AKG P420 large diaphragm condenser mic $150 at sweetwater

While browsing, I saw this on sale at a good price. Disclaimer: I have no relations with Sweetwater or AKG and gains nothing from your purchase.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/P420--akg-p420-large-diaphragm-condenser-microphone

I own this mic and really like it. Its multiple patterns makes it very versatile. The sound is warm; and IMHO very good for my uke. Voice sounds nice too. I can provide sound samples if interested.

Thanks for your insight.

How might it compare to a Shure SM57??

Are you running the mic into an amp and what kind of amp??

I went and looked at some reviews. The AKG needs to be powered.

I have the Shure SM 57 have thought about upgrading. Not wanting to add a mic that needs an outside power source at this time. Still looks like a very good price until the end of the month if someone is looking for such a piece of equipment.

mjh42 said:

Thanks for your insight.

How might it compare to a Shure SM57??

Are you running the mic into an amp and what kind of amp??

I went and looked at some reviews. The AKG needs to be powered.

I have the Shure SM 57 have thought about upgrading. Not wanting to add a mic that needs an outside power source at this time. Still looks like a very good price until the end of the month if someone is looking for such a piece of equipment.

Click to expand...

I have the Shure SM58, which is the same as your Shure SM57 but with a grill and pop filter. For voice, I like the Shure more (but maybe it is just because I'm more used to it). For uke, IMHO, the AKG is hands down a lot better. The AKG needs 48v of phantom power since it's a condenser mic. It is also going to be a lot more sensitive than your Shure SM57 so you'll need a quiet environment to use it.

I can put up some recordings to compare the Shure SM58 and AKG P-420, if you think it'll help you.

I paid $200 for it, and I'm very happy. So at $150, I think it is a great deal for the quality you're getting. I don't think this mic was ever at this low a price, even before the pandemic.

The Shure SM57 is normally used as a live-performance vocal mic and also often used right in front of a guitar amp's speaker.
The AKG would be much better for acoustic stringed instruments, especially for recording.

Thanks for the feedback. I'll keep the AKG in mind for when I'm ready to go with something that needs power.