The AKG Perception 220 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone. The body of this microphone is built entirely from metal, making it suitable for studio and touring use. The large diaphragm design allows the microphone to have an increased sensitivity to sound and produce a warmer sound than small and medium diaphragm microphones. The microphone can be used for close microphone techniques, loud instruments, vocals, percussion, and guitar and bass amplifiers.
Things You'll Need:
- Mixer Or Audio Interface
- Akg Perception 220
- Xlr Cable
- Shock Mount
- Microphone Stand
Instructions
Place your microphone stand four to six inches away from the sound source. Screw the shock mount, which is included with the AKG Perception 220, onto the microphone stand in the location where you would normally attach a microphone clip. The shock mount features a small protruding arm that contains a threaded adapter, which screws onto the stand. Use the shock mount during live and studio performances to reduce the amount of vibration that is transmitted from the ground to the microphone.
Screw the AKG Perception 220 into the shock mount with the front of the microphone facing the sound source. The front of the microphone features the AKG logo and the microphone's switches.
Connect an XLR cable to the XLR output on the bottom of the microphone. Connect the other end of the XLR cable to your mixer or audio interface. Use an input channel that provides phantom power. Phantom power is required to operate this microphone. Turn on the phantom power on your mixer or audio interface.
Switch the preattenuation pad to "-20 dB" if you are recording a loud sound source, such as a kick drum or brass instrument. The preattenuation pad switch is located on the front right side of the microphone and is used to lower the audio's volume. Switch the preattenutation pad to "0 dB" for all other sound sources.
Switch the high pass filter on if you need to suppress low frequency noise, such as traffic outside or an electrical hum. The high pass filter switch is located on the front left side of the microphone. The "on" position features an image of a line with an upwards slope, while the "off" position features an image of a horizontal line.
Tip
Use a pop shield when recording vocals to prevent saliva from damaging the microphone and reduce the loudness of the popping sounds that are produced when pronouncing certain consonants, such as the letter "P." If you notice distortion when recording with this microphone, lower the gain on your mixer or audio interface, move the microphone farther from the sound source or switch the preattenuation pad to "-20 dB." Always test your volume levels by listening to the sound source before you start recording. If you are using this microphone for a live performance, use a close microphone technique to reduce the amount of sound the microphone picks up from other instruments.
Warnings:
- If you do not provide the AKG Perception 220 with phantom power, the microphone will not produce any sound.
Writer Bio
Rupinder Dhillon is an electronic artist, sound engineer and professional writer, specializing in technology. Her research has been published by the Association for Computing Machinery and College Art Association. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in digital arts from University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Bachelor of Science in music technology from London Metropolitan University.
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