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AKG Pro Audio P420 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone with Shock Mount and Case. Great for ensemble recording, grand piano, woodwind, brass instruments, drums and percussion. Black and Gold. | -20 Db Pad, 155 Db Max Spl, 20-20 Khz, Includes Spider Shock Mount and Metal Case

AKG Pro Audio P420 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

Bottom line: The AKG Pro Audio P420 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone: Three polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8 in one mic; main trade-off: needs 48V phantom power, so a bare USB interface will not run it.

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By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014, focused on GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference. Synthesises community benchmarks, manufacturer specs, and public forum data into actionable buying guides.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Three polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8 in one mic
  • ✓ -20 dB pad handles up to 155 dB SPL for drums and brass
  • ✓ Transformerless output plus low-noise electronics for high dynamic range
  • ✓ Spider shock mount and aluminum case included, no extra purchase
  • ✓ Full 20 Hz-20 kHz response suits piano and percussion extremes

Cons

  • ✗ Needs 48V phantom power, so a bare USB interface will not run it
  • ✗ One-inch condenser picks up room noise; untreated spaces will show
  • ✗ No onboard high-pass filter listed alongside the -20 dB pad
  • ✗ Warranty applies only to AKG Authorized North American Dealer purchases

Manufacturer description

The AKG Pro Audio P420 is a one-inch dual-diaphragm true condenser built for project studios that need one microphone to cover a lot of ground. Three selectable polar patterns - cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 - let you switch from a tight vocal or voice-over take to room-wide ensemble capture or a stereo mid-side pair without swapping hardware. Transformerless output and low-noise electronics keep the high dynamic range intact and the noise floor low, so quiet sources like ASMR and woodwind detail stay clean. When you point the P420 at something loud, the switchable -20 dB…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored AKG Pro Audio P420 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the streaming gear category. Compare with similarly-priced alternatives in the streaming gear category before committing. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for streaming gear of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What polar patterns does the AKG P420 have?

Three selectable patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure of eight, switched on the microphone body. Cardioid suits vocals and voice-over, omni captures room ambience, and figure-8 works for two-person or mid-side stereo setups.

Can the P420 handle loud sources like drums and brass?

Yes. A switchable attenuation pad drops sensitivity by 20 dB, letting the P420 take sound pressure levels up to 155 dB. That range covers drum overheads, percussion, brass, and loud amplifiers.

Does the AKG P420 need phantom power?

It is a true condenser microphone, so it requires 48V phantom power from an audio interface or mixer. It is XLR-based rather than USB, so it will not plug directly into a computer.

What comes in the box with the P420?

AKG includes a spider shock mount and an aluminum protective carrying case with the microphone. You still need an XLR cable and a phantom-powered interface or mixer to record.

Key Features

  • One-inch dual-diaphragm microphone with three selectable polar patterns for the perfect setting. Polar Patterns: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, and Figure of Eight.
  • Low noise electronics and transformerless output for high dynamic range, and excellent sound isolation.
  • Switchable attenuation pad for high SPL (sound pressure level) applications up to 155 dB.
  • Versatile, multi-pattern, professional-grade true condenser studio microphone. Great for voice-over, ASMR, singing, ensemble recording, ambient sounds, grand piano, woodwind, brass instruments, drums and percussion.
  • Includes Shock Mount and Aluminum Protective Carrying Case.
  • MANUFACTURERS LIMITED PRODUCT WARRANTY For AKG products applies only when the purchase is made from AKG Authorized North American Dealers.

Full Specifications

BrandAKG
ColorSliver Blue
Model NameP420
Unit Count1 Count
Model Number3101H00430
Power SourceUnpowered
Audible Noise15 db
Polar PatternMulti Pattern
Built-In Media1x P420 microphone, Metal Carrying Case, Spider shock mount
Connector TypeXLR
Item Type NameCondenser Microphone
Item Dimensions9 x 5.5 x 9.8 inches
Mfr Part NumberP420
Special FeatureP420 microphone, spider shock mount, metal carrying case
Antenna LocationKaraoke, Musical Instruments, Podcasting, Singing, Streaming
Audio Sensitivity79 db
Compatible DevicesAmplifier, Audio Interface, Audio Mixer, Karaoke Machine, PA System, Voice Recorder
Enclosure MaterialMetal
Frequency Response20 KHz
Number of Channels1
Full listing titleAKG Pro Audio P420 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone with Shock Mount and Case. Great for ensemble recording, grand piano, woodwind, brass instruments, drums and percussion. Black and Gold. | -20 Db Pad, 155 Db Max Spl, 20-20 Khz, Includes Spider Shock Mount and Metal Case

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AKG Pro Audio P420 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone with Shock Mount and Case. Great for ensemble recording, grand piano, woodwind, brass instruments, drums and percussion. Black and Gold. | -20 Db Pad, 155 Db Max Spl, 20-20 Khz, Includes Spider Shock Mount and Metal Case is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

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AKG Pro Audio P420 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone with Shock Mount and Case. Great for ensemble recording, grand piano, woodwind, brass instruments, drums and percussion. Black and Gold. | -20 Db Pad, 155 Db Max Spl, 20-20 Khz, Includes Spider Shock Mount and Metal Case
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