Are you looking for a condenser microphone for your recordings or other professional requirements? The two most capable options you can check out for your needs can be the Audio Technica AT2035 vs AKG P220. So, how do those two options compare with one another? Available at a very similar price range, both of them have been considered to be most budget-friendly and capable performers that offer you a set of versatile functionality. Let us compare the two microphones and find how do they feature when pitted against each other.
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Audio Technica AT2035 – An Overview
The condenser microphone offers you a high degree of performance and provides you access to smoother, natural and low noise audio performance. It comes with the all black metal body design along with the grille.
The microphone comes with two switches – one for high pass filter function and the other works as a pre-attenuation pad. The cardioid polar pattern should provide you access to decent isolation from the unwanted noises from the rear or sides. You can focus on the primary audio source while working with the microphone during any of your events.
The condenser microphone offers you a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. This will help you capture low, high and mids quite perfectly. The rugged design should help you concerning durability to a greater extent. Providing a robust design specifically meant for heavy-duty usage, the microphone should help you endure any harsh abuse. The high pass filter available on the mic should allow you to attenuate the mechanical vibrations, wind sounds, and breath sounds. This can be one of the best features that support vocals.
The lower self-noise level can help you effectively address audio recording. You can expect the stimulating crisp sounds to be captured. Get the proper levels of depth, with the bass, midrange, and treble and their adequate staging.
The Tech Specs:
- Signal to noise ratio – 82 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa
- Low-frequency roll-off: 80 Hz, 12 dB/octave
- Impedance: 120 ohms
- Dynamic range (typical) : 136 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL
The Pros
- The microphone is highly versatile and can be used for a wide range of application areas
- If you are into recording, this should be your best bet with its neutral and balanced look
- The microphone setup should be easy enough with a wide range of accessories available
- A great build quality
- It can handle a great deal of audio performance with vocals
The Cons
- The switches are not tactile enough and need to be getting used to.
- The pop filter may not be up to mark.
AKG Perception 220 – A Sneak Peek
Also referred to as AKG P220, the AKG Perception 220 come with almost similar features as on the Audio Technica AT2035 microphone. There are a few minor differences between the two though.
Like the Audio Technica AT2035, you will find the AKG P220 offering you a similar durable and robust construction with the all-metal body construction. This will, of course, ensure a high degree of durability. The microphone has a black housing a light brown grille. You will also get a shock mount to take care of the handling or mechanical noises affecting your audio performance.
Once again, you have the same frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The condenser microphone also comes with an 80-Hz bass-cut filter and -20dB pre-attenuation pad built within the construction. However, the lower maximum SPL handling is mediocre at 155 dB and lower compared to that on the Audio Technica AT2035 which stands at 148 dB. The self-noise level is also is a little substandard compared to the Audio Technica AT2035. That would mean the Audio technical microphone should offer you lower crispness and clarity.
Some of the specifications that the microphone offers you include
- Audio frequency bandwidth: 20 to 20000 Hz
- Signal to Noise: 78 dB-A
- Electrical impedance: 200 Ohms
- Preattenuation Pad : -20 dB
- Sensitivity: 18 mV/Pa
The Pros
- An excellent and affordable price point.
- Flatter frequency response
- Very smooth sound.
- Best for a studio setting
- Can be used as an excellent room mic
The Cons
- Sensitivity may be a little too much.
- High pass filter can cut too much of the sound
The Comparison Table: Audio Technica AT2035 vs AKG P220
We thought rather than comparing the two condenser microphones feature by feature; it may be a good idea to compare them in a side by side comparison chart. This will perhaps help you get a better insight into the best features that the tow competing microphones come with.
| Features / particulars | AKG Perception 220
|
Audio Technica AT2035
|
| Type of the microphone | Condenser microphone | Condenser microphone |
| Application areas | Live recording or studio | Live recording or studio |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid | Cardioid |
| Phantom Power availability | Yes, available | Yes, available |
| On-off switch | No | No |
| Connector options | XLR | XLR |
| Frequency range | 20 Hz to 20 kHz | 20Hz to 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity | -34 dB | -33 dB |
| Maximum SPL values | 155 dB | 148 dB |
| Diameter | 2.13 | 2.045 |
| Weight | 18.7 Ounces | 14.2 Ounces |
| Parts warranty | Two years | One year |
| Manufacturing warranty | Two years | One year |
The Similarities
The two competing microphones have the following common features between them.
- Both the microphones belong to the cardioid variety of receivers.
- Both of them use the XLR cables for connectivity
- The two microphones share the same features concerning neutral sound signature
- The two microphones are versatile in their functionality
- Both of them offer the same frequency range of 20Hz – 20kHz.
The Major Differences
The significant differences between the two options include
- The Audio Technica AT2035 comes with a 10dB pad and 80Hz high-pass filter. The AKT Perception 220 will offer you a 300Hz low cut filter and a -20dB pad.
- The SPL ratings max out at 148 dB for the Audio Technica AT2035, while the corresponding options for the AKG Perception 220 read 155 DB
- The P220 offers you a better podcasting performance compared to the Audio Technica AT2035
The Concluding Thoughts
That was all we have concerning the best features that both the condenser microphones provide you. The comparison chart should help you find the best features that the two microphones come with. The microphone comparison should ideally provide you a better input into the features offered by either of them.
Have you used any of those two condenser microphones? Share your thoughts and opinions for a better understanding of the features offered by them.