AKG

AKG P120 Studio Condenser XLR Microphone - Black

4.7 (3243 reviews)
CondenserXLR

The AKG P120 is an affordable large-diaphragm condenser microphone with cardioid pickup and high SPL handling for home and project studios.

$79.99*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The AKG P120 is a cardioid condenser microphone built for project studios and home recording setups where sound quality matters but budgets are limited. It uses a 2/3-inch diaphragm to capture vocals, speech, and instruments with clarity and accurate detail. The cardioid polar pattern focuses on the sound source in front of the microphone while rejecting off-axis noise, making it a practical choice for recording in less-than-perfect acoustic environments. With an equivalent noise level of just 19 dB-A, the P120 keeps self-noise low enough for intimate vocal takes and quiet acoustic instruments.

The P120 is equipped with a switchable -20 dB attenuation pad that extends its maximum SPL handling to 150 dB, so it can manage loud sources like guitar cabinets and snare drums without clipping. A built-in bass cut filter at 300 Hz helps tame low-end rumble from floor vibrations and proximity effect during close-up vocal recording. It connects via standard XLR and presents a low electrical impedance of 200 ohms or less, ensuring compatibility with virtually any audio interface or mixer. The microphone is solidly built with a metal body designed to withstand regular studio use, and it connects easily to any standard mic stand with the included adapter.

Key Features

Versatile Connectivity - Compatible with popular audio interfaces for easy setup, making it ideal for use with popular recording software and hardware. The low-mass diaphragm delivers a clear sound with accurate sonic detail for vocals, speech and instrument recording in project studios and for home recording.

High SPL Handling - Capable of handling high sound pressure levels up to 150 dB, making it perfect for capturing loud sources without distortion.

Durability - Built with high-quality materials to ensure long-lasting performance, making it a reliable choice for both professional and home studio recordings.

What's in the box? 1 x P120 Microphone. 1 x Stand Adapter

Polar Pattern: Cardioid. Audio frequency bandwidth: 20 - 20000 Hz. Equivalent noise level: 19 dB-A. Sensitivity: 24 mV/Pa. Signal to Noise: 75 dB-A. Preattenuation Pad: -20 dB. Bass cut filter: 300 Hz - 6 dB/octave. Electrical impedance: <= 200 Ohms. Recommended load impedance: >= 1000 Ohms.

MANUFACTURERS LIMITED PRODUCT WARRANTY For AKG products applies only when the purchase is made from AKG Authorized North American Dealers.

Specifications

Brand
AKG
Model
P120
Type
Condenser
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Frequency Response
20 – 20,000 Hz
Equivalent Noise Level
19 dB-A
Sensitivity
24 mV/Pa
Signal to Noise Ratio
75 dB-A
Maximum SPL
150 dB (with pad)
Attenuation Pad
-20 dB switchable
Bass Cut Filter
300 Hz, 6 dB/octave
Electrical Impedance
≤ 200 Ohms
Recommended Load Impedance
≥ 1000 Ohms
Connector
XLR
Included Accessories
Stand Adapter

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Budget-friendly entry point into large-diaphragm condenser recording
  • Handles up to 150 dB SPL with the attenuation pad, suitable for loud sources
  • Built-in bass cut filter helps reduce low-frequency rumble without external processing
  • Low self-noise of 19 dB-A makes it suitable for quiet vocal and acoustic recordings
  • Durable metal construction for long-term reliability

👎 Cons

  • Only includes a basic stand adapter — no shock mount or carrying case in the box
  • Single cardioid polar pattern limits versatility compared to multi-pattern alternatives
  • Sensitivity of 24 mV/Pa may require a preamp with adequate gain for quieter sources
  • Not the best choice for recording in untreated rooms, as the diaphragm picks up room reflections

Frequently Asked Questions

The P120 uses a cardioid polar pattern, which picks up sound primarily from the front while rejecting noise from the sides and rear.
Yes, the P120 handles sound pressure levels up to 150 dB and includes a switchable -20 dB attenuation pad for recording loud sources like guitar amps or drums.
Yes, it features a bass cut filter at 300 Hz with a 6 dB/octave slope, useful for reducing low-frequency rumble, handling noise, and proximity effect.
The P120 comes with a stand adapter. It does not include a shock mount or carrying case.
Yes, as a condenser microphone, the P120 requires 48V phantom power delivered via its XLR connection from an audio interface or mixer.