The black P170 from AKG is a small-diaphragm condenser microphone with a cardioid pattern designed to capture the sound of various acoustic and amplified instruments in project studios, home recordings and live situations. Offered as a cost-effective alternative to the classic AKG C451 B, this microphone is well suited for capturing guitars & strings, drums, hi-hats and percussion among others.

The lightweight 0.5" gold-sputtered diaphragm delivers a clear sound with fast transients, and is capable of handling sound-pressure levels up to 155 dB without introducing perceptible distortion. A switchable 20 dB pad enables distortion-free recording of very loud sound sources often associated with proximity miking.

The all-metal body improves rejection of RF interference so you can use the microphone near transmitter stations and along with wireless microphones.

The P170 is built to resist high temperatures and humidity. The rugged body and sturdy front grille protect it from the rigors of day-to-day use.

Pair of Condenser Mics    For Stereo Recording    Cardioid Polar Pattern    0.5" Gold-Sputtered Diaphragm    Switchable 20 dB Pad    155 dB Maximum SPL    All-Metal Body

• Gold-sputtered small-diaphragm prevents shorting to the back electrode at high sound-pressure levels
• Capable of handling sound-pressure levels up to 155 dB with no apparent distortion
• Switchable 20 dB pad for distortion-free close-miking
• All-metal body for rejection of RF interference
• Sturdy front grille protects microphone from tough handling
• Built to resist high temperatures and humidity 

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Would these work well for real ORTF microphone placement (with suitable spacers to raise one up about an inch)?

A: In conjunction with a bar like the Rode SB20 (B&H# ROSB20STEREO ), you could use these Auray mounts for ORTF mic placement. For specialized mics, it is also common to use a suspension like this one, that also comes with a blimp: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/966593-REG/rycote_080211_ortf_windshield_kit.html?sts=pi For more advice about how to mount your mics for this recording, please reach out to us with the model number of the mics you are using, and a brief description of the space where you will use this setup.

Q: 2. How well would these work on a boom mount in a home studio, plugged directly into a Blackmagic Pocket 4K?

A: You could only plug 1 of these mics directly into the BMPC camera since it only has 1 xlr connection providing phantom power. You would also need an adapter cable to make that connection, BH #CACTF3MT3220. As long as the mic is within 3' of the person speaking, these would work fine.

Q: 3. Will these be better for indoor dialogue than an rode ntg 2 ?

A: Only in one regard. The NTG2 is a shotgun microphone, which means it is directional because it has an interference tube. Surfaces nearby (such as a ceiling several inches away) that reflect sound can defeat the interference tube, causing more background noise than expected to be recorded. For this reason, shotgun microphones are discouraged for indoor dialog. The C02 does not have an interference tube, so it does not have this problem. It is very directional, and it is a good fit for using on a boom for indoor dialog, even near sound-reflecting surfaces.That said, both the C02 and the NTG2 are a little weak in their ability to pick up the lowest and highest sound frequencies, but the NTG2 seems to be a little better in this regard.

Q: 4. Will this capsule fit/work with an AKG C460B preamp section?

A: This capsule is only compatible with AKG GN series and LM3 housings.

Q: 5. Are these washable ?

A: Typically, foam dividers should not be submerged in water, but the ONA Camera Bag Dividers can be spot cleaned with a lightly damp wash cloth.

Q: 6. What shock mount would you recommend for these mics?

A: Here's one good option BH #AVSSM. Please note, if placing this on a boom pole, you would also need a 3/8'' to 5/8'' adapter like this B&H # AUADCOMBOS.

Q: 7. Can the mic stand adapter (mount) be purchased separately? I have an older akg perception that I'm assuming is compatible.

A: We do not have the stand adapters seperatrely but we do have shock mounts that would fit. Both by AKG and third party: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/811165-REG/AKG_1040_Z_00020_SH_100_Shockmount.html https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1075694-REG/auray_shm_scm1_shock_mount_for_condenser.html

Q: 8. For pro podcasts and webinars in a slightly treated room, how would this compare to the RE20 or MKH416 running through a MixPre 3 II as the interface?

A: The Earthworks ETHOS B Broadcast Condenser Microphone is similar to the Sennheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Microphone in its capsule type and directionality, both being directional condensers. The ETHOS B has off-axis rejection for reducing room noise but is likely more forgiving than the MKH 416 in terms of capturing voice when the head turns. The 416 would require discipline from the user in the sense that they would need to be speaking directly at the microphone for the best pickup. The 416 would also be more optimal at a distance, making staying on-axis a bit more difficult. The Electro-Voice RE20 is a less sensitive, dynamic end address microphone more commonly used in these scenarios. It has a wider, more standard cardioid pickup pattern than the ETHOS B. The ETHOS B is more sensitive than the RE20, but makes up for potential room noise issues with its tight pickup pattern. The ETHOS B also has the widest frequency response of the three microphones.

Q: 9. Dose this mic come with a shock mount?

A: No, it does not come with a shock mount, just a regular sand mount. You can purchase a shock mount separately: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1075693-REG/auray_shm_uc2_shock_mount_for_cylindrical.html

Q: 10. It says nothing about power. Is it Phantom power? Or battery operated?

A: Yes, the AKG PZM30 D Hemispherical Boundary Layer Microphone does require 12 to 48V of phantom power.