AKG

AKG P170 Pro Audio Instrument Condenser Microphone XLR

4.7 (440 reviews)
CondenserXLR

A rugged small-diaphragm condenser mic that captures instruments with detail and clarity from studio to stage.

$69.99*$78.99Save 11%
In Stock on Amazon.com
View on Amazon

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

Affiliate Disclosure: Studio Supplies may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This helps support our editorial team.

Notice a mistake? Let Us Know

Overview

The AKG P170 is a small-diaphragm condenser microphone built for capturing instruments with precision and clarity. Its cardioid polar pattern provides focused pickup of the sound source directly in front of the mic while rejecting unwanted ambient noise and bleed from the sides and rear — a critical quality when miking individual instruments in a multi-source environment like a drum kit or live stage. With a frequency response spanning 20 Hz to 20 kHz, the P170 faithfully reproduces the full harmonic range of acoustic guitars, cymbals, percussion, and stringed instruments with an emphasis on clean transient response.

One of the P170's most practical features is its switchable attenuation pad, which allows the microphone to handle extremely loud sound sources up to 155 dB SPL without clipping or distortion. This makes it versatile enough to close-mic a snare drum or a loud guitar cabinet without worrying about overloading the capsule. The rugged all-metal body is designed to withstand the demands of repeated setup and teardown in both studio and live environments. Connecting via standard XLR and requiring 48V phantom power, the P170 integrates easily into any professional or home studio signal chain. It ships with a stand adapter, keeping the package simple and the price accessible for recording enthusiasts and working engineers alike.

Key Features

Ideal for studio and live applications - Perfect for capturing detailed recordings in both controlled studio environments and dynamic live settings

Switchable attenuation pad - For high SPL applications up to 155 db SPL, making it perfect for recording loud instruments without distortion

Small-diaphragm condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern and an audio frequency bandwidth of 20 - 20000 Hz, ensuring exceptional clarity and transient response for recording overheads, percussion, acoustic guitars, and other strings

Rugged all metal body - Ensures durability and reliability for consistent performance in any recording environment

What's in The Box? 1 x P170 Microphone. 1 x Stand Adapter

This product is sourced from an authorized AKG North American dealer and includes the official AKG manufacturer’s warranty. The warranty is valid only for products purchased from authorized AKG North American dealers within the United States.

Specifications

Brand
AKG
Model
P170
Type
Small-Diaphragm Condenser
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Frequency Range
20 Hz – 20 kHz
Sensitivity
75 dB
Maximum SPL
155 dB (with attenuation pad)
Connector
XLR
Construction
All-metal body
In The Box
P170 Microphone, Stand Adapter

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Switchable attenuation pad handles high SPL sources up to 155 dB without distortion
  • All-metal construction provides durability for both studio and live use
  • Cardioid polar pattern effectively rejects off-axis sound and room noise
  • Wide 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response captures full-range instrument detail
  • Compact form factor fits easily into tight mic placements on drum kits and instrument clusters

👎 Cons

  • Does not include a shock mount, which is often needed for overhead and sensitive placements
  • Requires 48V phantom power, limiting use with devices that lack phantom power supply
  • The fixed cardioid pattern offers no switchable polar pattern options for different recording scenarios
  • Only a stand adapter is included, so additional mounting accessories may need to be purchased separately

Frequently Asked Questions

The P170 excels at recording acoustic guitars, drum overheads, percussion, hi-hats, and other string instruments where transient detail and clarity are important.
Yes, as a condenser microphone, the P170 requires 48V phantom power, which is supplied by most audio interfaces, mixers, and preamps with an XLR connection.
The attenuation pad reduces the mic's input sensitivity, allowing it to handle very loud sound sources up to 155 dB SPL without distortion — useful for close-miking snare drums, guitar amps, or brass instruments.
While it can capture vocals, the P170's small-diaphragm cardioid design is optimized for instrument recording. A large-diaphragm condenser would typically be a better choice for vocal applications.
No, the P170 includes a stand adapter but does not come with a shock mount. A compatible shock mount can be purchased separately if needed for vibration-sensitive setups.