AKG P420 vs P220 vs P120
I use Epidemic Sound, sign up for a 30-day free trial here - www.epidemicso...
So the price difference isn't all that much...but is the jump in sound quality as big as it was between the P120 and P220?
Well this one was a tad shocking.
My Instagram - @darkcornerstudios
My Twitter - @DarkCornerYT
Buy these mics -
US Links -
AKG P420 - amzn.to/3fXhoCD
AKG P220 - amzn.to/3fvVlUv
AKG P120 - amzn.to/2R4pCQY
UK Links -
AKG P420 - amzn.to/2SxeEUp
AKG P220 - amzn.to/3vxiECN
AKG P120 - amzn.to/3oYCe8P
Canada Links -
AKG P420 - amzn.to/2R10IBE
AKG P220 - amzn.to/2SEpGaB
AKG P120 - amzn.to/3vJQHI0
Timestamps -
00:00 Intro
00:58 Build Quality
01:58 Specs
02:34 Off Axis Rejection
02:53 Plosive Test
03:00 Proximity Test
03:14 Pad and Rolloff Switches
03:55 Polar Patterns
04:44 P420 vs P120
05:19 P420 Vs P220
06:15 Final Thoughts
06:59 Which Should You Buy?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My Gear -
Mics - RODE NT2A - amzn.to/2WWQTnn
- TZ Audio Products Stellar X2 - amzn.to/3gHTj0X
Mixer - Arturia Audiofuse Studio - amzn.to/33kSBnq
Secondary Boom Arm - amzn.to/2WBhveB
Camera - Canon T7i - amzn.to/2X3yTYi
Lenses - Canon 50mm 1.8 - amzn.to/2LxiI0k
Canon 24mm 2.8 - amzn.to/2zF96Ok
Пікірлер: 196
Dude I just ordered a p220 1 hour ago. I get back home and I see this video... The World is really SOMETHING! Great vids everytime.
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Enjoy that beauty of a microphone!!
@flexflexflexflexflexflex6474
3 жыл бұрын
I bought the AKG p220 for 160 € and I can currently buy the AKG p120 for 70 €. should i return the p220 and buy the p120? it's more than twice as cheap. the microphone will be used for for youtube, podcast and such, not singing
@imanal2543
Жыл бұрын
Which one is best for singing with a voice like the wedkiand Michael Jackson?
@sherinstanley8976
Жыл бұрын
I need a microphone to record my album in my home studio. Which one would sound better to create an album? Really need help because i am not able to make a decision 😅
Your channel is way underrated, I'm looking at microphones right now and your content is exactly what I need. Great video man!
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your kind words! Cheers and thanks for watching!
I actually think p120 could be an interesting choice, if you have a creative task to look for a dull, greasy, maybe a little vintage sound for not so low male vocal, like for an authentic punk rock album or postupunk, grunge, screamo, etc, other than that akg p420 for me sounded a little better than 220 and a lot better 120. good and informative, thank you!
P420 owner here. I like the figure 8 pattern as an overhead drum mic. Otherwise, I think the 220 is the better buy. They sound the same to me. Great videos. I enjoy your work.
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I appreciate the kind words...and yeah...the difference is super small...
@lifeinchriststudios2957
Жыл бұрын
🙏.
@lifeinchriststudios2957
Жыл бұрын
🙏
The P420 seems like the best mic overall, but it's funny because I like the P120 over the P220. Seems like you either go budget or go big, but the P220 almost doesn't have a spot here because it's the thinnest less present of the group. Meanwhile the 120 and the 420 are super similar, even in bass, but the 420 just has the extra fullness. Wild! I don't think anyone would be upset with any of these mics though, they're all so dang similar.
For me the P220 is a bit harsher, has more sybilance than the P420, the P120 has less bass. The P420, for me, has the most natural sound of all three.
@nunoandradebluesdrive
7 ай бұрын
you can use a big foam wind shield.. that works awesome
The P420 is the best. Sound is very detailed. The P120 is just great for its price. The P220 sound sibilant. I think I prefer this one since my voice characteristic is bassy.
@timothystockman7533
Жыл бұрын
Turn on the low cut filter. That definitely does some magic for boomy voices...
Great review! Best microphone review I’ve seen where your TESTS actually give a decent opportunity to compare audios without me having to rewind the video multiple times. Great job! 😃👍
@DarkCornerStudios
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks man!! Cheers!!
@RockieRoadz
2 жыл бұрын
@@DarkCornerStudios You bet! 😀
I definitely heard a difference between the two higher spec mics with the 420 taking the win. That aside, just having the versatility of the multiple polar patterns should justify the extra spend. When you can get a professional recording mic of this quality for only 200 bucks, what’s to think about?
I listened to your video on my iPad through 1st generation AirPod Pro ear buds with noise cancellation engaged. Through the AirPods Pro the P420 sounded warmer and fuller than the P220. The P220 sounded a bit thinner.
Before i watch your video, im trying to buy AKG P420, but now am really confuse 😆😆😆 I never record choir, only solo. But am still using Shure pg 58, u can check it out in my channel 😇😇😇😇 which one is good for me? Akg p420, Akg P220 At2035... am really confuse
If I had to get just one, I would definitely go for the P4 20. Just for the sake of the rejection pattern for solo making in hot noise environments. I do love all of these mics, though,so I plan on developing an arsenal of these fellas.
Just bought a P420 I had a blue P220 that Just started bein faulty had it 7 years been a brilliant mic can’t wait for my new one my p420 comes tomorrow
I don't even know where to start.. thank you SO much for this. It helped me make my decision.
@DarkCornerStudios
2 жыл бұрын
Cheers! Glad I could help!!
I love these videos, are really funny and educational. You should make different proofs with these mics in different instruments because I think they are different for each instrument
Got the p420, great all round mic for the studio
Now I'm using P120 and P120 is 100% changed my song to sound more professional on my vocal!
Now this was a worthy review, good job.
Thank you for this helpful comparaisons. I like the P220 best!
If you don't need the multi polar patterns then the P220.
great video, thank you !
P220 I liked. I have no use for multi pattern mics though and my interface and dbx roll off the bass if I need to. There's also a pad on the interface. The wee suitcase is the big selling point for me. 😂
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
I know right!?!?! My toiletries have never been more secure!
I don't think you can go wrong with any of these microphones. I use the P120 and am getting very good results right now. However, would love to try the 420 just for kicks.
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
If you can...never a bad idea to try any mics...lol
@theway-backmusicmachinepod9953
3 жыл бұрын
@@DarkCornerStudios Yeah, but then trying means buying lol
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
@@theway-backmusicmachinepod9953 my wife knows your pain...bahahaha... Or at least she will if she ever looks at the credit card statement...lol
@theway-backmusicmachinepod9953
3 жыл бұрын
@@DarkCornerStudios Once I hit a certain benchmark with my show I think I'll invest in my next microphone..could end up being the 220, although a Rode NT 1A is pretty damn appealing.
@livinlikethatent
Жыл бұрын
Same !! I’m in guitar center watching this 😂
To my ears the 420 has slightly better presence and clarity over the 220. Great video Aiden
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
Cheers!
These are all great but trust me if ur a good mixer u can edit audio very good buy the 120 with a pop filter and edit the audio good it will sound the same as these ones
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
To a degree...you can eq the shit out of it. Though that smaller capsule does offer a tonne of work when producing if you want to level the playing field...
Just got the p220. I can’t wait to try it out!! Btw I love your videos
@DarkCornerStudios
Жыл бұрын
Cheers! Glad I can provide!
I hear a huge difference I'm the 420 and the 220. It's either the 220 is top heavy in the high end or the 420 is smooth as a mug in the low end. Regardless the sound on the 420 is much nicer
The 420 sounds much richer and smoother than than the 220 for sure!
thanks, i needed this video, had a hard time choosing between the 3
@DarkCornerStudios
2 жыл бұрын
Cheers and thanks for watching! Which one you going with?
@LilAssMonkey
2 жыл бұрын
@@DarkCornerStudios well im trying to save money so not the 420, im leaning towards the 220 but I'm also considering the MXL 770 because other reviews say that the 220 is very breathy. I'm still tryna decide between the two buts its a hard choice
@DarkCornerStudios
2 жыл бұрын
@@LilAssMonkey I would always go AKG over MXL
@LilAssMonkey
2 жыл бұрын
@@DarkCornerStudios ok great, thanks a lot man ill probably go with that. your channel is so helpful
@DarkCornerStudios
2 жыл бұрын
@@LilAssMonkey Cheers...glad you like it!
Great comparison and buying guide! I think the P420 has the most clarity and smoothest sound somehow :D But I really can't decide between the P420 and the Shure SM 27.. Maybe you could compare these two as well? Especially for female Vocals I find it hard to pick a good vocal mic in the lower cost segment..
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
LOL...that is funny...one of my friends has been begging me to test that mic. It might be a bit, but I will... Kinda backed up with reviews at the moment...though I will. I would assume it performs as well as you might think.
@Stravana
3 жыл бұрын
@@DarkCornerStudios Haha nice! I'm really looking forward to it 😊 I've been sending test recordings of both, the P420 and the Shure SM27, to friends and while I slightly prefered the Shure for its clarity, my friends really liked the AKG and told me I sounded better (fuller) on that mic. So yeah.. Now the struggle is real as I like both :D
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
If you tried out both...go with the one you liked better. Remember...you can get better at eqing both mics... Aside from that...if you can wait...I will see what I can do
@Stravana
3 жыл бұрын
@@DarkCornerStudios I'll wait! A good choice takes its time and I'm enjoying your videos anyway! So.. thank you! :)
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
@@Stravana Cheers!!!
I'm impressed that you found a P420 for only a $120. Dang...Alaska out to get me. Anyway, the P420 is for me. I was perfectly happy with the P220 but the 420 has a slightly clearer sound for my odd low-mid, nasally voice. The P120 sounds bad for me. I noticed a bass increase.
Which one is best for vocals. Just only for vocals ? p220 or p420??? please reply me sir
P420 would allow you to make stereo recordings using the mid side method and the figure 8 pattern. You could use a 220 as the front facing mic, but you could use any mic.
You are so good at explaining..Thanks👏✨
@DarkCornerStudios
3 ай бұрын
Cheers and thank you!
I have a C214, a P170, and 2 P220s. The mid-high of the C214 does not flatter my voice. The P220 sounds great on my voice. The P170 sounds OK too, but its small diaphragm pops a lot. The published curve for the P420 looks to have a little funkiness going on in the upper mid-range, which I attribute to the 420's dual diaphragm design as opposed to the 220's single diaphragm. So IMHO all three microphones are somewhat different.
You Rock!! -YES! you truly do. , May you never forget the P is used for announcing " Professional" Not meaning that this microphone is used to record taking a Pee, However Yes, since that idea i has been brought out, you now have unique and NEW testing of the P series videos for YOU to Create ( LOL)
@DarkCornerStudios
9 ай бұрын
It's all about the camera angle!!
Sir, i want to record drums...and need a overhead microphone... I am getting P240 and P420 in the same price...which one should i go for? Or i should buy P120...?
I'm having a hard time choosing between AKG P420 or Rode NT1. Can you help me, please?
@QuantumGamingUploads
2 жыл бұрын
P420 is brighter. NT1 has that low darker tone to your voice. I had NT1 and didn't like it. I still have the p420.
Justo estoy en ese dilema, no sé cuál comprar entre el p220 y el p420.. si la calidad del sonido es la misma valdría más la pena el p220?
@yoshikihal2455
Жыл бұрын
Compré el 220. Estoy muy satisfecho con su sonido deslumbrante y magnífico
P220 sounds cleaner than P420 somehow, almost like a form of distortion, not sure why that is but its noticable. Don't think the 420 could be clipping at these volumes, but it doesn't really sound like clipping? P120 is a bit lacking in the lower end compared to the 220. So my pick has to be the 220.
I’d like to hear these mics against the comparable Audio-Technica mics. Wouldn’t that be interesting?
What if i just found the p420 for the same price? Lol cuz im about to order it at 180 with a nice mount and arm
Great video, thanks! What do you think it would better for recording acoustic harmonica the p420 or the p220?
happy with my P120. Thanks for the vid.
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
Cheers and thanks for watching!
Really happy with my P220
Looks like the P420 is intened for multiple voices in front and behind, or multiple singers....or is there a better mic for that reason? ?
P220 is jump from P120 … for me, taking solo Vocal P220 is more than enough, sound natural … except you need more pattern …
I always want the most offered options therefore, for a small price Under (45USD) the P420 wins!! You are doing a truly great Job at making me understand the difference in Mic's. Please do your next review on:" Light Coner 2022" -vs "Dark Corner2022" - RELAX!! Your Dark Coner is always the winning Studio! Take care my friend--Marcus in California
Great review, thanks
I like the p 120 best?
Thanks for the review. As I am recording educational audio focused content, spoken by single person, I am thinking to take the P220. Will I need an audio interface with this.
@DarkCornerStudios
Жыл бұрын
Yes
This gets my hopes up for someone to do a proper review of the P820
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
I am getting there... That one is a bit more expensive...lol.
Tem muita diferença de qualidade de som entre o p220 e o p420?
I bought the AKG p220 for 160 € and I can currently buy the AKG p120 for 70 €. should i return the p220 and buy the p120? it's more than twice as cheap. the microphone will be used for for youtube, podcast and such, not singing
Question: If you get the P220, can you EQ in a better bass response? Or should I just go with the 120 or 420 to get that right on a flat EQ?
@DarkCornerStudios
2 жыл бұрын
Nah...cant eq what isn't there. 220 is probably the way to go
@jaimesk1688
2 жыл бұрын
I almost always have to roll off below 100 or 80hz .... too much bkgnd noise there to worry about unless you are after concert instruments.
Please let me know Which is the best for singing Akg p120 vs at2020 vs se x1a???
Hiii I'm looking a microphone for singing can you suggest me plzz which one is better P220 or P420
Hello, is there any difference between akg p220 and akg p420 price is little but same on Amazon. Plz help me to select the one 🙏 😢
Which one is better for singing ?
Couldn't tell much of a difference between p220 and p420. I am not disappointed that I got the 420. I like that I can possibly get better mic placement with the p420 with the polar pattern when needed.
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
At the price it sells for...yeah...shouldnt be disappointed. It does have a bit of a smoother low end too...so there is that
I bought 2 of those AKG p220 to use as overheads
akg p420 vs at2020 ? which is better ? specifically male vocal
Hi there - and thank you very much. I am trying to record the sounds of nature... bees, rain, running water, trees in wind... do you think 2x P420 s on Omni would do the job ? obviously I would have to get close...
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
Yes...that would work well! Honestly if you wanted a better way to record sound like that...I use the Zoom H5. The included capsules are great for collecting ambient sound. Otherwise the P420s will work great...just make sure you have a decent recorder with decent preamps.
Hi there, thank you so much for this video, in your opinion what is the best one to record vocals?
@DarkCornerStudios
2 жыл бұрын
If you need the multiple polar patterns for instruments...go with the P420. But the P120 is SOLID for instruments if you are trying to save money. Honestly all of them are a GREAT buy
Is it just me or the p420 sounds more detailed and natural
The way you describe, is so good ❤😊
@DarkCornerStudios
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the kind words!!
Hello! I am writing using a translator because I come from Russia, I hope it will be clear :) I choose between P120 and p220, I tested p120 with a friend, I record guitar and vocals in an ordinary apartment, I didn't like p120 because of dirty high frequencies, in particular the guitar rang too much. Is it worth overpaying and taking p220? Will it be better in this regard? How is he doing with the upper frequencies?
@user-vx7cl9hk2d
2 жыл бұрын
Хз чё там не понравилось на гитаре у P120, но у P120 лучший звук для гитар в этой цене))
Both P420 and P220 sound fuller, richer, and more balanced than the P120. (It would, however, tell us A LOT more if you included a brief bit of recorded music to flesh out the comparison.) The P420 is worth the extra cost over the P220 because it adds the second diaphragm and multiple patterns. You failed to mention one major difference between the P420/P220 and the lower cost P120: aesthetics. The all black model is ugly compared to those with chrome baskets. Some buyers will pay for that aesthetic differential. And yet, one should buy the P120 if it suites his needs and budget. Each has its place, and as you observe, each sits at an acceptable price point relative to the rest of the market. Nice video, but I would really prefer you add some music to the A/B comparison tests. Voices only cover a narrow range of frequencies compared to the whole music spectrum. Good video with this (major) fault. Thanks. JT
I have the p420 they are the same but p420 have dual capsules.
great video chief
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks man!
Thanks so much for this beautiful comparison Please which do you think I should get between akg p420, akg c3000 and audio technica at 2035 I'm a male vocalist, thanks
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
Let me get those mics and I will get that done. Cant promise super soon...but it will happen!!
@princeanyaoha7338
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much, I appreciate the effort 🙂
Sir can I use akg p420 for music studio this mic give me professional recording quality output purpose rapping
@DarkCornerStudios
2 жыл бұрын
Of course...its a fantastic mic for music
I would go for the 220, I mean who needs Omni mode? Pretty useless most of the time haha. Unless the 420 has a better EIN than I'd save some cash and go 220 for the rolloff and pad. Pity, because any excuse to say 420 is usually a good one lol. Still, strictly going off the sound and no extra features the 420 wins. Not by a crazy margin but it sounds a tad nicer. cheers
All I can pick up between the 220 and 420 is 420 is more sensitive both sounds nearly the same
Sir while recording guitar accoustic through p420 which polar pattern i should select ?
@DarkCornerStudios
2 жыл бұрын
Cardioid!
Hey, I'm looking at using a mic to record violin. Do you think the 420s polar patterns would be an advantage in this?
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
Depending on how...perhaps. Honestly buy the 420 over the p220 and at least you have it to play around with to get the best sound
@lanawilliamson4243
3 жыл бұрын
@@DarkCornerStudios thanks!
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
@@lanawilliamson4243 cheers Lana! Let me know how it goes. Soon I will be doing recording tips with different polar patterns though...stay tuned
If all you need is a cardiod, a P220 is fine. If you need more flexibility, P420 for sure.
Good evening Sir, I want to Record my poetry in professional quality. please Suggest me Good microphone and Audio Interface...But my room is not sound proof ...My Budget is $300
Where did you buy the $149 akg p420?
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
Amazon
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
Sorry...that should be $199
Plz comparison between akg p420 vs lewitt 420 pure and rode nt1
@DarkCornerStudios
2 жыл бұрын
I did that first comparison in my Lweitt video...just got to get an NT1 again...been a few years
well explained .thnx alot
Is p420 good for recording piano? If not, which one would you recommend at same budget?
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
The P420 would be fantastic at recording a piano...especially with the different polar patterns! Probably the best at its price point!
@ashishsoni6529
3 жыл бұрын
@@DarkCornerStudios thanks for the quick reply! I am planning on surprising my fiancé by giving a setup for her piano. Unfortunately, I am very new to all this. Would I require a professional audio interface with this mic or would a cheap phantom power supply work? Appreciate your inputs!
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
You would need an interface. Recording something like a piano would require something relatively decent. Look to be spending around 150 to 200 on that
P420 has the perfect bass
best review i havE WATCHED LOL
The Stellar X2 is a warmer mic. These are a bit tinny at the top, eh?
@dickginkowski6071
3 жыл бұрын
And of the three the 120 was the smoothest.
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
@@dickginkowski6071 I prefer the 420...though my sibilance makes almost EVERY mic tinny in the top...though yeah...were I to eq it I would take some of that out.
@kensmechanicalaffair
3 жыл бұрын
420 is a little sparkly, but very natural and present.
My ears tell me the 420 is a lot better than the other 2.
3:04 on this ride side ghost
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
Holy crap...I never noticed that
The P220 is the winner for me. What about the C214?
@DarkCornerStudios
2 жыл бұрын
I will be doing the C series in the future when I can afford to finance it...lol
I just bought the 420 it was only a $20 difference.
420 is better, because 420 lol! But seriously I just ordered the 420 for versatility when used in combination with my Rhode NTK, like mid/side etc. Anyway nice reviews, subbed.
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
Cheers and thanks! You will love the 420
@repawnd1
3 жыл бұрын
@@DarkCornerStudios Thanks bud :)
will you be reviewing the mackie onyx producer ?
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
Let me get that on my list!
@TECH3_
3 жыл бұрын
@@DarkCornerStudios thank you i will be waiting for that ,you seem like one of the few audio guys i can trust on youtube
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
@@TECH3_ Wow...that is some high praise! Cant say it will be immediately...but I will get on it.
@TECH3_
3 жыл бұрын
@@DarkCornerStudios oh i can wait i mean not i am not buying it like right now kind of researching
8:02 that sound scares me hahaahaa bro play that music more smoother and go with lower sound than louder it scared meee Otherwise i like this chanel and videoo❤️❤️
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
Lol...sorry. I will try to be smoother! Cheers and welcome to the channel!
thanks bro
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
Hey! Thanks for watching!!
420 is sounding better am hearing this on one plus bullet z high fidelity detailed open end airy wireless neckband earphone🥰
EU PREFIRO P220 PARA LOCUÇÃO ELE É MAIS QUE PERFEITO.
420 sounds clearer for some reason to me
P420 definitely!
For vocal which gona be the best
@DarkCornerStudios
3 жыл бұрын
P220...straight up...everytime If you decide to buy consider the links below...as they do support the channel! Cheers and thanks for watching!
The p420 used to be $150? Must be nice.
P120 is the best Microphon