Boasting even higher SPL handling and lower self-noise than the P120, the black AKG P220 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone is poised to give clear, distortion-free sound on a budget, whether you record vocals at home or mic up blaring guitar cabs and explosive drums on stage. This side-address mic sports a rugged all-metal body that not only bolsters durability, but also aids in rejecting RF interference from sources such as wireless systems. It comes with a spider-type shockmount to isolate the mic from vibration noise and a metal carrying case for safe transport.

The true condenser capsule of the P220 utilizes a 1" gold-sputtered diaphragm tuned to yield a detailed sound with slight rises in high and low frequencies. Plus, it is capable of handling SPLs up to 155 dB (-20 pad on) without audible distortion, so it'll have no problem taking on drums and guitar amps. A low-cut filter at 300 Hz can be engaged to help reduce rumble, wind noise, or even bass buildup from up-close miking. Stage bleed and background noise are attenuated by the mic's cardioid polar pattern, which is most sensitive to sound in front of the microphone. Use a separately available XLR cable to connect the P220 to an XLR mic input that can supply 48V phantom power.

This side-address microphone is most sensitive to sounds arriving in front of it while picking up much less of sounds arriving from the sides or rear (from monitor speakers or neighboring instruments). This makes the microphone equally suited for recording and onstage use.

The P220 features a true condenser capsule design. Its 1" large diaphragm is made of a plastic foil that is gold-sputtered on one side only to prevent shorting to the back electrode, even at extremely high sound pressure levels.

The all-metal body adds to the rejection of RF interference, so you can use the microphone near transmitter stations and along with wireless microphones or other communications equipment. The extremely rugged, heavy body and sturdy front grille protect the microphone from damage from tough handling on stage.

Capable of handling sound pressure levels up to 155 dB without introducing perceptible distortion and built to resist high temperatures and humidity, the microphone will give excellent results in a wide range of applications.

Selector 1 on the microphone front further reduces low-end distortion caused by footfall, wind noise, and air conditioning rumble. The filter also minimizes the proximity effect that close-in miking from less than 4" causes in any unidirectional microphone. The filter rolls off at 12 dB/octave from 300 Hz downward.

Selector 2 on the microphone front lets you increase the headroom by 20 dB for distortion-free recording up close. The pre-attenuation pad prevents the microphone's output level, particularly at low frequencies, from overloading the miniature transformers used in many mixer input stages, etc.

The P220 uses a condenser transducer designed for 48V phantom powering from a source such as an external mic preamp, an audio interface, or a mixing console. It provides a balanced output on an XLR 3-pin male connector; use an XLR cable (available separately) to connect the microphone to a balanced XLR input with phantom power.

Included with the P220 are a spider-type shockmount and a metal carrying case. The shockmount absorbs vibrations, which aids in isolating the mic from stand handling noise and foot noise.