear mic B is the p120, by so much I began to question if you'd eq a highshelf boost on the nt2a to throw us off.
Great video. Thanks!
Cheers!
Thanks for watching!!
Great job 👏
Hii, i really wanna find mic that when i pronounce words while singing it sounds natural, does the Akg p120 do the job?
the p120 lacks picking basses ( between 50-300hz ) but the quality is still great :( wish it could pick up as much presence as the nt2
ok so i regconize wich is one by the sound they produces and i can def' tell that the NT1A has less high frequencies than the P120 and it makes your voice sounds a bit warmer if can tell or less " hissier "
In the P120 you have more hiss sounds that's what separe those mics IMO
Hi! Great review! One question though, if you'd have to choose between AT2020 and P120, which would you recommend for singing and rap vocals? Thanks!
I prefer the p120 honestly...though you would probably be happy with either.
That said...the 2020 us hard to find these days
@@DarkCornerStudios Thank you for the reply! I found both at almost the same price here in the Philippines. Since you are the 3rd microphone reviewer who picked the P120 over the AT2020, I went ahead and ordered the P120. Again, thanks for the reply! Appreciate it big time!
Very nice man!
Cheers!
Hello! Thanks for the video it's so helpful. I'm trying to decide between the Akg p220 or the rode NT1. Do you think for the price difference worth it? I'm rooting so much for the Akg because I always wanted it and it fit with my budget, but maybe the rode worth it more? It will be my first condenser microphone :3
Regards
Go with the AKG.
It is a great starter mic and you can upgrade later if you make a bit of money.
@@DarkCornerStudios I will go for the Akg, thanks you 🤗
@@camii847 Cheers!
Let me know what you think of it!!
@@camii847 Hi. How's it going with the AKG mic?
@@happyplace20237 At the end of the day, I've decided to buy de NT1 instead because I have the opportunity 😅. I really recommend it if you have the money, It's and amazing amazing microphone, but a friend have de AKG, and she says it's such a good microphone :) she is really comfortable with it so it's a good option too.
Great video.
Thanks!
Cheers and thanks for watching!
Is this mic good for discord or streaming? Cause I want to start streaming. Thank you if you respond :)
This mic is great for anything you throw at it!
Consider using the links in the description...and thanks for watching!
i could tell mic b was the p120 because i own it, and recognize the all too familiar sounds of it picking up movement
Excellent video!!!
Currently I have the p120 with a US-2x2 tascam interface, I use it especially for streaming and also to record voice-overs; my question is, is it worth buying the rode nt1 or nt2 to replace the p120?
Tascam US-2x2 is a good interface? Should I change it instead of the p120 microphone? and buy a better quality like the arturia audiofuse?
Thanks for your reply
Not gonna lie...the p120 is a great mic...but honestly you will notice a difference if you upgrade
@@DarkCornerStudios Thank you very much for your answer, what do you advise me to replace first? microphone and interface? tascam is considered a good interface or should I go for the audiofuse? thanks again
@@reneelias I wouldn't advise you to do anything...
The p120 is a fine mic and can do most for what you need it to.
The Tascam is probably a tad outdated...and an upgrade there wouldn't hurt.
Audiofuse is great...but a bit expensive.
Honestly that would be the first upgrade I would go with...
Go for what you have money for...and don't spend more than you are going to make back
@@DarkCornerStudios Thank you very much, I understand, then I can replace the tascam, according to what I do, which is streaming and voice recording for virtual courses, which interface can you recommend, please, maybe less expensive than the audiofuse, thank you very much for your time
@@reneelias Motu M2 is quite good
Awesome video.
Thanks Shun!
Cheers and thanks for watching!!
What is this comparison that you test only one in the videos?! For example, in the guitar sound test section, you only test the AKG sound.
Do you know the meaning of comparison?
I think the nt2a handled the top end much better than the akg. the akg sounded kind of harsh to me
Im looking for a warm condenser mic to record my classical guitar music. The music often has silent pauses. Would you recommend the upscale AKG or entirely something else?
if you have silent parts, i don't recommend akgp120 because it has a looot of self noise and it bothers so much if you can hear it, i would recommend you rode nt1. cheers
Hi! I recently bought the AKG P120 and I was searching for a budget or entry level interface for it.
Can you recommend something that ranges from $50-$70?
Thanks in advance
Awesome video man, very helpful :)
You deserve more subs, likes and views.
Thanks man!
For a true entry level unit...go with the M-Audio Solo...
Not going to find a whole lot in that price range...and not much that will knock your socks off...but that is a nice starter
I would also suggest Scarlett solo($119) or PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 ($99) especially the Scarlett solo. If it's out of your budget, go for M-Audio. You'll do just fine.
@@john-gt1ys Yeah I would have went there...
Sometimes its better to just save a few extra dollars...
The more expensive the price, the more quality you get, get scarllet solo or the cheaper $99 behringer umc204hd, audiobox 96 are too noisy.
i got one used for $50 and never looked back!!!
For medic/singing which mic is better. Akg p120 or at2020
P120
my voice already has some sibilance issues and i noticed the p220 which I wanted to get has a boost at roughly 10k, that would be bad for my voice no? ( i currently have the at 2035)
Stay tuned for the review coming monday.
Short answer is that the P120 has more of a boost than the P220...though AKG does market it more for instrumentation than voice.
I dont find it really impacts my sibilance too much...and I am rather "s"-y
which mic should I go for male singing vocals? P120 or else Rode nt1a?
P120
Would you go for the AKG P120 or the Audio Technica AT2020?
I prefer the p120
Do you know what kind of Shock Mounts can be paired with the AKG?
The P220 and P420 have one...I am not sure if you can buy them separately
That said if you called AKG...I am sure they might be able to help you out
Got it. Pretty easy, the AKG had more (too much?) clarity and the Rode felt like it had more low end (perhaps due to the fact that the other has too much highs), felt warmer, richer.
Thanks for the video but this is surely an unbalanced comparison considering that you used post processing on both mics for the shootout. Unless you applied exactly the same processing to both mics (unlikely, I suspect), you'd probably end up shaping one mic to sound like the other and sweetening both. An out-of-the-box dry sound comparison would probably have been more revealing. Cheers.
❤ Rode NT2A vs Shure SM58 vs AKG C214 COMPARISON SHURE SM 58 VS RODE NT2A VS AKG C214
ua-cam.com/video/XJO_wVA_n9g/v-deo.html
Dude...really poor taste posting other material on videos.
This is your only warning before you get hit with a report for spam
I have 414 from the 80's and it's a great mic for sure, a true classic.
The AKG P120 sounds fantastic, I'm thinking really hard about getting one and
they are on sale now at zz sounds for 79.99....that's a no brainer.
Great vid thanks!
Cheers and thanks for watching!
At that price it is hard to say no...especially if you are in the market for a new mic.
They are that price on amazon right not too...
Link below 😉
@@DarkCornerStudios Cool thanks, like your channel. I'm now a new subscriber!
@@howardanderson3061 Cheers and thanks for sticking around!
u selling your 414?
@@lewisrivers4054 No, I'm hanging on to it.
I hear a big difference between these two mics and the Rode is to me much better however at the end of the video, I failed the test. The P120 very good value and you are the first reviewer I've come across who makes a point of the diaphragm size being between a SDC and an LDC. Other mid sized diaphragm condenser mics that I've used are Rode M5 and NT3, and the AKG C1000S which I haven't tried. Comparing the P120 to these other mid sized mics would be interesting.
I have used another AKG P, the P170 and liked it very much. I neither talk, sing, or play guitar. I use mics for recording flute. Thanks for your video
what is your favourite micing technique and a useable low budget mic for recording flute please? Thank you
Mixing technique for a flute?
Sadly I have never done that...sorry.
That said for a decent experience the AKG P120 is a great mic for instrumentation
@@DarkCornerStudios I thought mic position, distance and probably if you record mono or XY... Sorry for bad term.
@@Cartman_Studio I am a self-taught transverse (concert) flute player and regularly create home recordings. We can talk about your inquiry. A confirmed gear slut with good ears and shallow pockets, my mantra is "just enough gear to do the gig" and I have used almost every sub-$300 microphone plus a few more expensive ones available here in Aussie.
Position the mic slightly above the flute, angled downwards about 20 degrees with the mic face pointing slightly down the body of the flute away from the embouchure hole by about 6". Use a pop filter/diffuser. You want to avoid blowing towards the mic turning your body, and flute about 30 degrees away from the microphone.
If you're playing a traditional flute with recorder-style fingering, mic the flute from straight ahead but about 1/3 down the body of the flute.
There is a guy on youtube who makes lovely recordings of wooden flutes named Cane Major. He's a good resource though him and I do not play similar style instruments or look for similar results. Have a look at his videos. He's got lots of microphones too.
As for the mics, the best one I've found for what I do in MOST situations is a Rode NT1. That said, the Rode NT5 is better for quick passages or Latin styles that have higher register demands. AKG P170 is a cheaper though woolier option. The AKG P120 is just OK. It needs lots of help in the mix; same with Rode NT1a. Audio Technica 20-series mics can be fine though the 2020 is a bit grainy. Avoid most of the really cheap Chinese mics as they'll always annoy you somewhere in the process and you won't save much money in the long run. Even a beat-up Shure 57 with some generous EQ-ing will outclass them.
The sound you get will depend less than 50% on the mic and the rest on technique both before and after the sounds hit the track.
I've got way too much to say about all of this so contact me directly if you want to. Good luck with your music
Will the focusrite scarlette solo be a good enough preamp for the akg p120's 19db noise
The Solo would be fantastic.
The EIN is -127 db...so there really shouldnt be an issue
@@DarkCornerStudios thanks a million ✌
@@woshii1606 Cheers!
If you want to support the channel...order through one of the links below!
Cheers and thanks for watching!
Which interface good for music with this mic I had one same akg p120 but I don't use. Now I'm going to use but suggest a interface
Any real interface will work.
The biggest issue with interfaces is the ein...and the lower the number the better.
Anything -127db or lower is better.
-129db is fantastic.
Other than that...I would aim for an interface that has 48khz...
The Motu m2 is a great option or any of the Scarlett series
Cheers
Focusrite is best brother 💚 💚
Do i need an audio interface to make this mic work? Because it’s not working and I don’t know what to do. Please help
Yes...an interface is required with all xlr mics
@@DarkCornerStudios thank you, you saved me
@@deflow774 cheers brother
Very nice.
Please help me...I have connected my akg p120 with m audio air 192 4 with phantom power on, but i need to turn the input gain fully at 10db, then only it sounds little and only green led shows on -20db, i am recording on fl studio.... But on other hand using same xlr cables when i connect other microphones like bm800 or dynamic mics with gain set to 6 or 7 db, they are doing great job with proper all led meters showing... Please can you help me
Is there a pad enabled?
Also...is it still recording to proper levels?
@@DarkCornerStudios yes pad is enabled... Its recording only low level when turned the gain knob fully
Turn the pad off.
The pad reduces input...do NOT use that unless you are recording very loud sound
@@DarkCornerStudios you mean to turn off the pad we should switch it to 0 on microphone ?
@@RevivalKeys yes.
Pads are meant to protect mics from overloading due to excessively loud sound...like from a guitar amp
What if I am planning on recording audio books? Any recommendations? Thanks
I ran with a Scarlett solo and my NT2A for an audio book and it was more than enough.
In reality you don't need to go broke for audiobooks...just get a decently quiet mic...and a decently quiet interface.
So a mic with less than 10db a weighted of self noise...and an interface with an ein around -128dbu
@@DarkCornerStudios I'm new to the tech side. I've been watching lots of videos on mics and interfaces. Amazon recommended the headphones.
I'm looking at the following.
MXL 770 Professional Studio Condenser Mic + Mic Stand + Pop Filter + XLR Cable Bundle
$104.99
Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First
or the
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 2x2 USB Audio Interface
Audio-Technica ATH-M20X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black
$49.00
@@ScottBurden117 I am not a big fan of the MXL mic or the Presonus interface....do with that info as you wish
@@DarkCornerStudios thank you! That helps me cut out some things, and choose the Focusrite Scarlett Solo.
which interface are you using?
With this video I was using the Arturia Audiofuse Studio
I love my akg p420
What’s ssss the difference sssss? Other than the unbearable sibilance, the AKG is an electret condenser
I didnt hear any noise from either Microphones … 🤔
Which is best Akg p120 or Audio technica at2020 ?
"Best" is wildly subjective...though if I were to choose, I would go for the P120 all day every day
@@DarkCornerStudios for home studio purpose ?
Yep!
@@DarkCornerStudios say main reason Please ? Why akg p120 ?
Well...once again...it is a highly subjective choice.
But I like the bigger capsule on the akg p120.
I also prefer the sound of the p120.
Considering it is something you want for studio use...the p120 would win each time
I think akg 120 brack road market
This made me buy the NT2A.
Lol...hell of a mic...hard to go wrong with it
P120 sounds a bit brighter
nt2a after some work sounded wayyyy better. But akg was so clean and crisp.
Yeah....bit of an unfair comparison honestly....
@@DarkCornerStudios but you said the p120 sounded better before,so what are you saying?
you are wrong sir the p820 is top of line for around 800$
The 840 is NOTHING like these mics.
For this series I focused on the 3 mics that were all the same
Seems the more research I do, the more confused I get. I have a nasally voice with high semblance. Also, not in a noiseless environment (yes, my space is treated, just live in an undesirable place). Been researching and I'm no closer to making a decision lol. Between stellar x2 and p120 though, for my budget and voiceover
It can be really tough picking out a mic blindly.
Honestly my advice is order through amazon...and return if you dont think it suits you.
You can keep sending them back all you want...so no risk of losing money.
Best advice I can give.
@@DarkCornerStudios thank you. I have them sitting in my cart, just needing to actually make a decision lol. Need to make the plunge though!
@@DanielleBaylor Start with the cheapest...and go from there.
If you find one of the cheaper ones actually does it for you...giv'r!
Good luck!
The Rode wins
I love this guys vibes . Make more videos now .
Lots of videos already...and more coming!
I hit like and then realized I messed everything up cause it was at 120 likes and that’s the perfect number for this video
Someone would have messed it up sooner or later...lol
Thanks for being vigilant!!
Important question: I got an important video interview to shoot in 2 days. I will be using 2 mics. The back up is a Syno G2 lavalier mic. The primary will either be a Rode Stereo Videomic Pro Rycote which seems to not focus on a person being interviewed and more it picks up on sounds to the side. Another option is to use the AKG P120 which I already own. I plan to record them into a Zoom H6 recorder which supplies Phantom power if needed. I will sync the audio to the video post edit.
Which do you think, the P120 or the Rode? Will this P120 pick up someone speaking from an overhead boom well or is this a mistake? My fear is the boom is maybe 10 to 12 inches away to keep it off screen and it might be too far away to be effective.
I hope you can reply quickly, I need advise!
F I liked the B better... And thought it would the rode
I hate when that happens...
@@DarkCornerStudios nah I liked it, now I can get the p120 without a doubt if not the p420 ( because p420 and p220 are at the same price now)
@@TECH3_ wonder how long the sale is...
Would have been nice while I was buying it 😂
@@DarkCornerStudios well I am in India, and sadly I don't have the money now 😢😢😢 just ordered a new piano
@@TECH3_ felt bad for you til you mentioned the piano...lol.
I have to buy one of those soon too
Shudve worn a different color shirt ;p
Why?