7 Technical data .................................................................................. 23
14 P420
Safety and the environment
Risk of damage
1 Safety and the environment
R
Please make sure that the piece of equipment your microphone will be
ATTENTION
Environment
connected to fulfills the safety regulations in force in your country and is fitted
with a ground lead.
xAt the end of the lifetime of the product, disconnect the housing, electronics
and cable from each other and discard all components according to
applicable disposal regulations.
xThe packaging is recyclable. Dispose of the packaging via an appropriate
collection system provided for this purpose.
P420 15
Description
2 Description
Introduction
Contents
Optional Accessories
Short description
Thank you for your decision to buy an AKG product. Please read the user
instructions carefully before using the unit and keep them in a safe place so
that you can refer to them in the future at any time. We wish you a lot of fun and
success!
x Microphone
x Spider shock mount
x Carrying case
Check that the packaging contains all of the items listed for your system. If
anything is missing, please contact your AKG dealer.
x PF80 pop filter
x ST305 table stand
x W4000 external windscreen
The P420 is a heavy-duty, rugged true condenser microphone built to the same
strict quality standards as all other AKG products.
Designed on the basis of AKG’s decades of knowhow and feedback from sound
engineers around the world using AKG studio microphones every day, this
general-purpose 1" dual large-diaphragm microphone brings AKG studio quality
to the worlds of recording, live sound, and broadcasting.
16 P420
Description
Features
xSelectable polar patterns: The microphone's transducer uses a dual
diaphragm. This sophisticated technology allows you to select the optimum
polar pattern (cardioid, omnidirectional, or figure eight) for every
application.
xGold-sputtered diaphragm: The diaphragm is made of a plastic foil that is
gold-sputtered on one side only to prevent shorting to the back electrode
even at extremely high sound pressure levels.
xAll-metal body: The all-metal body adds to the rejection of RF interference
so you can use the microphone near transmitter stations and along with
wireless microphones or other communications equipment. The extremely
rugged, heavy body and sturdy front grill protect the microphone from
damage from tough handling on stage.
xHigh headroom, minimum distortion: Capable of handling sound
pressure levels up to 155 dB without introducing perceptible distortion and
built to resist high temperatures and humidity, the microphone will give
excellent results in a wide range of applications.
Figure 1: Polar pattern selector on P420 front, preattenuation and bass cut
switches on rear
xPolar pattern selector: Selector 1 on the microphone front sets the
microphone polar pattern to cardioid, omnidirectional, or figure eight.
xSwitchable preattenuation pad: Selector 2 on the microphone rear lets
you increase the headroom by 20 dB for distortionfree close-in recording.
The preattenuation pad prevents the microphone's output level, particularly
at low frequencies, from overloading the miniature transformers used in
many mixer input stages, etc.
xBass cut filter: Selector 3 on the microphone rear further reduces low-end
distortion caused by footfall or wind noise, etc. The filter also minimizes the
proximity effect that close-in miking from less than 4 inches causes in any
unidirectional microphone. The filter rolls off at 12 dB/octave from 300 Hz
downward.
P420 17
Connecting to Audio Equipment
3 Connecting to Audio Equipment
General
Pinout
Connecting the
Microphone
The microphone uses a condenser transducer designed for 48-volt phantom
powering to IEC 61938 and needs an external power supply.
The microphone provides a balanced output on a 3-pin male XLR connector:
Pin 1: ground
Pin 2: hot
Pin 3: cold
Figure 2: Connecting to a balanced input with phantom power
1) Use an XLR cable to connect the microphone to a balanced XLR input with
phantom power.
2) Switch the phantom power on. (Refer to the user manual of the unit to
which you connected your microphone.)
18 P420
Operation
4 Operation
Operating instructions
The P420 is a general-purpose multi-pattern microphone for recording,
broadcast, and onstage use.
Every instrument radiates its sound in a specific way. Therefore, to get the best
sound it is crucial to experiment with microphone placement.
xWhichever polar pattern you selected, it
may be good to know which way the
transducer axis is facing: the front of the
microphone is the side of the body with
the AKG logo and polar pattern selector
(1) on it.
xWhen recording wind instruments or
vocals, make sure not to blow or sing directly into the microphone.
To avoid unwanted wind and pop noise or
moisture problems, place an optional
PF80 pop screen from AKG between the
microphone and vocalist/instrument.
xKeep the microphone dry. Moisture
from blowing or singing directly at the
capsule from a short distance, or
extremely high humidity may cause the
microphone to start crackling or go very
quiet due to partial short circuits in the
polarization voltage.
xIf you use the microphone in the open
air, use an optional AKG W4000 windscreen to protect the microphone
from moisture and reduce wind noise.
xHigh volume instruments: You can use this microphone for close-in
recording of very loud instruments (brass instruments, kick drum, etc.).
Just switch the preattenuation pad in to increase the microphone's
capability of handling sound pressure levels to 155 dB.
xLow-frequency noise: To suppress low-frequency noise such as air
conditioning rumble, footfall noise, or traffic sounds, switch the bass cut
filter in.
Figure 3: Microphone front
P420 19
Operation
Selecting Polar Patterns
Each of the P420's selectable polar patterns is virtually frequency independent
so that reflected sound, too will be reproduced accurately and uncolored.
xCardioid (center setting): This is a standard setting for recording and gives
excellent results on all kinds of voices and a wide range of instruments.
Remember to aim the microphone front at the sound source.
xFigure eight (left-hand setting): The microphone will pick up sounds
arriving from the front and rear with equal sensitivity. Use this mode to mic
up the side signal in M/S stereo recording or to record two sound sources
(talkers, instruments) facing each other. It is also a good choice for cymbal
overhead miking.
xOmnidirectional (right-hand setting): This is the preferred setting for "all
around the mic" recording, high quality ambience (audience sound) miking,
or far-field recording in exceptionally good-sounding large or small
recording rooms, etc.
20 P420
Cleaning
5 Cleaning
Microphone
xUse a soft cloth moistened with water to clean the surface of the
microphone body.
P420 21
Troubleshooting
Problem Possible Cause
Remedy
6 Troubleshooting
P
No sound Power to mixer and/or amplifier is
off.
Channel or master fader on mixer,
or volume control on amplifier is at
zero.
Microphone is not connected to
mixer or amplifier.
Cable connectors are seated
loosely.
Cable is defective. Check cable and replace if damaged.
No supply voltage Switch phantom power on.
Distortion Channel gain control on mixer set
too high.
Microphone too close to sound
source.
Microphone sensitivity set too high. Switch preattenuation pad in.
Crackling noises or low output Partial short circuits due to
excessive humidity.
Switch power to mixer or amplifier
on.
Set channel or master fader on mixer
or volume control on amplifier to
desired level.
Connect microphone to mixer or
amplifier.
Check cable connectors for secure
seat.
Phantom power supply: connect to
power outlet or insert battery
(batteries).
Check cable and replace if
necessary.
Turn gain control down CCW.
Move microphone further away from
sound source.
Place microphone in warm, dry room
and allow to dry.
(see frequency response trace)
Electrical impedance:
Recommended load impedance:
Equivalent noise level to IEC 60268-4:
Signal to noise:
Max. SPL for 0.5% THD:
Temperature range:
Phantom powering:
Current consumption:
Frequency Response (omnidirectional) Polar Diagram
Frequency Response (figure eight) Polar Diagram
This product corresponds to the standards stated in the Declaration of Conformity. You can request the
Declaration of Conformity by e-mail from sales@akg.com.
24 P420
Mikrofone · Kopfhörer · Drahtlosmikrofone · Drahtloskopfhörer · Kopfsprechgarnituren · Akustische Komponenten
Microphones · Headphones · Wireless Microphones · Wireless Headphones · Headsets · Electroacoustic Components
Microphones · Casques HiFi · Microphones sans fil · Casques sans fil · Micros-casques · Composants acoustiques
Microfoni · Cuffie HiFi · Microfoni senza filo · Cuffie senza filo · Cuffie-microfono · Componenti acustici
Micrófonos · Auriculares · Micrófonos inalámbricos · Auriculares inalámbricos · Auriculares con micrófono · Componentes acústicos
Microfones · Fones de ouvido · Microfones s/fios · Fones de ouvido s/fios · Microfones de cabeça · Componentes acústicos
Für andere Produkte und Händler weltweit besuchen Sie www.akg.com
Technische Änderungen vorbehalten. Specifications subject to change without notice. Ces caractéristiques sont susceptibles de modifications. Ci
riserviamo il diritto di effettuare modifiche tecniche. Nos reservamos el derecho de introducir modificaciones técnicas. Especificações sujeitas a
mudanças sem aviso prévio.
Printed in China (P.R.C.) 03/14/5042915
GRATULIEREN
WIR
ken uns
. . . und bed
haben. Seit mehr
Kopfhorern und Sound Reinforcement Produkten.
reits als
Beliebtheit, und wir sind
Vorstellungen
dOrfen
Produktproblemen an erster
haben.
AKG Vertretung
www.akg.com. Sie wird
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WeiterfOhrende lnformationen finden Sie auf unserer Homepage www.akg.com
an
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entsprechen wird.
wir auf die folgenden Garantiebedingungen verweisen. Wenden Sie sich im
dies nicht
Sollte
in
...
den Kauf eines AKG Produktes entschieden
fOr
sich
Sie
dass
dafOr,
sechzig Jahren
als
sprichwortliche AKG
Oberzeugt, dass auch dieses AKG Produkt lhren
moglich sein, setzen Sie sich bitte mit der
Verbindung.
Ihnen
FOr
an
Stelle
jeweilige Adresse entnehmen Sie bitte unserer Website
Die
bei den unten angefOhrten
AKG
zahlt
Fall,
den
den Fachhandler, bei dem Sie das Produkt gekauft
den
zu
Unzahlige AKG Entwicklungen wurden be-
Qualitat
dass sich dennoch einmal ein
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erfreut sich weltweit wachsender
lhr
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Adressen auf Anfrage auch gerne
von Mikrofonen,
WOnschen
Problem einstellt,
Land zustandigen
und
Fall von
CONGRATULATIONS
... and thank you for buying an
microphones, headphones, and sound system products for more than sixty years. Numerous
inventions by AKG have been patented. Users
quality
Should
problem with
this is not
If
To
one
For more information visit www.akg.com
NOUS
... et vous remercions d'avoir choisi
AKG, qui a fait breveter
de microphones, casques et autres produits destines
qualite
que
attente.
conditions de garantie suivantes.
ou
produits AKG dans votre pays. Vous trouverez l'adresse sur notre site www.akg.com. Vous
pouvez egalement
Vous trouverez de
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of
there be a problem, please read the
find the appropriate address,
the addresses listed below.
of
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AKG est de
le produit AKG que vous venez
Au
vous avez achete produit. Si
AKG product, see the dealer from whom you purchased the
an
possible,
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plus
ou malgre
cas
Ia
plus
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. . . e grazie di aver acquistato un prod
i produttori leader di microfoni, cuffie e prodotti
sue innovazioni sono state brevettate. La proverbiale qual
su scala mondiale. Siamo convinti che anche questa
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le
specializzato dal
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il
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Per ulteriori informazoni visitate
vostre aspettative.
aile
quale avete acquistato
...
brand product. AKG has been a leading
AKG
over the world appreciate the proverbial
we
please get
all
trust this product
touch with the AKG Distributor for your region
in
please
following Warranty Conditions.
visit the AKG website at www.akg.com
will fulfill all
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un
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tout
Veuillez
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ce
l'une des adresses ci-dessous.
a
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vous adresser alors en premier lieu
Ia
!'amplification du son. La
a
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le
aussi en taus points
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se poserait, nous attirons votre attention sur
Ia
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oltre
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ita
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cia
sito internet www.akg.com oppure
al
Nel
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nostro sito www.akg.com
il
di marca AKG. Da
otto
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prodotto. Se
il
L:indirizzo
sound reinforcement. Numerosissime
peril
prodotto
si trova
manufacturer of
you have a
If
product
or
contact
or
60
de
des grands fabricants
legendaire
a votre
magasin
au
societe
distribuant
luogo
I'AKG e
ai
ricordiamo
vi
rivenditore
al
first.
country.
ans
les
les
tra
vostri
www.akg.com
AKG Acoustics GmbH
Laxenburger StraBe 254,
service@akg.com
e-mail:
AKG Acoustics,
Service Dept.,
akgusaservice@harman.com
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or
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