AKG Acoustics Perception 120
Cardioid Condenser Microphone
The Perception 120 is a small-diaphragm electret condenser microphone. Despite its packaging in AKG’s familiar Perception case style, it is not a large-diaphragm, externally-biased “true” condenser mic as are the first-generation Perception 100, 200, and 400.
The capsule in the Perception 120 is a 2/3'', back-electret design, according to the owner’s manual (linked from the sidebar).
The mic’s frequency response is unlike the rest of the large-body mics in the Perception series; the HF peak happens sooner and goes higher (+4dB @ 10kHz), and the LF rolls off sooner. AKG states the frequency range at 20Hz-20kHz, but the -3dB points on the frequency graph occur at 125Hz and ~18kHz.
In keeping with its budget nature, the Perception 120 ships in a cardboard box with a mic clip and a “mini poster.”
AKG’s Perception microphones were designed in Vienna, and are manufactured in China “under strict quality control” (according to AKG).
SoundOnSound, 2009
As a vocal mic, the 120 reminds me somewhat of the less costly Audio Technica AT2020, in that it sounds nicely warm and slightly compressed, with a high end that’s smooth but not dull.
The Perception 120 was replaced in AKG’s product line by the P120.
Permalink: AKG Acoustics Perception-120
The mic was released in 2008.
Specifications
Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare! |
---|
![]() |
Pickup Patterns | Pads & Filters |
---|---|
Cardioid
(22 mV/Pa; 125 - 20,000 Hz) |
|
Capsule Dimensions | Impedance | SPL/Noise |
---|---|---|
Diaphragm diameter: 16.5mm |
200 Ohms (Low) | Max SPL: 150 dB Self-noise: 22.0 dB(A) |
Weight | Length | Max Diameter | Interface(s) |
---|---|---|---|
525g (18.52oz) | 165mm (6.50'') | 53mm (2.09'') |
|
Power Specifications |
---|
|
Did we get anything wrong on this page? Please let us know!