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Picking the right microphone for your setup and needs can take a lot of hard work and research. There are about as many microphones out there as there are uses for mics, so narrowing down the list can get pretty tough. However, for musicians on a budget who want a quality mic that can record acoustic instruments with clarity and richness, the answer is simple. Today, we’re taking a look at the AKG Perception 170, why it’s the right mic for acoustic guitar, and much more.
About the AKG Perception 170
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 20-20,000 Hz |
| Equivalent Noise Level | 19 dBA |
| Sensitivity | 15 mV/Pa |
| Signal to noise ratio | 75 dBA |
AKG is a huge brand in the recording industry, and one look at its product lineup will tell you why. Originally founded in 1947 in Vienna, AKG has grown into a global brand that provides the world with top-quality equipment for audio recording and listening, with products catering to both consumer and professional markets.
Over the years, AKG has developed a number of legendary microphones, including the world-renowned AKG C214 and the AKG P220. With incredible engineering and design, AKG microphones have cemented their place in studios all around the world. They’ve featured on a number of professional tracks, and remain one of the most popular brands for studio recording.
Quality comes at a price, however, and many AKG microphones have been a little above the price range for most home studios. With the AKG Perception 170, however, that’s no longer a problem. The AKG P170 is a small diaphragm condenser microphone designed for recording percussions, acoustic guitars, string instruments, and overheads— and it comes in a little under $100. Sounds too good to be true? Read on and find out.
AKG Perception 170 Pros
Thanks to the booming popularity of home-based studios, the microphone market has been saturated with mics at price ranges that are easier on the wallet. And with most microphone manufacturers moving their factories to countries like China, where the cost to produce equipment is much lower, this trend looks likely to continue.
Affordability doesn’t always mean quality and a good price can sometimes equal a bad mic. Not so with the AKG P170, though. Despite its incredibly friendly price point, the P170 has much to offer both amateur and professional musicians alike. Let’s take a look at some of its best features.
Rugged and Robust Design
AKG has built a reputation for itself as a company that produces mics that can stand the wear and tear of daily use, and the AKG Perception 170 follows in those footsteps. Despite its low price, the P170 still has the trademark AKG all-metal body, as well as a robust design that protects sensitive electronics without compromising sound quality.
This makes it a great partner for musicians who feel like they need a compact yet quality mic for the road. The price might not buy a sturdy metal case (the P170 comes in a foam-lined cardboard box), but the build is definitely going to hold up to a few bumps and scratches over the years.
Compact Yet Powerful
The AKG 170 is a pretty small mic, following the standard design of most cardioid pencil condenser microphones. At only 160 mm (6.3 inches) in length and 22 mm (0.9 inches) in diameter, and coming in at 130 g (4.6 ounces), it’s a pretty lightweight mic, and easy enough to transport around. It’s closest to the now-discontinued AKG Perception 170 Instrumental Microphone, with small changes in the capsule vent size and shape.
Versatile Use
Don’t let the P170’s small size fool you, though. Although it’s smaller size and affordable price might feel too good to be true, it’s a great performer. Although it might have some airiness at its presence peak, its low end is solid and detailed. The AKG 170 microphone stands out thanks to its clarity, making recording acoustic instruments like guitar easier than ever.
This microphone comes with a switchable 20 dB pad that allows users to record high SPL up to 155 dB SPL. This makes it possible to use the P170 in diverse applications, from recording acoustic guitars to more powerful percussions like a full drum set. If you’re going to invest in only one microphone for your home studio, then the versatility of the AKG P170 makes it a great choice.
Great for Most Applications
The AKG Perception 170 has a sensitivity of 12 mV/Pa (-38 dBV), with a signal-to-noise ratio of around 75 dBA. While it’s not the quietest microphone ever, it works well enough with most studio applications. As long as you aren’t going to be recording super quiet sound sources, or positioning your mic too far from the sound source, then you’re going to find that the AKG 170 puts in a solid performance.
Pros and Cons of the AKG Perception 170
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Built to resist high temperatures and humidity ✔ Professional small-diaphragm, condenser cardioid microphone ✔ Pressure-Gradient design ✔ Switchable 20 dB pad ✔ Heavy-duty, an all-metal construction body ✔ The sturdy front grille protects it from tough handling | ✖️ The clip feels flimsy |
What People Are Saying
Overall, the AKG Perception 170 is a great instrumental mic for its price, and definitely one to consider if you’re only just starting to put together your home studio. Thanks to its lightweight yet rugged build, it’s a fantastic partner for going on tour and can be easily transported with no fuss.
In addition to that, its versatility in recording both quiet and louder sound sources means that it can hold up to most instruments without losing much detail. This means that you essentially get a one-size-fits-all instrument mic at a little under $100— a fantastic deal if there ever was one.
“They are great for a wide stereo image and everything sounds crisp and clean. My 170s are also great for room mics. I have used one as a drum room mic while I use the other as a mono overhead, and I got a huge roomy drum sound. These mics sound great on just about anything.”
Reviewer – Sweetwater
Where to Buy the AKG Perception 170
The AKG Perception 170 is a great mic for recording instruments in your home studio. Whether you’re going to be working on an acoustic guitar track, or settling in to do some heavy percussions, the P 170 is a solid and reliable performer.
With the classic AKG quality and durability, you have a mic that’s not only easy on the wallet but also offers incredible sound quality and durability. If you were on the lookout for your first acoustic guitar microphone, then look no further: the AKG Perception 170 is the solution. Find the best deals for the AKG Perception 170 Microphone here.
AKG Perception 170
The AKG Perception 170 is a professional-grade small-diaphragm condenser cardioid microphone that excels in various recording situations. Its robust construction and advanced features make it a reliable choice for both studio and live performances.
Designed to withstand challenging conditions, the Perception 170 is built to resist high temperatures and humidity. This feature ensures consistent performance even in demanding environments, making it a dependable microphone for outdoor recordings or venues with less-than-ideal conditions.
With its pressure-gradient design, the Perception 170 captures sound with exceptional accuracy and detail. Its cardioid polar pattern focuses on the desired sound source while minimizing off-axis noise, resulting in clear and precise recordings.
The switchable 20 dB pad adds to the versatility of the microphone, allowing it to handle high sound pressure levels without distortion. This feature proves beneficial when recording loud instruments or amplifiers, providing flexibility and ensuring distortion-free audio capture.
The Perception 170 delivers excellent sound quality across the frequency range. Its small-diaphragm design captures detailed audio with transparency, making it a preferred choice for capturing acoustic instruments, drum overheads, or capturing the nuances of vocal performances.
Overall, the AKG Perception 170 is a reliable and versatile microphone that meets the demands of professional recording applications. With its high-temperature and humidity resistance, small-diaphragm condenser design, switchable pad, and durable construction, it is a dependable choice for both studio recordings and live performances.
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