Whether you record vocals at home or mic up blaring guitar cabs and explosive drums on stage, the black AKG P120 condenser microphone is designed to give clear, distortion-free sound on a tight budget. This side-address mic sports a rugged all-metal body that not only bolsters durability, but also aids in rejecting RF interference from sources such as wireless systems. It comes with a stand adapter for straightforward mounting on your existing mic stand.
The low-mass 0.67" gold-sputtered diaphragm yields a detailed sound with a slight high-frequency rise above 10 kHz, and it is capable of handling SPLs up to 150 dB (-20 pad on) without audible distortion. A gentle low-cut filter at 300 Hz can be engaged, which helps reduce rumble, wind noise, or even bass buildup from up-close miking. Stage bleed and background noise are attenuated by the mic's cardioid polar pattern, which is most sensitive to sound in front of the microphone. Use a separately available XLR cable to connect the P120 to an XLR mic input that can supply 48V phantom power.
Cardioid Polar Pattern
This side-address microphone is most sensitive to sounds arriving from in front of it while picking up much less of sounds arriving from the sides or rear (from monitor speakers or neighboring instruments). This makes the microphone equally suited for recording and onstage use.
Gold-Sputtered Diaphragm
The 0.67" diaphragm—sized between the measurements of typical large and small diaphragms—is made of a plastic foil that is gold-sputtered on one side only to prevent shorting to the back electrode even at extremely high sound pressure levels.
All-Metal Body
The all-metal body adds to the rejection of RF interference so you can use the microphone near transmitter stations and along with wireless microphones or other communications equipment. The extremely rugged, heavy body and sturdy front grille protect the microphone from damage from tough handling on stage.
High Headroom and Minimum Distortion
Capable of handling sound pressure levels up to 150 dB without introducing perceptible distortion and built to resist high temperatures and humidity, the microphone will give excellent results in a wide range of applications.
Bass-Cut Filter
Selector 1 on the microphone front further reduces low-end distortion caused by footfall, wind noise, and air conditioning rumble. The filter also minimizes the proximity effect that close-in miking from less than 4" causes in any unidirectional microphone. The filter rolls off at 6 dB/octave from 300 Hz downward.
Switchable Pad
Selector 2 on the microphone front lets you increase the headroom by 20 dB for distortion-free recording up close. The pre-attenuation pad prevents the microphone's output level, particularly at low frequencies, from overloading the miniature transformers used in many mixer input stages, etc.
Connecting to Audio Equipment
The P120 uses a condenser transducer designed for 48V phantom powering from a source such as an external mic preamp, an audio interface, or a mixing console. It provides a balanced output on an XLR 3-pin male connector; use an XLR cable (available separately) to connect the microphone to a balanced XLR input with phantom power.
Microphone
Primary Applications
Live Sound, Studio Recording, Broadcast
Form Factor
Large Diaphragm Mic / Stand/Boom Mount
Intended Sound Sources
Vocals, Speech/Voice Over, Instrument
Sound Field
Mono
Operating Principle
Pressure Gradient
Capsule
Electret Condenser
Diaphragm
0.67" / 17.02 mm
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Orientation
Side Address
Circuitry
Solid-State
Pad
-20 dB
High-Pass Filter
300 Hz, 6 dB/Octave
Tone Adjustment
None
Gain Adjustment
None
Indicators
None
On-Board Controls
High-Pass Filter, Pad
Windscreen
None
Performance
Frequency Range
20 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
130 dB SPL
150 dB SPL (with Pad)
Off-Axis Rejection
3 dB at 60°
12 dB at 120°
20 dB at 180°
Impedance
200 Ohms
Load Impedance
≥ 1000 Ohms
Sensitivity
-32.5 dBV
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
75 dB A-Weighted
Equivalent Noise Level
19 dB A-Weighted
Connectivity
Output Connectors (Analog)
1 x XLR 3-Pin Male (on Mic)
Headphone Connector
None
Power
Operating Voltage
48 V ± 4 V (Phantom Power)
Operating Current Consumption
3 mA
Physical
Color
Black
Mounting
Mic Clip/Stand Adapter (Included)
Included Case
None
Included Filters
None
Construction Material
Metal
Operating Temperature
22 to 92°F / -10 to 60°C
Dimensions
ø: 2.1 x L: 6.5" / ø: 5.4 x L: 16.5 cm
Weight
16.05 oz / 455 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.995 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
9.7 x 7.5 x 3.25"
