AKG P220 Condenser Microphone Review / Test
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- Опубліковано 26 лип 2024
- Today I review the AKG P220. This Is 1” condenser microphone that has a very flat mid section and a boosted high end. This leads the mic to sound a bit top heavy, brittle, sibilant, and breathy. The only application I really liked it for was on acoustic guitar because it adds a nice percussiveness to the tone.
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00:00 - Intro / Price
00:22 - Setup / Disclaimers
00:40 - What’s in the Box
00:56 - Build Quality
01:32 - Specifications
01:56 - Polar Pattern Test
02:15 - Background Noise Test
02:23 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:37 - High Pass Filter Test
03:00 - Music Test
03:18 - Pros & Cons
03:45 - Overall thoughts
04:29 - Conclusion / Recommendation
04:46 - Outro
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That's funny, when this had come out (when I bought it) it was much more expensive. Fantastic to see that this kind of stuff is quickly becoming more accessible👏
I love the breathy crisp sound of this mic. I mean I LOVE it. Just bought the mic and did a weekend of recording in Macon Georgia with it. I’m very very pleased
I'm also in Macon GA...do I mix and master tracks??
I am a singer and I want to upgrade my home vocal recording setup from usb condenser to XLR.
I am confused with the following options:
1. AKG P120
2. AKG P220
3. Lewitt LCT240 Pro
4. SE Electronics X1a
Suggest me which one to choose and why?
Note : My room is non-treated.
I always look for your reviews lol! Thanks for all u do
Great straight to the point review. Thank you!
you are amazing to come to for advice, my friend. honest and extensive in your reasonings for people because we all have a different view as we analize whatever the topic is. thank you friend. genius
I have been using this mic for recordings and its nice to know Im not the only one that sounds breathy through it
This mic is definitely more complimentary for those who have lower voices. I have a lot of low mids to my voice and it sounds good, but I am battling with the brittle high end and end up needing to do more EQing than I should.
Same isssue I’m having with it I love the mic but them highs ruin the recordings
When you can't recommend a device, could you provide alternatives next time? If not the P220, what mic would you go for at the same or similar price
Great point.
Agreed. Id like to know WHAT he would recommend instead.
@@totylow I think the consensus is: Get the P120 or the P420, but skip the P220. For some reason the P220 just sounds compressed and lifeless compared to the other 2. I don't get it.
Last time I hooked this one up for vocals, I'd noticed the sibilance issue as well, but that was straight into my interface's pre, going to throw my Golden Age 73 mk ll on it and see what's what with this mic on that...Long time viewer, thanks for being informative and snarky, you're a welcome resource !!
I was terrified for your guitars when you threw that heavy case.
same..
same!
Same
I own this mic as well as the Shure SM7B. Solid review. You've def given this mic at least a fair trial cause you nailed every issue I had with it on the head. Not gonna repeat them all but that ridiculousness on the high end can be an ass to deal with post pro. First review I have ever seen where the reviewers like, "Naw, I can't recommend this one."... That's real af homie. Stay true. Bless up
... On the other hand, my bro sounds amazing on it. But his voice is, sad to admit, deeper and richer than mine. I sold him one. Had two. Gonna keep the other one tho... We know an artist's sound is hella dependent on the mic they choose. Will at least keep as an option for different artist types.
Using this mic to do Zoom concerts. Running it through a 6i6 into Logic and once in logic I use the "slammed voice" along with a darkish verb option and it makes the sound a bit less top heavy. It's got a lot of brightness as you've stated, sometimes I think it just means rolling off what you don't like or redirecting some of the heat.
I have it and compared to any USB mic it is an huge improvement on clarity and it's super durable and we'll built and the shock mount works freaking awesome, Iam a video game streamer and it has been a great upgrade for me, and it looks great on camera!
this is the most hilarious review ive ever watched.
just ordered this mic for myself. coming in sunday
Aw thank you. have fun with the new mic!
How is it?
Same, mine should be here on Saturday. How do you like yours?
@@terrancexcharles how is it ?
Very well explained. Thank you bro
i bought this mic a year ago and didnt look up proper ways to use it til now but i love it for making music at home in my room. it picks up every sound tho which can be frustrating when im not that amazing at editing in logic yet
Did you figure out the mic settings?
Well I have the AKG P120 and use it on my amp with an SM57 and come out with a nice recording for rock and metal guitar.
I personally find that this mic sounds great!
I am a singer and I want to upgrade my home vocal recording setup from usb condenser to XLR.
I am confused with the following options:
1. AKG P120
2. AKG P220
3. Lewitt LCT240 Pro
4. SE Electronics X1a
Suggest me which one to choose and why?
Note : My room is non-treated.
@@IshaanNigamOfficial For singing, you're going to want to at least treat the acoustics in the room to some degree. For voice acting and audio books, the room needs to be very nearly dead quiet, but for singing it is preferred to have the room tweaked to fit with your voice. A nicely done room will add some character to your voice and help give some room for the mic to breathe when you are singing quietly, as well as some reverb to help enhance the loudness when you are doing a scream or a growl. The best way to treat a room on the cheap for singing is lots of bookcases. The shelves, books, and perpendicular surfaces break up straight-line standing waves in a room and add "size" to the room. It works by making the sound waves longer to work their way around the room and reach the mic.
Any of those mics will be great for you to use, but it's necessary to see reviews on each on to determine what frequencies they emphasize and hinder (how they "color" the sound).
Think about your voice and get an idea of where the strong frequencies are. Is your voice bassy? Raspy? High pitched? Sibilant? Nasally? Quiet and soft? Then use that to help you decide what mics may work well for that voice range, or be a nightmare for your voice range.
If you have the chance to do so, go test out mics at an audio gear store.
Also, don't be afraid to look at dynamic microphones. Some of my favorite albums were recorded by singers using a handheld dynamic mic much like they would if they were live on stage.
I actually like this AKG P220 much better than Rode NT1 for example, especially when you listen using a headphone/monitor--it's flat/neutral, warm, clear and pleasantly airy/open and easy to listen to (unlike Rode which I found tends to ding/pound your head with a bit muddy/heavy sounding low/mid, and which I thought made my voice sound a little artificial with the pronounced low/mid even despite it's claimed/reviewed to be very flat/neutral)... I saw a review where this mic was compared to Neumann TLM 103 and the reviewer preferred this one (and I thought why not--the review is on B&H Photo).
When I record with this microphone. Then noise comes from outside. What to do for that?
Coming back to this video it's quite scary how good this microphone is if you want the bright/modern flavor (brighter than an NT1). Very nice.
I am a singer and I want to upgrade my home vocal recording setup from usb condenser to XLR.
I am confused with the following options:
1. AKG P120
2. AKG P220
3. Lewitt LCT240 Pro
4. SE Electronics X1a
Suggest me which one to choose and why?
Note : My room is non-treated.
Thanks for this!
This microphone is perfect for rap vocals !
Roberto Cristian hey if u own this mic can u email me pineyork@gmail.com i have questions thanks!!!
You're right. It sucks for world genre singers. It sounds great when I rap, but when ever I sing in my language or english, it becomes difficult to fit vocal in the mix.
Yes!
COOL COOL
I am a singer and I want to upgrade my home vocal recording setup from usb condenser to XLR.
I am confused with the following options:
1. AKG P120
2. AKG P220
3. Lewitt LCT240 Pro
4. SE Electronics X1a
Suggest me which one to choose and why?
Note : My room is non-treated.
Thank you so much for the very clear instruction!
I bought one really cheap and I plan to use it to record language lessons...I think it'll do just fine. Love your reviews man, pretty straightforward.
Hoodie weather all year 😂😂, good review, this is the mic I have.
Great explanation. Thanks
Nice video, as always. Could you please do one for the Editors Keys SL150? Thanks
Now i'm going to leave a comment about this AKG P220 microphone. Now i'm going to leave a LIKE on this microphone. Now i'm going to watch another video.
I already bought a Rode NT1-a but I still enjoy watching these videos
Armin Sarajlic even i m thinking of getting NT1-A, is it worth?
I totally agree with this review. For my very first microphone, I got this for basic home studio usage. I was totally not fond with the boosted highs and high noise floor. I think the Motu Track 16 Pre amps didnt help my situation as well. But I learned to use the mic there are some voices it sounds great. Some not so. Overall, this is still not a bad mic if its your only mic. :)) Planning on saving up for a Blue Baby Bottle this year too. This is my go to channel for micrphone and audio interface reviews and Metal571 for headphone reviews. Keep up to good work!
Make sure it's the baby blue bottle SL, big difference on the non SL.
I use a sterling condenser snd instrument mic, a baby bottle and beta 87c. I just got a p220. Thanks for the review
This is one of the most neutral mics I've heard. Very interesting.
Great review! Please make a comparisson betwen Akg p220 vs Audio Technica At2035
Great review!!! :D
Appreciate ya.
I dont ever plan on buying a new microphone but I still watch all your videos lol.
Lazy Mitchell You're not the only one 🎵🎶🎵
MEEE
Wow. This mic sounded awesome!
review some compressors. I really want to try out a distressor on my vocals.
good review sir
hey, im a big fan of your videos, and i was wondering if you could do a comparison between the mxl 550/551 package and the 990/991 to see if the extra bucks really make a big difference
make comparison with akg p220 vs audio technica at2035 please
yeah
@@egegulkaya2525 , so, the same question ... which mic did you chose ?
I actually intended to buy the at2035, but ended up with the p220. I have a brighter sound and the at2035 accentuated that. The p220 brought a warmer tone to my voice. The c214 sounded better, though minimally - I don't know the specs but based off what I heard in my voice - but it was out of my budget so the p220 it was
Probably 2 years too late, but I ended up selling my AT2035 and bought the AKGP220. The AKG has way less self noise and that slight treble boost really makes the voice pop and in my case, help a lot, since my singing voice is deeper than my spaking voice, so it helps me a lot. The AT2035 is pretty damn good, the EQ is way flatter, which makes it sound warmer than the AKG, but as a friend said to me, it's easier to cut something that is there, than adding something that isn't there, so if you don't like that boost, you can just use EQ to cut it off.
Both are phenomenal mics for the price, but the AKG has that extra something that makes it sound better to my ears, also it comes with a case and a full metal shock mount, which IMHO is a huge plus.
@@jonnypetrovich3114 I did not know that
Your videos are hilarious!
Thanks man. That means a lot. I try to make them as useful as possible, but sprinkle in some of my nonsense as well. Thanks for the kind words.
Hey man i love your videos. im currently using a mxl 990 but im looking to upgrade, whats your personal opinion on the best microphone for rapping/singing, my budget is about 200$ id love to hear back from you
I was wondering if you'd ever consider reviewing the Shure 565SD. It's very similar in looks to the 58 but some people say the bass isn't as noticeable due to the proximity effect.
Please, what is better between this and MXL V67g? thank you.
Nice review 😍 I need the pest mic under 100 $
What about Samson 1c pro? In 2018
Bro thanks you are so cool
It is a Sexy looking mic. found one used at Guitar Center for $77...no case/shockmount, so not sure if that is really a deal or not. just bought RODE Podmic as my room is not that ideal for recording and I am afraid this condenser would pick up EVERYTHING! Great review!
For a little bit more money I would suggest the Heil pr35, especially for singing in bands or even talking to an audience as it's a more listener-friendly microphone, it's my "go-to" microphone and if you need a little more clarity you just step back a little bit, it's the most reasonably priced best-sounding mic out there at this time.
I just don't get it. I love the P120 and the P420, but every time I see the P220 it just seems to fall flat. Am I just wrong? Or was the P220 designed specifically to push people up to the P420?
Hi there. Can you help me out? I have a Nikon camera that doesn't have a mic imput. Maybe I will get another one later, but I already have an external recorder Sony ICD-PX312. I am thinking on upgrading my audio gear for short films and documentaries. In Brazil my options are: Just getting a shotgun mic (Rode Videomic Rycote vs Audio Technica Atr6550), just getting a better audio recorder with XLR imput (Zoom H5) to get another mic later, or getting a lavalier mic and a cheap big shotgun (Ht81 or a Boya BY-PVM1000-> any good?). What do you think would be the most intelligent purchase and why? Thank you!
I bought this mic a month ago and I use it to rap. This thing is wonderful.
I am a singer and I want to upgrade my home vocal recording setup from usb condenser to XLR.
I am confused with the following options:
1. AKG P120
2. AKG P220
3. Lewitt LCT240 Pro
4. SE Electronics X1a
Suggest me which one to choose and why?
Note : My room is non-treated.
Hey, there's an obscure cheap microphone that I think would be extremely interesting.
The below microphones are very popular in Russia and there are reviews in other language, but not in English!
Alctron MC410 - I have heard this is an excellent microphone from rough Russian translations, but would love to hear your thoughts!
iSK AT100 - This is a cheap $30 mic that seems to have lots of audio samples on UA-cam, but it's mostly Vietnamese edited stuff that I can't decipher.
There's a ton more microphones from these companies that come in under $100 too!
It seems you might be getting tired of Neewer microphones as well!
You can find most of these mics on lots of Chinese online retailers (AliExpress/BangGood/FastTech).
I wonder if the high self noise is due to the excessive treble boost. If so, how unfortunate. Perhaps it could be modded to be better in both regards.
Check out the 3U Audio CM1 mics. There's a U87 voiced one (Black CM1) and a C414 voiced one (Teal CM1). They have ridiculously low self noise at 7 dBA, and they're insanely cheap at around the price of this mic.
The signature is similar to C12. If you can buy just one mic, I would suggest something more versatile. But if you can afford many, then a very bright one will come in handy in some situations.
What usya is good microphone for streaming gameplay? I have a yeti, but want an xlr microphone.
So you prefer the nt1-a rather than this one? For vocals!
Thanks man
I am a singer and I want to upgrade my home vocal recording setup from usb condenser to XLR.
I am confused with the following options:
1. AKG P120
2. AKG P220
3. Lewitt LCT240 Pro
4. SE Electronics X1a
Suggest me which one to choose and why?
Note : My room is non-treated.
Can I connect the Mic directly to my MacBook Pro with Thinderbolt USB-C?
Makes great overhead mics too for the cymbals
I am a singer and I want to upgrade my home vocal recording setup from usb condenser to XLR.
I am confused with the following options:
1. AKG P120
2. AKG P220
3. Lewitt LCT240 Pro
4. SE Electronics X1a
Suggest me which one to choose and why?
Note : My room is non-treated.
Did you need the PSA1 to hold this mic?
Do you have any recommendations for a better mic at the same price point?
Yep, Had this mic, sold it asap. It worked out but the high end was horrid. Got A Blue Spark now. #LOVE lol
HNM I was thinking of either the BlueSpark or the AT2020. Hows the Spark?
i thought i was going crazy bro i listened to all my old music i said to myself that this mic has a lot of high end
Equalization?
Man I'm getting rid of mine asap! You have to get up on it to hear ya self! Fuck no!
"Always hoodie weather in my home"!! Why have you not released this as a single!!!???
How do you compare this mic with NT1, AT4040, Shure SM27? Thanks a lot in advance!
Interesting mic, would probably use it to record some indie folk/rock and maybeeeee on the clean channel of electric guitar, definitely not a good pick for vocals,
I'd be interested to see how it works as a room mic for drums, that air could possibly bring life into the cymbals
Joji Matthews could you explain a bit more detailed why you wouldn't choose it for vocals?
Trying to connect this mic to a Pyle 4-ch BT studio mixer but I can't get any levels. Using XLR to 1/4" cable from mic to input. Input on Pyle supports XLR and 1/4" but for this mic, perhaps it must have the XLR to XLR for phantom power??? I'm stumped. Any thoughts?
so this mic is for ASMR productions?
How good are these for overheads on cymbals for live settings?
I have this microphone but idk what those buttons on the front are for. Where should those buttons be positioned for rap vocals?
Hey whats up, what mic stand do you use in this video?
Old video, but I think this is the only time I've ever disagreed with Bandrew. Idk if he's got a de-esser on or what, but in this video the esses don't even sound too brittle or harsh, the mid frequency response on this mic actually really smoothens out the honkiness/boxiness that you can sometimes hear in deeper voices. In my opinion, this sounds really great for the price. I think the C414 and Lewitt mics sound much more grating and ear-piercing than this.
Podcastage, im french and i beggin vidéos on UA-cam. I want a good microphone, not expensive, knowing i record in my room with background noise, but i dont know what can i buy ? I Wait answers ! Thx !
Mhhh sounds good
Thank you so very much.
You're very welcome. Thank you very much for watching it.
Will you kindly compare this to the sm58?
I have the p420, i really like it with winds instruments like clarinet. U can hear something in my video but i processed a lot. :D
I am a singer and I want to upgrade my home vocal recording setup from usb condenser to XLR.
I am confused with the following options:
1. AKG P120
2. AKG P220
3. Lewitt LCT240 Pro
4. SE Electronics X1a
Suggest me which one to choose and why?
Note : My room is non-treated.
Please let me know
Rank it please
Which is the best for singing
Akg p120 vs at2020 vs se x1a vs blue ember vs akg p220???
You called it. Cheap ..too bright, brittle sounding and NO LOW END at all. I was stunned to hear you get that close to the mic and not hear ANY low end fill in or rumble at all. I can't get behind this one and I've loved other AKG products.
Привет из России!😊 Отличные обзоры, спасибо!!! 👍
Do a versus on this vs AT2035!
put a thick windshield foam on it and you'll be amazed..you take that "brittle" thing off. Used a pair of them recording drums, as overheads Glyn style with foams on and they sound awesome.
Another really great review, sucks it being so harsh in the higher frequencies, it’s a really well built nice looking microphone.
What is difference between akg p220 vs rode nt1a?
one of my friend gave me this mike like 12 years ago. He killed himself last year. He wrote music too we both wrote very similar music and would write together. Using it feels like an homage to him now. Its a good mic lasts a long time and can survive a couple drops
I’m so sorry to hear about your friend. I think it’s wonderful that you are paying tribute to him by using this mic.
@@Podcastage thanks for the kind words man! He was such a positive dude it took us all by surprise. Literally saw him the day before
I record hip hop n bounce from my akg p220 and my Rhodes nt1a and I'd recommend either. Nt1a is better but the AKG is a great mic hands down for the price
Review the Fifine k670 microphone please.
This or the blue yeti spark blackout?
Yo I’m having really big issues I mean it sounds so good for you but how do I make it sound good for fl studio 20 it just sounds so awful rn
Can someone tell me what xrl cord to use for this mic I need one that can connect to my phone and to the akg mic I brought one it was wrong
what the sound card did you use ?
Would you happen to know how to set up the mic clip? I can’t figure out the bolt screw. It’s too small to fit into the mic stand. I watched another video and the person said to unscrew the bolt using your thumb. I’ve tried doing that and nothing happens. Is there any way you can help or upload a video please
Hopefully you got this figured out, but there is an adapter inside of the mic clip that you have to remove for it to mount on standard mic stands. It's the threaded bit with the notches in it, if you use a coin or guitar pick or bigass screwdriver you can screw it out. Usually they're not in there very tight and you can just use your thumb.
OOPS wish I watched this video before I bought the mic. Not crazy about it, and I'd have gotten something with a fuller lower end if I'd watched your video! Thanks for posting, and I'll see what you say in the future, sir!
Will you be considering an sm58? I have to choose between the two.
did u turn on the high pass filter when recording the acoustic bit? would u keep the high pass filter on for speech as it removes the bass in voices..
If I did not mention it in the lower third then it was in flat mode. I think it depends on the voice if you want to turn on or off the high pass filter.
Is this good for singing?
So what’s consider the neutral button . Is it the flat line mark and the zero or opposite and I wanted to use this for rapping / singing vocals so I wanted to know which one should I have it set on for those type of things
Did you find out?
we need a 'Hoodie Weather' single
you should review a neumann u87 XD
One day. Oneeeee day.
This or rode nt1?
How does it compare to lct 240 pro?
review alctron UM270 pls
some please tell me where to find a boom arm for less than 30 dollars for this