AKG P120 Studio Condenser Microphone User Manual

1. Introduction

The AKG P120 is a studio condenser microphone designed for clear and accurate audio recording. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your P120 microphone to ensure optimal performance in various recording environments, from project studios to home setups.

2. Safety Instructions

• Always connect the microphone to equipment that provides phantom power (typically +48V) as required for condenser microphones. Failure to do so will result in no sound output.
• Avoid exposing the microphone to extreme temperatures, high humidity, or direct sunlight, which can damage internal components.
• Do not attempt to disassemble the microphone. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel to prevent voiding the warranty and potential damage.
• Ensure the microphone is securely mounted to a microphone stand using the provided adapter to prevent accidental drops and damage.
• Keep the microphone away from strong magnetic fields, which can interfere with its performance.

3. Package Contents

Please check that your package contains the following items:

• 1 x AKG P120 Studio Condenser Microphone
• 1 x Stand Adapter

4. Product Overview

The AKG P120 is a robust 2/3-inch diaphragm true condenser microphone designed for versatility and high-quality audio capture. It features a durable metal body and essential controls for optimizing sound.

Image 4.1: Front view of the AKG P120 Studio Condenser Microphone, showing the grille and AKG logo.

Key Features:

• Low-Mass Diaphragm: Ensures a clear sound with accurate sonic detail, ideal for vocals, speech, and instruments.
• High SPL Handling: Capable of handling sound pressure levels up to 150 dB (with pad engaged), making it suitable for recording loud sources without distortion.
• Cardioid Polar Pattern: This unidirectional pattern focuses on sound directly in front of the microphone, effectively reducing pickup from the sides and rear, which helps minimize ambient noise and feedback.
• Switchable Preattenuation Pad (-20 dB): Reduces the input signal level by 20 dB, preventing input overload and distortion when recording very loud sound sources.
• Switchable Bass Cut Filter (300 Hz - 6 dB/octave): Reduces unwanted low-frequency rumble, wind noise, and proximity effect, enhancing clarity in recordings.

Image 4.2: Close-up view of the AKG P120, highlighting the -20dB preattenuation pad and bass cut filter switches.

5. Setup

Follow these steps to set up your AKG P120 microphone for recording:

1. Mounting the Microphone: Attach the supplied stand adapter to a standard microphone stand. Carefully screw the AKG P120 microphone into the stand adapter until it is secure. Ensure the microphone is oriented correctly for your recording needs.
2. Connecting to an Audio Interface/Mixer: Connect one end of a balanced XLR cable to the microphone's output connector. Connect the other end of the XLR cable to an available XLR input on your audio interface, mixer, or preamplifier.
3. Phantom Power: The P120 is a condenser microphone and requires +48V phantom power to operate. Activate the phantom power switch on your audio interface, mixer, or preamplifier. Refer to your audio device's manual for instructions on enabling phantom power.
4. Initial Gain Setting: Before recording, set the input gain on your audio interface or mixer to a low level. Gradually increase the gain while monitoring the signal to achieve an appropriate recording level without clipping.

Image 5.1: The AKG P120 microphone securely mounted on a stand, connected via an XLR cable.

6. Operating Instructions

Optimal performance of your AKG P120 microphone depends on proper usage and understanding of its features.

1. Microphone Placement: Position the microphone appropriately for the sound source. For vocals, a common starting point is 6-12 inches from the singer's mouth. For instruments, experiment with distance and angle to capture the desired tone and minimize room reflections. The cardioid pattern means the microphone is most sensitive to sounds directly in front of it.
2. Using the Preattenuation Pad (-20 dB): If you are recording very loud sound sources, such as drums, loud guitar amplifiers, or brass instruments, engage the -20 dB preattenuation pad switch on the microphone. This prevents the microphone's internal circuitry from overloading and causing distortion in your recording.
3. Using the Bass Cut Filter: The bass cut filter reduces frequencies below 300 Hz at a slope of 6 dB per octave. Engage this switch if you are experiencing excessive low-frequency rumble (e.g., from air conditioning, traffic), handling noise, or the proximity effect (an increase in bass response when the microphone is very close to the sound source). This helps to achieve a cleaner, more focused sound.
4. Monitoring: Always monitor your microphone's signal through headphones or studio monitors to ensure proper levels, sound quality, and to identify any potential issues during recording. Adjust the input gain on your audio interface or mixer as necessary to achieve a strong signal without clipping.

Image 6.1: Example of AKG P120 microphones being used in a recording session.

7. Maintenance

Proper maintenance will extend the life and performance of your AKG P120 microphone.

• Cleaning: Wipe the microphone body with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners, solvents, or abrasive materials, as these can damage the finish or internal components. Avoid getting moisture into the microphone grille.
• Storage: When not in use, store the microphone in a protective case or pouch to prevent dust accumulation and physical damage. Avoid storing the microphone in environments with high humidity, extreme temperatures, or direct sunlight.
• Handling: Always handle the microphone with care. Avoid dropping it or subjecting it to strong impacts, which can affect its delicate internal diaphragm.

8. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your AKG P120 microphone, refer to the following troubleshooting guide:

No Sound Output:

• Check Cable Connections: Ensure the XLR cable is securely connected to both the microphone and the audio interface/mixer input.
• Verify Phantom Power: Confirm that +48V phantom power is enabled on the connected audio interface or mixer. The P120 requires phantom power to operate.
• Input Gain: Check that the input gain on your audio interface/mixer is turned up sufficiently.
• Test Cable: Try using a different XLR cable to rule out a faulty cable.
• Test Input: Try connecting the microphone to a different input on your audio device, if available.

Distorted Sound:

• Engage Preattenuation Pad: If recording loud sources, ensure the -20 dB preattenuation pad switch on the microphone is engaged.
• Reduce Input Gain: Lower the input gain on your audio interface or mixer. The signal may be too hot, causing clipping.
• Microphone Distance: Increase the distance between the microphone and the sound source.

Excessive Bass or Rumble:

• Engage Bass Cut Filter: Activate the bass cut filter switch on the microphone to reduce low-frequency content.
• Increase Distance: If the issue is proximity effect, increase the distance between the microphone and the sound source.
• Microphone Stand: Ensure the microphone stand is stable and not transmitting vibrations.

9. Specifications

10. Warranty and Support

A manufacturer's limited product warranty for AKG products applies only when the purchase is made from AKG Authorized North American Dealers. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.

For detailed warranty information, specific terms and conditions, or to obtain technical support, please refer to the official AKG website or contact your authorized AKG dealer. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

You can visit the official AKG store for more information: AKG Pro Audio Store