AKG P220-USB Condenser Microphone

AKG P220-USB Condenser Microphone

The AKG P220-USB is listed as the USB version of the AKG P220, a large-diaphragm true condenser microphone from AKG’s Project Studio line. The underlying P220 design is a one-inch, side-address condenser built for lead vocals, acoustic guitar and brass, with a warm and clear character, a cardioid pickup pattern and controls for handling loud or bass-heavy sources. In this USB listing, that studio capsule concept is presented for direct computer-based recording as well as conventional microphone use, aimed at home and project studios, podcasting, voice work and music recording where a single microphone has to cover several jobs.

Key features

• Large-diaphragm true condenser capsule based on the AKG P220 design
• Cardioid polar pattern for focused pickup from the front
• Frequency bandwidth of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz on the P220 capsule design
• Switchable bass-cut filter to reduce rumble and footfall noise
• Switchable attenuation pad for high sound pressure level applications
• Rugged all-metal body built for regular studio and stage use
• Listed with USB and XLR outputs for computer and conventional recording chains

Capsule and sound character

The P220 design uses a one-inch large-diaphragm true condenser capsule in a pressure-gradient, side-address layout. AKG describes the sound as warm and clear, a balance intended to suit lead vocals without harshness while still capturing the detail of acoustic guitar strings and the body of brass instruments. Sensitivity on the P220 design is rated at 20 mV/Pa, with an equivalent noise level of 16 dB-A and a signal-to-noise ratio of 78 dB-A, figures that support quiet home-studio recording where low self-noise matters for spoken word and soft acoustic parts. The cardioid pattern concentrates on sound arriving from the front of the microphone and reduces pickup from the sides and rear, helping to isolate the intended source in untreated rooms.

Controls for loud and bass-heavy sources

Two switches extend the usefulness of the design beyond quiet vocal work. A switchable bass-cut filter, rated at 300 Hz with a 12 dB per octave slope on the P220 design, reduces low-frequency rumble, handling noise and excessive proximity effect when a singer or instrument is close to the capsule. A switchable attenuation pad of -20 dB raises the handling capability for loud sources, with the P220 design rated for sound pressure levels up to 155 dB SPL with the pad engaged. That headroom makes the microphone suitable in principle for guitar cabinets, brass and other high-output sources that would overload a less capable condenser.

Connectivity and use

This listing presents the microphone with USB and XLR outputs, combining direct-to-computer convenience with a conventional balanced microphone connection for an audio interface or mixer. For XLR use, the P220 design is a phantom-powered condenser, specified for 44 to 52 V powering with current consumption of 3 mA or less, an electrical impedance of 200 ohms or less and a recommended load impedance of 1,000 ohms or more.

Design and applications

The P220 design uses a rugged all-metal body, 165 mm long and 54 mm in diameter, built to withstand day-to-day studio handling and stage use. Typical applications drawn from the P220 design include lead and backing vocals, acoustic guitar, brass and woodwind, podcasting and voiceover in a treated space, and general project-studio instrument recording. Used with care on placement and gain, it is a versatile single-microphone choice for creators who record both voice and instruments.

In summary, this listing combines the well-documented AKG P220 large-diaphragm condenser design, with its cardioid pattern, bass-cut filter and -20 dB pad, in a USB-presented version for computer recording. The core acoustic strengths of the P220 design remain the reason to choose it.