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Mods for the Perception 220
- Microphone Parts
Although the Perception 220/P220 is essentially a clone of a U87, the AKG mic doesn’t sound much like the U87. It is far too bright and peaky. The Microphone-Parts.com mod kit replaces the AKG capsule with a more neutrally voiced model. The resulting mic measures like a U87Ai, although with better bass and more “air.”
Pricing & Availability
- MSRP: $350
- Discontinued
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Reviews & News
- $200 Condenser Test, Pt I
- $200 Condenser Test, Pt II
- $200 Condenser Test, Pt III
- Spragens’ analysis of P220
Perception 220 Documentation
AKG Acoustics Perception 220
Cardioid Condenser Microphone
AKG’s Perception 220 is a revised version of the Perception 200; both are fixed-cardioid, large-diaphragm FET condensers. The single obvious difference between the two mics is the pad; the -10dB pad on the 200 has been changed to a -20dB pad on the 220.
The Perception 220 is essentially a clone of the Neumann U87A circuit, including the negative feedback loop that provides corrective EQ to the capsule.
The published frequency plots for the 200 and 220 are identical. Note that despite the stated frequency range of 20Hz-20kHz, both the Perception 200 and 220 share a -3dB point around 50Hz.
AKG
The Perception 220, 420, 820, 100, 200 and 400 share the same capsule platform which is is one-inch, center-terminated and true condenser.
We measure the capsule at 34mm OD, with a 26.7mm diaphragm. The two capsule backplates appear to be copies of the Neumann K67 design. The front diaphragm is sputtered and center-terminated; the rear half of the capsule is skinned with clear Mylar.
Like all the large-diaphragm Perception microphones, the Perception 220 uses an output transformer. Aside from one FET and a few other components, the amplifier circuit uses surface-mount components.
According to an analysis by Henry Spragens, the 220 uses a set of three connected PCBs: a FET input board, a DC power board, and the impedance converter/output board. High-frequency corrective EQ is produced by sending negative feedback to the “ground” side of the K67 capsule. (See the sidebar link to Henry’s analysis, which includes basic circuit diagrams.)
Spragens’ circuit analysis reveals that the Perception 220’s circuit “slavishly” copies the U87A circuit, including unused power supply points on the U89 DC power circuit within the U87A. The duplication of unnecessary circuity suggests that the Perception 220 was copied somewhat blindly from a schematic rather than from an analysis of the working microphone.
The Perception 220 ships with an elastic shockmount (AKG p/n SH-100) in an aluminum flightcase.
The AKG Perception microphones are manufactured in China, but are subject to AKG’s quality control standards. The mics were designed by AKG in Vienna.
The Perception 220 was replaced in AKG’s product line with the P220.
Permalink: AKG Acoustics Perception-220
The mic was released in 2008.
Specifications
| Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare! |
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| Pickup Patterns | Pads & Filters |
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Cardioid
(18 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz) |
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| Capsule Dimensions | Impedance | SPL/Noise |
|---|---|---|
| Diaphragm diameter: 26.7mm Capsule diameter: 34mm |
200 Ohms (Low) | Max SPL: 155 dB Self-noise: 16.0 dB(A) |
| Weight | Length | Max Diameter | Interface(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 525g (18.52oz) | 165mm (6.50'') | 53mm (2.09'') |
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| Power Specifications |
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