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AKG Acoustics Perception 170

Cardioid Pencil Condenser Microphone

The Perception 170 is a minor revision to the company’s discontinued Perception 150. Both are half-inch, cardioid FET condenser mics with transformerless output circuits. The only difference in the published descriptions or specs is the preattenuation pad, which in the model 170 is -20dB.

The mic’s published frequency graph shows a relatively flat response from 70Hz - 7000Hz, dipping 1dB from 200-300Hz and 2dB around 5kHz, then spiking to +6dB at 10kHz. This graph is identical to that of the Perception 150.

Note the differences in capsule vent size and shape of the Perception 150 (left) and Perception 170 (right). Although subtle, these differences could have an effect on the high-frequency response of the two microphones, despite the identical response graphs.

The mic ships in a cardboard box with a storage pouch and a mic clip (AKG p/n SA 45).

The Perception 170, like the rest of the Perception series, is manufactured in China to AKG’s specs and standards.

SoundOnSound, 2009

The presence peak translates to an open airiness at the top end, but because the peak is right up at 10kHz it doesn’t make the high end seem harsh or honky… [T]he mic fared well on the acoustic guitar test, combining a confident low end with a nice but subtle sense of airy detail that was more pronounced than with the [Perception] 420, but was still not overdone. It handles hand percussion equally capably.

The Perception 170 was replaced in AKG’s product line by the P170.

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The mic was released in 2008.

Specifications

Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare!

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Cardioid (12 mV/Pa; 50 - 20,000 Hz)	Pad: -20dB (Via Switch)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 12.5mm	200 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 155 dB Self-noise: 21.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
130g (4.59oz)	160mm (6.30'')	22mm (0.87'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

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

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