AKG P820 Tube High-Performance Dual-Capsule Tube Microphone
Description
AKG P820 Tube High-Performance Dual-Capsule Tube Microphone
The AKG P820 delivers the warmth and presence that only tube condensers can provide, with a dual one-inch diaphragm design that responds with exceptional sensitivity to every nuance of acoustic guitar, vocals, and amplified sources. Its solid construction and intuitive remote control make it a pleasure to operate in live recording and studio tracking sessions. This is a workhorse microphone built for capturing silky lead vocals, acoustic instruments, guitar amplifiers, and spoken word with consistent sonic character across multiple takes and setups.
Audio Performance & Circuitry
Built around an ECC83 dual-triode tube circuit with K67-type capsule and transformer-coupled output, the P820 achieves a Signal to Noise Ratio of 78 dB-A and an Equivalent Noise Level of 16 dB-A—excellent specs for clean recordings even at lower input levels during quiet passages and delicate playing. The 20 mV/Pa sensitivity captures detail without excessive gain staging, while the 155 dB maximum SPL (with -20 dB pad engaged) handles everything from fingerpicked acoustics to screaming guitar amplifiers and loud drums without distortion.
Design, Control & Flexibility
Nine selectable polar patterns via remote control give you precise command over room interaction and proximity effect, shifting from tight cardioid capture for isolated guitar tracking to open omnidirectional pickup for full-band ensemble recording with ease. The -20 dB pre-attenuation pad and 80 Hz bass cut filter (both remote-selectable) provide essential tools for controlling proximity bass from close-miked sources and protecting against loud transients from drum strikes and amp spikes, while the balanced 3-pin XLR output and ≤ 200 Ohms electrical impedance ensure reliable, noise-free connection to any professional preamp, mixer, or audio interface during live performance and studio work.
Key Features
- Dual one-inch diaphragm capsule with K67-type design
- ECC83 dual-triode tube circuitry with transformer-coupled output
- Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 20 mV/Pa
- Equivalent noise level: 16 dB-A
- Signal to noise ratio: 78 dB-A
- Maximum SPL: 155 dB with -20 dB pad engaged
- Nine selectable polar patterns via remote control
- Switchable -20 dB pre-attenuation pad
- 80 Hz bass cut filter with 12 dB/octave roll-off
- Balanced 3-pin XLR male output; ≤ 200 Ohms impedance
- Includes remote control unit, 7-pin connection cable, shock mount, and aluminum carrying case
The P820 combines classic tube warmth with modern studio reliability, delivering professional results across vocal, acoustic guitar, electric amplifier, and instrument applications for recording and live capture.
More Information
| Condition | New |
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At a Glance
The AKG P820 is a professional tube condenser microphone with dual one-inch capsules and nine remote-selectable polar patterns, delivering the warm, detailed character tube mics are known for on lead vocals, acoustic instruments, and spoken word. Sound engineers and studio-focused performers will appreciate its 78 dB signal-to-noise ratio, switchable -20 dB pad, and 80 Hz bass filter for controlling room interaction and proximity effect in live or installed sound applications. Built on an ECC83 tube circuit with transformer-coupled output and a rugged design, it's a dependable workhorse for capturing silky tones without excessive gain staging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes tube microphones different, and is the P820 worth the investment?
Tube mics add harmonic warmth and presence that solid-state condensers struggle to replicate, especially on vocals and acoustic sources. The P820's ECC83 dual-triode circuit with transformer-coupled output delivers that character while maintaining a low 16 dB-A noise floor, so you get classic tone without sacrificing recording clarity.
What polar patterns does it offer, and can I change them during a session?
The P820 provides nine selectable polar patterns via remote control, so you can shift from tight cardioid to omnidirectional pickup without unplugging the microphone. This flexibility lets you adapt to different room acoustics or instrument positions on the fly.
What's included, and what preamp or interface do I need?
The P820 ships with a remote control unit, 7-pin connection cable, shock mount, and aluminum carrying case. It outputs balanced 3-pin XLR with an impedance of 200 Ohms or less, so it connects to any professional preamp or audio interface with a standard XLR input.
How loud can it get, and what's the pad for?
Maximum SPL is 155 dB with the -20 dB pad engaged, and the pad is remote-switchable—ideal for protecting against loud transients or controlling proximity bass on close-miked sources like drums or loud amplifiers. The 80 Hz bass cut filter (also remote-selectable) helps further manage low-end buildup.
Does it work for both vocals and instruments?
Yes; the P820 is equally at home on lead vocals, acoustic guitar, strings, and spoken word. Its 20 mV/Pa sensitivity and low noise floor capture nuance across all these sources without requiring excessive preamp gain.