3329H00010 vs 3332H00010 — Compare
AKG PCC170 SW O Professional Boundary Layer Microphone vs AKG PCC160 Professional Boundary Layer Microphone
The PCC170 SW O is a versatile music and performance microphone with switchable presence peak and cardioid flexibility, while the PCC160 is purpose-built for speech, conferencing, and broadcast with a supercardioid pattern and compact 20 mm profile. Choose the PCC170 if you're recording vocals, acoustic instruments, or podcasting; choose the PCC160 if your priority is institutional audio, presentations, and speech clarity.
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AKG PCC170 SW O Professional Boundary Layer Microphone
AKG PCC160 Professional Boundary Layer Microphone
Specs side by side
| AKG PCC170 SW O Professional Boundary Layer Microphone | AKG PCC160 Professional Boundary Layer Microphone | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $540.00 | $525.00 |
| Brand | AKG | AKG |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose AKG PCC170 SW O Professional Boundary Layer Microphone
- ✓ Switchable presence peak gives you tonal control for different performance styles
- ✓ Cardioid pickup pattern more forgiving for music and acoustic instrument capture
- ✓ Swiss-made reputation for professional reliability
- ✓ Smooth, balanced tone flatters vocals and spoken word without fatigue
Why choose AKG PCC160 Professional Boundary Layer Microphone
- ✓ Supercardioid pattern with excellent off-axis rejection minimizes room noise and interference
- ✓ Compact 20 mm profile mounts invisibly on tabletops, walls, or ceilings
- ✓ Bass-tilt switch adapts low-end response to different room acoustics
- ✓ Low equivalent noise level (22 dB-A) and 72 dB-A SNR keep recordings clean in real-world spaces
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the PCC160 for music recording or live performance?
The PCC160 is engineered specifically for speech and institutional audio; its supercardioid pattern and 50–18,000 Hz frequency response prioritize voice intelligibility over musical nuance. For music or live performance, the PCC170 SW O is the better choice.
What's the main difference in microphone pattern between these two?
The PCC170 SW O uses a cardioid pattern that is more forgiving for music and flexible performance capture. The PCC160 uses a supercardioid pattern with tighter, more focused pickup designed to reject off-axis noise in conference and broadcast settings.
Which one handles loud environments better?
The PCC160 specifies a maximum SPL of 120 dB and is rated for loud institutional environments. The PCC170 SW O is positioned for live performance and studio use but is not ideal for high-SPL rock drums or extreme metal, making it less suitable for very loud sources.
Can I shape the tone of either microphone?
The PCC170 SW O offers a switchable presence peak for tonal control. The PCC160 features a bass-tilt switch to adapt low-end response to room acoustics, but it is designed for minimal coloration and speech clarity rather than broad tonal shaping.