AKG
AKG P420
Side-address large-diaphragm (1-inch) dual-diaphragm multi-pattern true condenser mic (cardioid, omni, figure-8), with bass cut and -20 dB pad
Power Phantom 48 V ±4 V (IEC 61938).
- Type
- Condenser
- Pattern
- Switchable, 3
- Sensitivity
- −31 dBV/Pa
- Among 204 condensers: more output than 89%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 92%
- Self-noise
- 15 dB(A)
- Among 258 condensers: quieter than 53%
- Among 272 mics: quieter than 54%
- Max SPL
- 135 dB SPL
- Among 277 condensers: takes louder sound than 40%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 36%
- Rated range
- 20 – 20k Hz
- Released
- 2014
vs 75 side-address condensers
More output than 89% of 75 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published sensitivity, and each bar counts them; further right means more output. This mic is in blue.
vs 99 side-address condensers
Quieter than 30% of 99 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. This mic is in blue.
vs 107 side-address condensers
Takes louder sound than 41% of 107 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the manual, p. 24.
Titled "Frequency Response (cardioid)", curve marked "0°". Distance, room and smoothing not stated.
Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.
Polar pattern
From the manual, p. 24.
Titled "Polar Diagram", next to the cardioid response; AKG split plot, 0° at the bottom; 125-1000 Hz on the left half, 2-16 kHz on the right; rings every 5 dB (labels -20, -10, 0). Measuring conditions not stated.
In practice
All specs
| From the manual | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsule | 1-inch dual-diaphragm true condenser, diaphragms gold-sputtered on one side"Gold-sputtered diaphragm: ... gold-sputtered on one side only" (p. 17). | p. 23 |
| Sensitivity | −31 dBV/Pa (28 mV/Pa)cardioid. "(cardioid) 28 mV/Pa (-31 dBV)". | |
| Self-noise | 15 dB(A)to IEC 60268-4 | |
| Max SPL | 135 dB SPL0.5% THD; also 155 dB SPL, 0.5% THD, -20 dB pad. "135 / 155 dB SPL (0 / -20 dB)". | |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 79 dBA-weighted, re 1 Pa | |
| Output impedance | 200 ohmmaximum. "≤200 ohms". | |
| Rated load impedance | 1000 ohmminimum, recommended. "≥1000 ohms". | |
| Rated frequency range | 20 Hz to 20 kHz | |
| Powering | phantom 48 V ±4 V (IEC 61938)The cut sheet: "Voltage: 44 to 52 V". | |
| Current draw | 3 mAmaximum. "≤3 mA". | |
| Low cut | off, 300 Hz; 300 Hz; 12 dB/octave"Bass cut pad: 300 Hz, 12 dB/octave"; selector 3 on the rear, "rolls off at 12 dB/octave from 300 Hz downward" (p. 17). | |
| Pad | −20 dBSelector 2 on the microphone rear (p. 17). | |
| Connector | XLR-3 male (pin 2 hot) | |
| Weight | 517 gnet. "517 g (18.2 oz)"; the cut sheet agrees. | |
| Dimensions | 54 × 165 mmDiameter × length. | |
| Temperature range | -10 °C to +60 °C | |
| Body | All-metal body | p. 17 |
| From the Recording Hacks page | ||
| Released | 2014 | |
| From the spec sheet | ||
| Supplied accessories | spider shock mount; metal carrying case"Spider Shock Mount, Metal Carrying Case". Optional: PF80 pop filter, ST305 table stand, W4000 windscreen (manual, p. 16). | p. 2 |
Documents
- P420 user instructionsDE, EN, FR, ES
- P420 High-Performance Dual-Capsule True Condenser Microphone, cut sheet
- AKG Acoustics P420 | RecordingHacks.com
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © AKG, unchanged, with its original address.