AKG P120 condenser microphone: features and spec-based rating

AKG’s P120 is a cardioid condenser microphone with XLR connection.

A condenser microphone records small sounds in fine detail. It is often used to record singing and narration.

In this article we rate it on 5 criteria using only the specifications the manufacturer publishes, and show how it ranks among the 32 microphones we compare.

Disclosure: This site takes part in affiliate programs. Specifications are as of the date we checked them and can change.

Figure: SoundBounty

Summary

Among the 32 microphones, P120 is rank B. The ranks run S, A, B and C, and B is third from the top. Averaging the scores for each criterion (out of 5) gives 2.8.

Strengths

• Sensitivity (24 mV/Pa, 4 points): You get a solid level even from a softer voice.
• Features (2 of 3, 4 points): You can adjust to the sound you are recording with switches on the body.

Things to keep in mind

• Quietness (19 dB(A), 2 points): The microphone itself makes a little more noise, which can be noticeable in quiet songs.
• Lightness (453 g, 1 point): It is on the heavy side, so you need a sturdy microphone stand.

Handling of loud sound is not scored because the manufacturer does not publish the number.

Who it suits: judging from the specifications, it suits people with a softer voice who still want a solid recording level; people who want to adjust the recording with switches on the body, such as the pad and low-cut.

Main features of P120

A 2/3-inch diaphragm

This is a condenser microphone with a 2/3-inch diaphragm. The manufacturer says the light diaphragm records even fine sounds clearly, and describes it as made for recording vocals, speech and instruments in project studios (personal or small recording spaces) and home recording.

A -20 dB pad and a bass cut

The body has switches for a -20 dB pad (which lowers the incoming level) and a 300 Hz bass cut (which weakens low sounds). The manufacturer says that with the pad it handles up to 150 dB SPL, and the bass cut is introduced as a way to reduce rumble from the floor and footstep noise.

A sturdy all-metal body

The body is entirely metal and is described as tough enough for everyday use. A stand adapter is included.

Where it is useful

• Recording vocals or narration at home
• Recording instruments such as acoustic guitar or piano
• Recording in a room where footsteps and desk vibration are easily transmitted

Rating by criterion

Quietness: 2 / 5

How little of the small hiss the microphone itself makes (self-noise). The smaller the number, the quieter.

P120: 19 dB(A). That is a modest rating among the products we compared. The microphone itself makes a little more noise, which can be noticeable in quiet songs.

Sensitivity: 4 / 5

How large a signal the same voice produces (sensitivity). The bigger the number, the easier it is to get a good level from a quiet voice.

P120: 24 mV/Pa. That is a high rating among the products we compared. You get a solid level even from a softer voice.

Handling of loud sound: not scored

How loud a sound it can record without distortion (maximum SPL).

The manufacturer does not publish this number for the P120, so it is not scored.

Features: 4 / 5

How many of the pad (lowers loud sound), low-cut (reduces low noise) and pickup-pattern switch it has.

P120: 2 of 3. That is a high rating among the products we compared. You can adjust to the sound you are recording with switches on the body.

Lightness: 1 / 5

The weight of the microphone. The lighter it is, the less load on the microphone stand.

P120: 453 g. That is a modest rating among the products we compared. It is on the heavy side, so you need a sturdy microphone stand.

The gray marks in the figure below (the dotted line on the pentagon) show the average of the 32 products we compared. Price is not part of the score.

How we score (Microphones)

Criterion	Basis	5 pt	4 pt	3 pt	2 pt	1 pt
Quietness	Self-noise	≤7	≤12	≤16	≤20	>20
Sensitivity	Sensitivity	≥25	≥20	≥15	≥10	<10
Handling of loud sound	Maximum SPL (without the pad)	≥148	≥144	≥140	≥135	<135
Features	Pad, low-cut and pickup-pattern switch	All 3	2	1	—	None
Lightness	Weight	≤300	≤350	≤400	≤450	>450

Scored only on the body specifications published by the manufacturer. Price and accessories are not part of the score. Items that are not disclosed are not scored, and the rank is based on the average of the remaining items. Where a model publishes only the signal-to-noise ratio and not the self-noise, the self-noise is converted as "94 minus the signal-to-noise ratio".

P120 connection and getting started

Connection	XLR (3-pin). Connect it to the microphone input of an audio interface or mixer (it cannot connect to a computer directly by USB)
Power	Phantom power is required
In the box	Stand adapter (an XLR cable is not included)

Checked on the manufacturer’s official pages on September 27, 2026.

Compared with other microphones

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Before you buy

• It needs phantom power (+48 V). This is an XLR condenser microphone, so connect it to an audio interface or mixer that can supply phantom power.
• Check what comes in the box. The manufacturer lists: Stand adapter (an XLR cable is not included). Anything not on that list (a shock mount, a pop filter, cables and so on) you need to prepare separately.
• It has a pad and low-cut switch. When loud sound would distort, or when you want to reduce low noise (such as an air conditioner), you can adjust it on the microphone itself.

Read next

• TLM 102: features and rating (rank B)
• AT4050: features and rating (rank B)
• C414 XLII: features and rating (rank S)
• C414 XLS: features and rating (rank S)