AKG
Perception 170
Best versatile microphone for home studio musicians.
The AKG Perception 170 is a small diaphragm condenser microphone designed for capturing overheads, percussion, acoustic guitars, strings, vocals, and instruments. Its cardioid polar pattern effectively minimizes off-axis noise and feedback, ensuring a clean signal. The microphone features transformerless electronics for pristine audio reproduction and a switchable -20dB pad to handle high sound pressure levels without distortion. Built with a rugged all-metal body, it's designed for durability in recording and sound reinforcement applications.
$99.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1986
/ 3337
#1986 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-81%
Below average
Transducer
Condenser
/ Condenser
Who it's for
- Musicians and engineers recording acoustic guitars, drums, or string instruments.
- Home studio owners and emerging producers seeking quality without overspending.
- Drummers and guitarists needing to mic loud instruments effectively.
Who should skip it
- Vocalists and engineers preferring a warmer, fuller sound profile.
- Creators needing a single, all-purpose microphone for diverse sources.
- Audiophiles and professional studios recording very subtle sounds.
Key Specs
Transducer
Condenser
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Frequency Response
20Hz to 20kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
73 dB
Maximum Input Sound Level
155dB SPL
Power Requirements
+48V Phantom Power
Output Impedance
< 200 ohms
Output Connectors
3-pin XLR
Features
- Cardioid polar pattern minimizes off-axis noise
- Switchable -20dB pad for high SPL handling
- Transformerless electronics for pristine audio
- Rugged all-metal body for durability
- Flat frequency response for accurate reproduction
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the clear, detailed sound reproduction offered by this microphone, especially considering its accessible price point. Many users highlight its ability to capture instruments with impressive fidelity, making it a strong contender for home studio enthusiasts and those seeking professional results without a premium investment. Its performance often exceeds expectations for its category, establishing it as a reliable choice for various recording applications. The general consensus points to excellent sound quality and remarkable value for money.
Know before you buy
Yes, this microphone requires +48V phantom power to operate. You will need to connect it to an audio interface, mixer, or preamp that provides phantom power via an XLR cable.
Absolutely. The Perception 170 features a switchable -20dB pad, which allows it to handle high sound pressure levels up to 155dB without distorting the signal.
While it is primarily designed as an instrument microphone, it can be used for vocals if you prefer a bright, detailed sound. However, because it is a small-diaphragm condenser, it may be more sensitive to plosives, so using a pop filter is highly recommended.
The cardioid pattern is directional, meaning it captures sound primarily from the front while rejecting noise from the sides and rear. This makes it an excellent choice for isolating specific instruments in a room or minimizing bleed from other sound sources.
A flat frequency response ensures that the microphone captures audio as accurately as possible without artificially boosting or cutting specific frequencies. This makes it a versatile tool for capturing the natural character of acoustic guitars, strings, and percussion.
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