AKG P420 Multi-Pattern XLR Condenser Mic Review / Test

[@Makowh]

I bought this mic a few weeks ago, because of your review, I listened carefully to most of your reviews about mics in this price range and higher, and it is definitely the one that sounded the best for spoken words for me, especially about how the voice feels with it. You have a higher-pitched voice that tend to thrill with bright microphones, and I found this one to balance that very nicely and make your voice sound very natural and more mellow at the same time, which is one main reason why I invested in this mic. I want my voice to give the same feel in my future audiobooks. Also another great thing with this microphone is its versatility: It is quite resilient to high sound pressure and I tested it with great results with drum, didgeridoo and handpan, which have each very different requirements for recording. It did great on each, with the very flat, natural and uncoloured response that made it "not stand out" for you, and is actually one of its best advantages that works great with its versatility. All in all I am very happy with this microphone and can really recommend it to hobby and enthusiast musicians and sound creators who want the best value and versatility for their money! Thanks for the review, it really helped!

[@Makowh]

@josh o hi, yeah I am still quite happy with it, I don't regret this choice :)

[@ramencurry6672]

It’s a great mic. I plan on using it for my kick drum

[@darrenstephens3331]

I really liked the sound of that mic... it seems nice and warm. This guy has a pretty harsh nasally voice and this mic took out a bit of the "nails on a chalkboard".

[@IshaanNigamOfficial]

I am a singer and I want to upgrade my home vocal recording setup from usb condenser to XLR. I am confused with the following options: 1. AKG P120 2. AKG P220 3. Lewitt LCT240 Pro 4. SE Electronics X1a Suggest me which one to choose and why? Note : My room is non-treated.

[@rahulsinha9603]

@@IshaanNigamOfficial go for audio techinca at2020

[@shrutigolpobengaliaudiosto5989]

@@IshaanNigamOfficialgo for Lewitt. It sounds natural.

[@jillianangell2570]

@@shrutigolpobengaliaudiosto5989 get a dynamic supercardiod microphone like the akg d5 because your room is untreated

[@DAN_PRG]

@@IshaanNigamOfficial AKG P220, definitely!

[@Kragatar]

High pass filter... You shall not pass, unless you're high.

[@OscarNebeAbad]

hohohohoh 420 for you too

[@IshaanNigamOfficial]

I am a singer and I want to upgrade my home vocal recording setup from usb condenser to XLR. I am confused with the following options: 1. AKG P120 2. AKG P220 3. Lewitt LCT240 Pro 4. SE Electronics X1a Suggest me which one to choose and why? Note : My room is non-treated.

[@Kragatar]

@@IshaanNigamOfficial probably keep the yeti and invest in sound treatment. That makes a bigger difference than which mic you use.

[@JLummin]

love the mic, had it for years. I only hate the fact that the shockmount is limited to just the 420 and not other brands as I wish it was universal

[@Vor_Tex_Sun]

I love this mic also. It's a great all-rounder. You can use it for vocals, acoustics, and drums. Or even band rehearsal recordings

[@Genieclip]

Felt you exaggerated way too much on the 15 dB-A noise floor, or perhaps misunderstand its context. The self noise of this microphone is still much lower than the background level of a typical recording studio (25-30 dBA), much less a normal typical bedroom (30-40 dBA). The difference between 15 and 25 dBA is big enough such that in our recordings only the room background noise level would be heard. To put this into perspective, if we do a logarithmic addition of the 15 dBA microphone self noise floor to 25 dBA studio noise floor, we get a combined total of 25.4 dBA. A 0.4 dBA increase is hardly noticeable. In a normal bedroom studio where the background level is at least 30 dBA, the increase in the recorded noise floor from this microphone goes down to 0.1 dBA. The 15 dBA self noise would make a difference only if you were using the microphone for anechoic chamber applications where the background noise level of an anechoic chamber is typically within the 10 to 20 dBA range or even lower. In this case the microphone would affect the noise floor of our recordings by 1-6 dBA or more which is much more obvious.

[@livinglegacy8429]

would you suggest this or the p220?

[@gio-lazza]

Ok man i need leave my like i came to see a review a found an awesome personality man cheers!

[@IshaanNigamOfficial]

I am a singer and I want to upgrade my home vocal recording setup from usb condenser to XLR. I am confused with the following options: 1. AKG P120 2. AKG P220 3. Lewitt LCT240 Pro 4. SE Electronics X1a Suggest me which one to choose and why? Note : My room is non-treated.

[@GigiUK]

This mic is NOT designed for electric guitar/loud amps (read the manual/sales pitter-patter), but more so strings, which is why it sounds great with an acoustic guitar (plus violin and cello etc.). It’s 20dB not 15. The figure 8 is extremely useful if you’re wanting to record mid/side (best paired with an SM57). For £140, it’s an absolute steal. I have one. I also have a banana 🍌

[@DHawkBeats]

What does the 20db / 15db part mean? He said smth about noise floor that I don’t understand

[@billclasko9303]

The price has been reduced to 149.99 now SO it's a dang good value. AND there's virtually ZERO diff between it and the more expensive Audio-Technica AT2050 and the much more expensive Rode NTA-2. I also like AKG-D5s over SM 58s AND 57s finding them just more pleasing although I keep a couple of 58s because, WELL, some singers are just used to them. Back to the P420, I wouldn't mind using TWO, one for vocals and another with say a third pencil condenser for acoustic instruments

[@SamuelBoxold]

this is a really good review my dude

[@mtwg9307]

Excellent review with clear product description and useful functional test.

[@Gutowski1944]

I will be using dual 420's for nature/bird in various stereo configs. Nice high end with detail but yet some mid low umph to highlight a woodpecker pounding on a tree trunk. Cheers!

[@joeydineroakafai-zell5485]

You my friend are a TRUE Stoner. Toc up Johnny. Lol. I also hate Myself. Lol. Jkjk. God bless bro

[@harryturnbull963]

@@Gutowski1944 Hi there, I'm seriously considering this mic for exactly this application! Do you mind if I ask you a few questions about your experience with it? Most importantly, how sensitive would you say the P420 is to wind noise? Do you use a windscreen in even lighter breezes? Also, which portable interface are you using to record through? Have you struggled to keep your recordings clean from other handling/electrical noise from cables or your laptop/recording device? I hope the many questions don't scare you... I'm young and haven't even begun my first recording project yet, but been planning it for months trying to research the most efficient equipment for it... So I'm really excited to find someone doing similar recordings with the same equipment :)

[@SimurghMyTube]

How does it compare to the Lewitt LCT 440 PURE ?

[@jesuscolon1373]

Just bought this mic for my home studio, in my country it cost around 250, and I found it for 150, at the moment I don't have any audio interface or acoustic treatment in my room, but those are the last things I need to start making music with decent quality, I'm between the M-AUDIO AIR 192-4 and Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th gen, I already have an M-Audio midi keyboard and like it, can you guys recommend any of those audios interface?

[@daijoubu5093]

420 bro! Another great review

[@redmond3rd]

BTW - The documentation is behind the foam padding in the lid of the case.

[@tbk6494]

Damn dude, you're review is on point and easy for me to understand. Thank you! I'm trying to find a mic for violin, and voice overs. I don't think this is going to be the best fit.

[@saxofonistacr]

The Neumann u87 has the same self noise, nobody will say that isn't a professional mic

[@Kurzei]

Love when you get whacky with these. Never stop!

[@IshaanNigamOfficial]

I am a singer and I want to upgrade my home vocal recording setup from usb condenser to XLR. I am confused with the following options: 1. AKG P120 2. AKG P220 3. Lewitt LCT240 Pro 4. SE Electronics X1a Suggest me which one to choose and why? Note : My room is non-treated.

[@wearashirt]

The figure 8 rejection dropped my jaw!

[@FullContactDrummer]

OMG...finally a decent mic review!! I'd like to see this compared to CAD M179. Those are the two I'm considering for drum room mic.

[@PileOfEmptyTapes]

Why do you see a 15 dB(A) noise level as a problem, assuming it's real? While not state of the art, that's still quieter than what all but the hottest dynamic mics could ever hope to achieve! (An SM7B can't do better than about 20 dB SPL. It takes an AT BP40 to get down to 13 dB and change.) I have a mic with 18-ish dB(A) on here right now, and most of all it's a blatant reminder that my room sucks. 23-ish, yeah, that's not so hot.

[@BlàckÐèàth]

Still waiting for the day where the actual mic is NOT included ;)

[@sabinkolarov]

The documentation is behind the black stuff on the case top. :)

[@ElliottErnst]

What kind of orange amp is your amp

[@rwj1313]

Mine came with documentation. It was under the foam in the lid of that fancy case.

[@victorabda]

Great video! Thanks for sharing 😄

[@gnarlysoundscapes7210]

0:47 I think your acoustic guitar's life flashed before it's eyes.

[@sampaquette7402]

i know this is 6 years later, but curious if you've heard of the mod for this mic that drastically improves it, it gives it more of a U87 vibe, its a single capacitor and was a pretty easy mod to do, might be worth trying and doing a comparison

[@NickG6489]

Consider the Cad M179, which is a variable pattern microphone, note I said variable. You get a nob, not a slider, which means you can use this mic on a kind of in between the three patterns.

[@photorooster8865]

I have 2 CADM179's .. I like them alot, but they hate plosives, absolutely shuts them down a sec. Other then that I'm happy with them. Good add for a studio.

[@JewelFornillas]

as always. nice review buddy

[@williammietz9877]

I know this video is 4 years old now but for anyone looking this mic up or has one, there is documentation behind the foam on the lid.

[@NealAlmighty]

I have a chance to buy the perception 400 at about $80. Would you recommend that over the 420?

[@danimuse2825]

I am not sure anyone mentioned but the paperwork stuff is behind the foam bit in the lid of the case.

[@DJDoubleEdge]

I'm here for the acoustic guitar performance 👍🏼🙂

[@JamesCorbettMusic5000]

Same yeah, got an sm7b for vocals but this seems better for acoustic guitar/stringed instruments. Just ordered one for £100

[@buzzman4860]

Gang vocals? Bloods or Crips?

[@shotta2201]

Lmao

[@bishopdebbarma9986]

Which is better Audio Technica 2035 or AKG P420 ? Please reply

[@CalebLegend]

Keep it up bandrew!

[@MridulDhirajKhanna]

Which one would you suggest between At2035 and AKG p420? Specifically for Female Alto vocals. Hoping to receive a reply.

[@Emergentministry]

Well that was weird I just hopped on KZbin to look at mic reviews and 25 seconds later I got your notification. Maby this mic is fate. Thanks man!

[@IshaanNigamOfficial]

I am a singer and I want to upgrade my home vocal recording setup from usb condenser to XLR. I am confused with the following options: 1. AKG P120 2. AKG P220 3. Lewitt LCT240 Pro 4. SE Electronics X1a Suggest me which one to choose and why? Note : My room is non-treated.

[@147rigo]

@@IshaanNigamOfficial uh treat your room or get a booth if you want a condenser, if you can’t treat your room or get a booth then buy a dynamic mic but of those 4 I’d recommend the Lewitt, however I have a 5th recommendation in that price range, RØDE NT1A

[@simpatico4004]

I just nod my head when the specs are read out, knowing damn well I have little clue what it all means lol.

[@brunoromiti7708]

do you have a recomendation for other condensers on this price range? thanks!

[@sherinstanley8976]

Hi I really do need help. I need to record my vocals on my first album in my home studio. But not able to decide between an AKG p220 and AKG p420. Could someone please help me in which would be a better option among these two? I am a rapper and vocalist.

[@ubellubo]

I just ordered this mic for recording music (including vocals). I was originally going to get a Rode NT1 or NT1a but I found a special deal for the AKG P420 making it considerably cheaper than the Rode mics (which seemed good value because the Rode NT1 usually sells for AUD$320 and the AKG P420 for AUD$480 in Australia). Plus I was impressed with how versatile this mic is. From what I have read the Rode NT1 would be better for recording singing, but I am hoping that this mic will be good enough for my purposes.

[@yashrajsonawane4442]

Which one should I go for p420 or rode nt1a for singing but I don't have professional sound proofing only the normal one, what do you recommend

[@ubellubo]

Probably the Rode NT1A if just for vocals (although most reviews like the Rode NT1 better - but it will depend on your voice). But the AKG P420 is a good vocal mic. And as I mentioned I like it’s versatility.

[@yashrajsonawane4442]

@@ubellubo I sing in mid and high what you suggest among this too rode or p420 waiting for the reply

[@yashrajsonawane4442]

@@ubellubo I don't have much sound proofing

[@yashrajsonawane4442]

@@ubellubo what you think about lewitt lct240pro will that good compare to p420

[@Pentti_Hilkuri]

Nice, but is there supposed to be an eposvox video in your "$150+ Mic Reviews" playlist like I can see in the endcard?

[@Podcastage]

There was not supposed to be. Don’t even know how that was added. Thanks for the heads up. It was an interesting video by him though.

[@joecox9958]

sorry you did get some music. not sure when you said "not recommended condenser mic", or you think 16dbA is too high? then which one you recommend? thanks again

[@PBChaturvediAnagh]

Please suggest me between AT 2035 and AKG P420 for singing/vocal. Please....💐💐💐💐💐

[@pandoraefretum]

Thx for this... I want to record nature sounds... I heard this mic was reasonably sensitive... do you think 2 of these would do a good job ?

[@DaNOliveiraDaN]

can i plug it into my presonus audiobox interface and still get good quality for podcast?

[@matdemaz]

The noise is kind of a turn off.This is good for acoustic instrumentals, though. AKG have released much better mics. This is kinda meh.

[@shubakah]

What mics you recommend for vocals and guitars recording? Thanks

What do you think about this mic combined with a shure sm57 for recording electric guitar amp?

[@bluewallinc7878]

I do it all the time! The 57 helps highlight the higher mids while akg doesn’t color your amp tone too much. It’s a great pairing

[@tmthanhable]

Pls go with beta57 !

[@raymota4515]

So THIS is the Stoner's GO TO Best Bud - right":

[@Zarabozo]

It sounds like with a noticeable boost on high mids. Did you do some EQ on this or is that the flat sound?

[@Podcastage]

It’s raw unprocessed audio.

[@dooda1193]

dude bro is accurate,,, but, note,,, p420 is one of the few mics that make mixdown easier,, for the zoom r24..... in other , more neutral recording systems, what he says is correct.... also note for only zoom r24 case,, at 4040 makes mixdown harder,,, its all about matching

[@mwinfy]

Best pop filter for akg???

[@Thy013]

My question is if money wasn't a problem. what would you say is the swiss army knife of all microphones that could do everything that one person could want out of just one microphone? Record, youtube, live, etc.

[@jak6285]

In the $100 range check out mxl mics and audio technica mics. For $300+ check out shure and sennheiser.

[@AlleyWayBeats]

The booklets are under the foam in the top of the box that's were mine was

[@alexandremunhozscherer335]

Muuuito legal teus reviews... Parabéns

[@joecox9958]

thanks. but voice playback could not tell much difference because you produce 150-4500Hz only

[@shreenathmedicalstore8331]

Which budget condenser is best for song recording at home please suggest

[@techmundane3890]

You should review two cans and a string! That would be awesome.

[@_ARIZONA_MAN]

Lmao

[@CrimtideStreams]

I have had the P220 for several years, and came here wondering if the P420 would benefit me.. Got to the end of your video and you mentioned not recommending a condenser mic for gamers.. so I am curious, what DO you recommend? I am looking to change my mic, my interface, possibly add a Cloudlifter CL-1. Currently I have the AKG P220 XLR, going into a shitty Behringer Xenyx Q802USB. My problem is I can't really get my levels right, ever.. too close, too loud.. too far, too quiet. Sitting in what I think is my sweet spot, I just get people in discord telling me they either have to turn me up or turn me down constantly. I just want good clean consistent sound. Probably have around $400-500 total to spend.

[@Leo9ine]

You don't need a mic for a stable level. You need a compressor. A gate and de-esser will help too. All free with software. A $7000 Neumann will have the exact same problem. Do not spend money until you get a good vocal chain going in software.

[@Rahul_Kandari]

Hey Bandrew ,How much self noise would you recommend for a microphone for a beginner home studio. You've recommended several mics which you said are great for voice over but have a high self noise (15 dBa +) which you said is not good. So should I buy those mics or not which have a great tone along with high self noise?

[@Podcastage]

In many cases it’s about channel compromises. If you get a mic that sounds great but had a high self noise, that would be MUCH better than a microphone that doesn’t sound good but has a dead silent self noise. The NT1 is one of my favorites: it sounds great and has a low self noise.

[@gunestan.]

​@@Podcastagewhats your sound card

[@danielgarcia9286]

Thank you for the non stop egg cracking videos! How would you (or anybody in this piece) compare P420 with the Golden Age Project FC3?? Thanks

[@preetgond998]

Brother, lewitt 240 pro or at 2035 which is the best.?

[@rajsahumusic]

Akg 420p vs at 2035 which is better

[@justheathers]

I liked it on the acoustic guitar a lot!

[@KashTheGamerYT]

Same

[@ElementOfAdventure82]

You're funny, you just got a subscriber for that :D

[@martyisabeliever]

Naumann web site says a 15db noise floor is very quiet...

[@rebelsesportsgaming3644]

P220 or P440 which is good for vocal?

[@livinglegacy8429]

how does the P220 compare to this?

[@كرارالبدر-ع2ز]

Do you recommend buying this microphone

[@jesse6315]

Just Acquired It, What’s The Best Thing Y’all Done With It

[@pateasawma3809]

I wanna Buy this AKG420 does it really good For vocal recording? And is it lasting

[@TheAmyWhit]

you freaking crack me UP! hahaha Thanks for this review though, for real, needed this info!!

[@monochrome72]

You should do a test of the p820 as I just bought it and I love it

[@IshaanNigamOfficial]

I am a singer and I want to upgrade my home vocal recording setup from usb condenser to XLR. I am confused with the following options: 1. AKG P120 2. AKG P220 3. Lewitt LCT240 Pro 4. SE Electronics X1a Suggest me which one to choose and why? Note : My room is non-treated.

[@MrHandsomeStudios]

Is this Snoop Doggs microphone?

[@yuningchu7693]

Hey Podcastage! Will you be reviewing the Line 6 UX2? Thanks and great video!

[@siredward2263]

Can you make a video of mics you would recommend for music studios?

[@rhythm449]

SO WHICH IS YA BEST FOR THE MONEY VOCALS $150 LESS

[@leonardsullivan]

Hey Bandrew, I have an idea for something I haven't seen you do and would be VERY appreciated. Do a video explaining what a "Fet" Microphone is and what it's uses are. Maybe test one at the same time. I have one I love! The ADK Vienna MK8 Would really love to see you do that! Also, I haven't seen you do any Ribbon Mics, maybe a video for one of them!

[@donnalisajenkins]

what mics do u approve?

[@animeeditor2484]

can you do a review of the mic which you have at the right side where the sm7b was? near the dbx

[@tragicmagic5025]

i found my paperwork under the foam, lmao.

[@musicdiary5768]

How did it get there 😭

[@MrCapp1]

How do clean this mic??

[@Hiiigh_Sierra]

Outstanding quality, thank you brother!

[@rohansinghsinghania9956]

Does it work with evo 4audio interface

[@almightyswizz]

How do you turn this mic on for some reason it’s not picking up but my last mic is

[@diebeatz]

Phantom power .

[@rajsahumusic]

This mic Vs Rode nt1a who is best

[@charlyteve3929]

Do I’m an idiot how do I put it for my son so it can just be him heard he streams online

[@urbannpa]

Just found one in a pawn shop in mint condition $99.00.

[@joeydineroakafai-zell5485]

Any trouble with it or does it work good? Im curious as I may buy one also

[@its_Jeppu]

Could you review the trust GXT 252+ emita plus streaming usb mic. Im really interested in it but can't find many good reviews on it and would appreciate a quality review from you. :)

[@MrHamit64]

I did like how in omni the tone practically didn't change at all. The level being low on it could be a problem. But if you do use it in spaced AB stereo with a pare set to omni meh what evs, just pump them suckers up. Where I agree with you more would be you can't easly do mid side with them. cause 1 of them has to be figure of 8. The by direction setting. unless and some people do this, you set your mid mike to omni. I know that I'm into things you don't review these for, but could you hold this out a window and just record the out doors noise please? Just to see how it does with ambiance. But yeah mid side would be the tricky thing with these.

[@slapit145]

What cable are you using?

[@Podcastage]

I can't recall, but looking at this video I think it may have just been some generic brand XLR to XLR...maybe an amazon basics even.

[@slapit145]

@@Podcastage thanks man

[@JMarswav]

It has documentation. It on the top part of the box, behind the foam.

[@Sgsinger5]

Hey buddy, I really like the way you describe the products. I have seen almost all of your video. I like singing and I want to choose one condenser microphone under 50$ to 60$. And one audio interface . After watching all. I am so confused. Please suggest me a better option and only option. So I might not get confuse. I trust you

[@jabrown1209]

The documents/paper for the mic is inside the box you have too pull down the top foam part of it

[@nelsonventura6185]

Hi there, thank you so much for this video, in your opinion what is the best one to record vocals, the AKG P420 OR P220?

[@aholder4471]

I'd say p220 for just vocals. The 420 has switchable polar patterns which are good for acoustic instruments, room mics, etc. That's not really needed for vocals. The 220 has only cardioid patern which is what you need for vocals 99.5% of the time

[@nelsonventura6185]

@@aholder4471 thank you so much for your feedback.

[@aholder4471]

@@nelsonventura6185 No problem. If you have the extra money, spring for the 420 though. It'll probably come in handy one day. Also, the right thing for me to say, would be to ask you what kind of vocals? Voice over? Singing, if so what style? These all factor into the decision. I love AKG and they punch way above their price most of the time. Their c214 is really good as well. If you're doing singing and you get really into it and one day have the money, check out Mojave Audio mics. Out of all the Mics I've owned, that one had that special something extra that just seemed to be intangible.

[@nelsonventura6185]

@@aholder4471 for some reason i liked more the sound of p420 it sounds more smooth for vocals i think, at least in the video reviews that's what I could notice, besides this microphone is within my budget, the Mojave Audio seems to be superior, but here in Brazil we pay an average of ten times what people pay in Europe or the U.S.A due to currency exchange and import taxes, my friendy one more time thank you so much.

[@StandbyCymbalist]

I like this mic in figure 8 on tambourine. Sits nicely in a mix.

[@mateogala]

Should I buy this mic or AT2035?

[@MridulDhirajKhanna]

Same question!