Pencil Mic Vs Large Capsule Condenser | AKG P170 Review

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Timestamps -
00:00 Intro
00:22 Build Quality
01:03 Specs
01:32 SDC vs LDC
03:18 Off Axis Rejection
03:45 Mic Comparisons
05:17 Guitar Comparisons
06:29 Final Thoughts
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My Gear -
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- TZ Audio Products Stellar X2 - amzn.to/3gHTj0X
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Canon 24mm 2.8 - amzn.to/2zF96Ok

[@Podcastage]

Really cool hearing you pull out the guitar!

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Yeah...gotta get my collection back up and running. Sold it off years ago when I quit working the stage. That is my daughter's small body A&L that they got for Xmas...it sounds ok

[@JoshuaHarrover]

Thank you so much for doing this, been a huge fan of yours for years sir, and you are the only person who has actually done a full-length review of the AKG P170. I plan on adding this microphone to my collection.

[@EnglishRain]

Such a fantastic review with all the live comparisons going on... Great work!

[@johne1599]

I bought an AKG P420 last fall and it’s great! AKG lists it as an instrument microphone, but it does very well on vocals, too.

[@GodunovPro]

Thanks for video! I purchase it right now ))

[@joshuaharrover9580]

I love pencil condenser mics, I plan on adding the P-170 to my collection, I like the sound of it.

[@CINENIMUS]

Like your channel - think it deserves way more people watching it though - happy trails brother!

[@DarkCornerStudios]

We are getting there. KZbin growth can be finicky unless you go viral...though mic video don't go viral. Slow climb it is... Thank you for your kind words though!

[@vintagebikes4215]

I've done many tests of various mics...regardless of whether large condenser or other, P170 does the job well...pleasing. thanks for this video

[@Mr_A_Mia]

I own 4 of these. Use them all the time for Flamenco guitar. Kudos on the comparison section. They sound almost identical. Subscribed.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Cheers and thanks!!

[@hellomeatrobots]

Thanks for this, I have been waiting for this review for so long. I think this may be the best of the P series mics so far. It sounds great and having the mic out of view is something more video podcasters should be doing.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

I have a second channel on the way that required a discreet mic...and I HATE lapel mics...so this may just get the wheels greased! Also...cheers and thanks for watching!

[@ramencurry6672]

If you’re just recording something and you’re not too picky, it sounds great and really all you need in life. It’s definitely possible to use a budget microphone for a professional broadcast.

[@DirkWerning]

Thanks. I’ve been rethinking my mic choices for my new live-streaming channel and I really would like a mic out if the shot. Also looking to have speakers/monitors rather than a headset. Just like the clean look better.

[@vmtz2001]

I have an MKH 416 and a p-170, unless you have layer upon layer upon layer of treatment hands down I prefer my p-170. Except for plosives you have none of the usual problems with transients as long as you are off axis with the P-170. Just avoid breathing on it from less than 2 feet. You’ll get the biggest plosive ever. The self noise is the same at -19db. It’s a way more accurate and natural sounding mic. I can add all the coloration I want with my preamp and plug ins. The MKH is great, but under the right, difficult to achieve conditions. Audio blankets, even two layers will not do the trick because of the phase cancellation caused by the slats on the side. It sounds muddy and boxy at the same time.

[@Shalin.S.Shah.]

Hey, quick question. I am looking for do it all mic as I am just a beginner filmmaker. I want a mic that can do dialogues in indoor untreated space, also can be used outdoor, and can do scratch audio as on camera mic. Would you recommend this short barrel mic for do it all?

[@ArmanHaddadzadeh]

Thank you indeed, short and practical.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Thanks Arman! It's been my goal to keep all videos like that

[@tomnaumann2104]

It would be nice to see this mic as a drum overhead. Bonus points for comparing it to a “classic” like a KM184.

[@Gearjunkie35]

Nice review... appreciate you!

[@DarkCornerStudios]

And I appreciate you watching! Cheers

[@chjadam]

Very nice review

[@jayteesgear]

This mic has nailed Vocals, Acoustic tracking, and Mic’ng my Marshall 2x12🔥💯. I dont even know how i noticed it but its my new Go to! Great vid. I’ll subscribe

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Cheers and thanks for the support! Welcome aboard!

[@jayteesgear]

@@DarkCornerStudios just shared w a buddy. He also recommended a Senn E906-

[@richardbrown1189]

Great video to get an idea of the quality the P170 can deliver for voice recording. The comparison was less useful since you had the two mics at completely different distances so the large diameter one was bound to have more depth due to the proximity effect.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Yes...but that was the point. The large condenser was much closer...and while it had more depth...the p170 performed very well. The intent wasn't to see the p170 win

[@jimflys2]

I just did a single overhead of a p170 vs a sdc F15 by Audix. The 170 had more lower and the high end detail reminded me a bit of the Earthworks pencil mics. Not as characteristic as the Earthworks, and they are very characteristic sounding. Very detailed. All in all , I am ordering another 170 and relegating the f15 to hi hat duty. 69 bucks for these now. Impressed.

[@ramencurry6672]

Definitely possible to sound professional for a cheap price. It’s basically the same or similar design as the expensive microphones but more efficient in manufacturing so the price gets reduced

[@davidsillars3181]

Sounded pretty darn nice on guitar. I like my pencil mics, Rode M5 pair, prob not as high spec. But as you say, for instruments great. I did use them with 1 miking my amp and 1 for voice and was happy enough. So yeah I totally agree, that's a nice well priced mic and we need the likes in the locker!

[@DarkCornerStudios]

I feel like my pencil mic collection is about to explode

[@vkusno_prodano]

Hello, great video, please tell me this microphone is suitable for ASMR Rode NT5?, thanks

[@nathanksimpson]

I used this for an indoor dialogue boom mic and for violin at my church.

[@portalcosmico6406]

thanks, is it usefull for live looping?

[@shaniell.mathur6372]

Good review

[@vintagebikes4215]

Note that I often combine both a large condenser and P170 in recordings of instruments with what I believe are excellent results. A comparison of frequency analysis charts of both explains why...weaknesses overcome and strengths maximized.

[@BjorgenEatinger]

On separate channels, or a single channel?

[@vmtz2001]

I love about the P170 is that I don’t have to worry about reflective surfaces. It is made to point at the inside of a guitar after all. I actually get a better sound by pointing the mic down at the table. You do need some acoustic treatment, but not much. Even a curtain and a bed will do.

[@ramencurry6672]

Most small bedrooms should be good enough if there is carpet, bed and furniture like a book shelf and dresser

[@madinacrystalglassplayer]

What kind of mics would be good for accustic instrumen for indoor, and outdoor gigs?

[@kenmecone8010]

Would love to see you record a full song with it.

[@SimonOxid]

may be 2 years late but anyways, what song are you playing? I found it very relaxing and liked it alot.

[@BoredGeese]

I commented on the p220, and I think i prefer this one as the sound sounds accurate.

[@RafaelPSchaefer]

i was looking for a budget mic for mono SFX recording, think i found it XD thanks

[@seanwebb605]

Nice video. This is tempting.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Thanks! Also...I know right? Now I want ALL THE PENCILS

[@seanwebb605]

@@DarkCornerStudios Pencilmania!

[@binethgeesara2179]

Hi! Can we use the AKG P170 for live acoustic guitar gigs without having a feedback ?

[@tubeman1983]

I guess a pencil mic would be more versatile for me since I need a mic for indoor video dialogue and also a mic to record voice-overs. A video comparing different pencil mics would be awesome! Cheers. ;)

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Depends on the VO work. If it is commercial VO work that needs the full breadth of your voice...the pencil mic may fall short. For stuff that can pull double duty at a professional level...you may want to consider a shotgun mic... The Rode NTG series is a good place to start

[@tubeman1983]

@@DarkCornerStudios Thanks for your reply! 👍 Then I think I should have a large condenser mic for VO; a pencil mic for indoor video dialogue and a shotgun mic for outdoor dialogue...

[@omegahyperes96]

Sounded like the P170 was more focused on the high frequencies whilst the other mic allowed more lower-end (warmer) frequencies

[@farid1280]

Thanks so much, I believe p170 sound so flat, without treble boost, of course comparing with p420 and p120. And finally, because of its flat sound it is so versatile and can be used for different situations. Best wishes 🌷🌷 I wonder how it sounds in comparison with other small diaphragms in the same range of price, like rode nt5.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

I am working on that. Gotta be nice to my bank account for a bit...

[@farid1280]

@@DarkCornerStudios Great job!

[@johnkotches8320]

Is there a significant proximity boost on the Medium/Large diaphragms? They're a fair amount closer and seem a little "heavier" in the lower frequency and I wasn't sure if it was proximity by comparison to the P170, which seemed to be further away. I've switched over to an SDC for horn recording at home...

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Yes...most ldc have a boost on proximity...

[@vaaksvakuums]

I will order P170 to mic up wind chimes, rain stick, etc percussive stands and even will test a didgeridoo, but for that instrument i'm using shure sm57

[@dolphinboy2u]

1.72 lbs weight? The P170 spec sheet printed 2017 says 130 grams (4.6 oz weight),... What's true here?

[@offplanetfilms]

I've just ordered one of these to try with our cartoon voice acting. Only recently started using some large condensers, (after using purely dynamics for years), and although I love the tone & quality, they don't handle crunchy, loud, strange voices so well. It'll be interesting to see if the P170 handles the job better?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

I am curious! Let me know!! Just make sure to keep your distance from the capsule or uses pop protection

[@offplanetfilms]

@@DarkCornerStudios Will do! ...I'm hoping to find a condenser that can handle my Peter Lorre inspired voice without crunching the mic. Will try distance & pop screen with the pencil & see how it goes!

[@offplanetfilms]

Finally got around to properly testing the P170 (after buying an actual interface instead of using a Zoom H4n). It's not bad, although for voice acting I still prefer my large condensers (TLM103 and Rode NT1). I'm sure it will have it's uses though. Really like the realistic tonality and sibilance isn't over-the-top (as the TLM103 is occasionally). I really like trying different mics for different character voices. Seems to separate the characters more than just using the same mic for everything.

[@sIimepain]

@@offplanetfilms im considering this mic for music. im doing hip hop(rap) vocals would you recommend it? and i have a deep voice but not a loud voice

[@offplanetfilms]

@@sIimepain It's a good mic, but I prefer the Rode NT5. It's flatter than the AKG, but the sound is way more accurate. (Less bass, but very clean & realistic).

[@CINENIMUS]

The mic arrived and so far its (at initial testing) not as clear as the MKH416 but it cost almost 20 times less 🤣 impressed with body construction - looks so far made entirely out of brass. Also looks like the capsules are interchangeable - do you know if ALG sell more capsules for it? 🧐

[@mariomanti-gualtiero1228]

If you like the MKH 416, you’d probably like the MKH 50 even better. I highly doubt AKG will come out with capsules specifically for the 170, but I’ve often wondered if their CK capsules would work on it out of curiosity. But if you’re going to do that, you might as well just get an AKG 451 body.

[@nadimghaoui]

did any one confirm if the capsules are interchangeable É @@mariomanti-gualtiero1228

[@JoshuaHarrover]

I actually like to use small diaphragm condenser mics for Voice Over projects.

[@JR-lx8nn]

I would have preferred you use both at the same distance and in the same relative position. Just saying. JT

[@msravioli1961]

And oh yeah. ¡Nice guitar performance! 🙂

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Thank you! A long way to go to get back into form I think

[@JeffJasperVO]

Hey Aiden, thanks for another really great review! Please, when you do the P820 review, I'd really appreciate if you'd spend some time with it in supercardioid -- more than just "And this is what it sounds like in supercardioid" -- as I'm particularly interested in that pattern's freq. response. If you compare the P820's cardioid plot and the figure-8 plot, right in the middle should be a sound along the lines of the SM7B in presence boost, or the Sennheiser MD421-II but maybe a little tamer. And that's the bright, forward sound I generally shoot for in a dense commercial mix. Thanks and stay warm!

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Cheers man! I promise to do that.

[@JeffJasperVO]

@@DarkCornerStudios Thanks!!!

[@roderickdeleeuw2101]

Newb question: can the P170 make do with an XLR to usb(-c) cable or is an audio interface needed/preferred (and if so, is there any you can recommend that fits the price point of the mic)? The P170 sounds awesome btw and your video is very helpful. Almost stepped in the shotgun/lavalier trap in my untreated room 😅 🙏🏻

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Sadly no. All xlr devices work the best with interfaces. It would work, but the sound would be less than desirable

[@roderickdeleeuw2101]

@@DarkCornerStudios Thanks! Any recommendations that fit the price point of the mic (with only 1 xlr input needed)?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@roderickdeleeuw2101 something like the Scarlett Solo is the lowest I'd go

[@roderickdeleeuw2101]

Am I correct to think that for an untreated room (with echo) a pencil condensor like this might do the trick for ‘professional sounding’ audio (a.k.a. not be as hollow as a Deity vmic D4 shotgun mic I’ve tried recently)? The P170 sounds bloody excellent to my ears. However, would it do as well in that untreated room? 🤔😅

[@ckrug32]

Curious to know the answer to this as well!

[@roderickdeleeuw2101]

@@ckrug32 Well, the answer is in. I have the AKG P170 + Vocaster interface running via a boom stand right above my head. While I’d rate the sound from up close (podcast style) a 9/10, I recon the extra distance still keeps it at a respectable 7.5 or 8. The room is untreated and I’ve also tested this with my Macbook Pro M1 mic (hollow as h*ll, even though they are good mics), a Deity D4 mini (quite good, 5 times cheaper, but not 5 times worse). The sound from the AKG with some equalizing is great I think. Add some post with a little #podcastboost and it’s legit pro audio that you wouldn’t think about twice when listening to a YT video imo. Hope this helps!

[@anthonydiecidue7916]

Debating between the p170 and Shure SM57 for recording Acoustic Guitar, Saxophone, and Upright Piano. In an untreated room as well, do you think the p170 would be better?

[@asianguy6174]

The most critical factor is actually acoustics. All the mics sound muffled on the higher frequencies, but still acceptable. It's a matter of taste and application.

[@Anonymous-506]

Hi I am a low budget filmmaker wanted to know that Akg p170, is it good for shortfilm makers? And how's the outdoor experience?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

No...better off with a full shotgun mic

[@Ithirahad]

P420 "depth" is probably owed to being stuck a few inches from your face. If anything the P420's high end is the more interesting comparison - very crisp and reasonably detailed but maybe verging on harsh compared to the pencil mic, which is notably mellower and still brings plenty of "depth" at comparable range.

[@gearldauwardt646]

I like p.20

[@josemiranda1241]

As a Sound Engineer with over 35 years of experience I can tell you that the P170 sounds fantastic for its price! Remember EQ is your friend! :)

[@gearldauwardt646]

Its really good thanks i good comment god bills all of u

[@TV-se6pq]

hello. I am running a sound company in Korea. Is it okay if I use the video as a reference on my website? Your video is very useful.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

I would prefer not. You can link to it...or embed it...but please do not post it as your own

[@msravioli1961]

Wait. I'm confused. Pencil mics ONLY record in mono and not in stereo?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Nope...individual mics are ALL mono. For true stereo you need 2 mics at the same time

[@Ithirahad]

@@DarkCornerStudios Point of confusion is probably that there exist (USB, at least) "microphones" that actually hold two mics in a single housing and output stereo audio out of the box.

[@pksji]

Sir which interface you used with this akg ? 120

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Audiofuse Studio

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Oh wait...no...I used the Audiofuse Mini....my bad

[@pksji]

@@DarkCornerStudios its bad ?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@pksji nope

[@johne1599]

Both of those mics sound way under powered based on their weak signal and the close distance to your acoustic guitar. According to the specs, the operational power requirement is 44 to 52V for both of these mics. My new P420 was even weaker than yours in this video, when I first got it. After upgrading the USB powered hub running my audio interface from a Sabrent 4-port powered USB hub fed by a 5V AC adaptor to a Sabrent 7-port powered hub fed from a 12V AC adaptor, the P420 sprang to life and the proximity distance from the sound source to the mic increased dramatically! Both of the mics in this video should (and can) have way more proximity distance than I’m seeing and hearing. Try a more powerful power source or a dedicated Phantom power source and see if you don’t get the same results I did. I think you’ll be very pleasantly surprised.

[@DWHarper62]

Very sizzly high end on this SDC...

[@gearldauwardt646]

Sorry its p.170 its good voice m.k

[@robburgess4556]

Only missing the female voice test 😉

[@DarkCornerStudios]

She isn't always available when needed. Sigh...the struggle is real

[@chucksurgeonertribute2113]

😇🥰😍🥲😋💗💖❤💯

[@hellomeatrobots]

1.72 pounds? That can't be right. That's more than an SM7B.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

I realized that in retrospect. Confirmed the weight...but then on another site it shows as the full packaging. I hate that. Put this together when tired

[@robburgess4556]

AKG lists it as 130g net weight , so 0.28lbs

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@robburgess4556 my bad for not checking Amazon on that

[@robburgess4556]

@@DarkCornerStudios I think that Amazon list package weight, I edited my post to reflect what AKG think it weighs 😊

[@nickgoogle4525]

comparing a boom vs a close setup is of limited use...

[@DarkCornerStudios]

I think you missed the point of this video. It was primarily to explain the difference between the mics. And a pencil and boom mic are different...though I used it as a boom in this video

[@nickgoogle4525]

@@DarkCornerStudios Haha, maybe you missed the point of my reply? ;-) You did not really explain the advantages and disadvantages (or differences) of the mic types. And distance, different behavior of polar pattern for the frequency range -- which relates to using a mic for voice! -- was not explained nor demonstrated. You could have shown both mic types in the same setup and then change to another one -- again demonstrating both mic types. _That_ would have been really helpful! :-)

[@sagiriizumi8079]

Pencil condensers are great if you want to hear muffled hot garbage

[@DarkCornerStudios]

?? How so?

[@neriomorenove]

I'm very happy with my P170