AKG P420 Multipattern Condenser Microphone

AKG P420 Multipattern Condenser Microphone

The AKG P420 is a multipattern large-diaphragm true condenser microphone for demanding project studio recording. It uses a one-inch dual-diaphragm capsule with three selectable polar patterns, low-noise electronics for high dynamic range, and switching for both attenuation and bass cut. AKG describes its sound as warm and transparent, suited to ensemble recording, grand piano, woodwind and brass instruments, drums and percussion, as well as lead vocals. With high sensitivity and maximum SPL handling up to 155 dB, the P420 is designed as a versatile single microphone for stereo techniques and ambient recording as well as close miking.

Key features

• One-inch dual-diaphragm true condenser capsule
• Three selectable polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional and figure of eight
• Audio frequency bandwidth of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
• High sensitivity of 28 mV/Pa with low 15 dB-A equivalent noise
• Switchable -20 dB attenuation pad for SPL handling up to 155 dB
• Switchable bass-cut filter for rumble control
• Spider shock mount and metal carrying case included

Three polar patterns in one microphone

The dual-diaphragm design allows the pattern to be changed at the microphone. Cardioid focuses on the front and is the natural choice for a single vocalist or instrument where isolation matters. Omnidirectional picks up sound evenly from all directions, useful for room ambience, ensembles and a natural sense of space. Figure of eight picks up from the front and rear while rejecting the sides, which supports mid-side and Blumlein stereo techniques when two P420 microphones are used together, as well as face-to-face recording of two performers with one microphone. This flexibility means one microphone can cover sessions that would otherwise need several fixed-pattern models.

Performance and dynamic range

Sensitivity is rated at 28 mV/Pa, higher than many project-studio condensers, with an equivalent noise level of 15 dB-A and a signal-to-noise ratio of 79 dB-A. Low-noise electronics support a wide dynamic range, so quiet detail in piano, strings and acoustic instruments is preserved. The switchable -20 dB pad extends maximum SPL handling to 155 dB for drums, percussion, loud brass and guitar cabinets. A switchable bass-cut filter specified at 300 Hz with a 12 dB per octave slope helps control rumble, footfall noise and unwanted low-frequency build-up when recording close to a source.

Connectivity and powering

The P420 connects through a balanced 3-pin XLR output. Electrical impedance is 200 ohms or less and the recommended load impedance is 1,000 ohms or more, matching standard microphone preamps and interfaces. It requires phantom power of 44 to 52 V with current consumption of 3 mA or less. No batteries are needed when phantom power is supplied by the recording equipment.

Build, accessories and applications

The microphone body measures 165 mm high and 54 mm in diameter and weighs 517 g. It is supplied with a spider-type shock mount, which reduces stand-borne vibration reaching the capsule, and a metal carrying case for protection between sessions. Applications include vocals, ensemble and choir recording, grand piano, woodwind and brass, drums and percussion, acoustic instruments, and stereo or ambient recording techniques in project studios and on stage.

Choose the AKG P420 when one large-diaphragm condenser needs to handle solo sources, stereo work and room capture with equal confidence. Its three patterns, low noise, high sensitivity and high SPL capability make it the most flexible microphone in AKG’s Project Studio line.