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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.

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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)	Pad: -20dB (Via Switch) Filter: HPF: -12dB/octave @ 300Hz (Via Switch)

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'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications
Requires phantom power Phantom voltage: 48 ± 4v

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