Akg Perception 200 Condenser Vocal Microphone
Features
Conceptually, the Perception 200 reviewed here is a fairly conventional cardioid-pattern, large-diaphragm (one inch) true capacitor microphone, running from 48V phantom power. The Perception series includes a second model — the Perception 100. Both mics share the same capsule design, basic technical spec and construction style, the main difference being that the Perception 200 is equipped with two additional switches, for a low-cut filter and a -10dB pad. The Perception 200 also comes in a neat metal carry-case, complete with a heavy-duty spider-type shockmount. The shockmount is very nicely designed using a metal frame with sensibly large securing hooks to hold the elastic suspension bands. A threaded ring at the base of the shockmount screws into the base of the microphone to fix it securely to the mount, so you can use the mic upside down without any fear of it working loose.
The frequency plots supplied by AKG for both models are nominally flat above 100Hz, with a gentle roll-off below that, and there's also a very gentle presence hump up at around 10kHz, which should add a nice airy quality to the sound. The overall response is quoted as 20Hz to 20kHz.
With an open circuit sensitivity of 18mV/Pa, the Perception 200 has an A-weighted noise figure of 16dBA, or a signal-to-noise ratio of 78dBA referenced to 1Pa. This is very typical for a microphone of this type, and although you can buy quieter microphones the specification in this respect is more than adequate for typical close-miked vocals and other common studio applications. The maximum SPL without the pad switched in is 135dB (the same as the cheaper Perception 100) and the low-cut filter rolls off at 12dB per octave below 300Hz, to compensate for the proximity effect or to exclude low-frequency sound when recording instruments that have no significant low end.
Physically, the Perception models have a distinctive truncated bullet shape, the 200 model being differentiated by a light-blue metallic finish and two recessed toggle switches for the filter and pad. The body is solidly made from cast alloy, weighing about half a kilogram, and there's a robust dual-mesh steel grille protecting the capsule. Unlike most Chinese-made mics, which can be accessed by unscrewing a locking ring at the bass of the body by hand, these models use a recessed locking ring that requires a special tool to undo. Not having such a tool, I couldn't take a look inside to comment on the internal construction of the mic, but I don't anticipate any untoward surprises there.
