AKG - P220

The Perception P220 is basically a Neumann U87 circuit clone. You can mod them easily to sound just like one. AKG Perception 220 Mods – Microphone-Parts.com https://share.google/39yztTA8z22TlWqJ1

I bought a matched pair of their R87 capsules for my Perception 220s and also upgraded with the polystyrene input caps. I love them. They sound symetrically smooth and transparent.

AKG P220 is a solid mic. Invest more in room acoustics than the mic. Good acoustics with a cheaper mic is better than the other way around. You can make DIY wrapped fiberglass panels from ATS acoustics for (relatively) cheap with a 6-pack of ATS rigid fiberglass, some acoustic fabric, adhesive spray, and impaling clips to stick them to the wall. https://www.atsacoustics.com/cat—DIY-Acoustic-Materials—102.html

Try an akg p220. Also, back off whatever mic a few inches.

Try an AKG P-220. Very good mic for the money.

I’ve had good recordings with the akg p220. I haven’t tried it on a piano though. AKG makes some good affordable mics. The have a 120 aswell I believe. The biggest thing though is that you get a 1. A condenser microphone 2.audio interface 3. Get a good gain level for your recording.

I am wondering something similar. I used to use the AKG P220 a microphone that is half the cost. I upgraded to the SM7B and Focusrite Scarlet and I feel like my vocals sound so much worse than they did before or that I need to spend so much extra time to fix them up. I can’t figure out if it’s the mic itself, the preamp (my older one was so cheap and a random brand) or what the issue is. It’s hard to blame myself here when my results before were much faster and stellar. Maybe it just isn’t right for my voice. I’m female btw not sure if that is part of it since it is a “dark” mic. I’m tempted to upgrade the preamp but maybe going back to my older gear for a bit will give me more clarity.

I’d probably be interested in room acoustics before suggesting condenser. But AKG 220 is solid in an acoustically treated space that doesn’t have a lot of noise. If room is untreated…..use closer dynamic mic like shure 57, Audix i5, sennheiser 609…..or used senn 906 . Definitely if you go this route play around with placement , distance , on/off axis. If your cab is one speaker, that makes things easier, but if it’s a 4x10 or 4x12, etc you may want to listen and see what speaker sounds best

+ 2 for shure 58 , especially in untreated room. Condenser, akg 220 is solid. Lots of em on marketplace for under $80 in excellent to unused condition

Either this or an Aston Spirit. AKG best bang for buck tho!

TLDR just get a 57. I use a Bock187 (u87 inspired with some tricks up its sleeve) for tracking. In love with this mic Dynamic: the legendary sm57. Its nice on vocals definitely (my second buy after a behringer mic haha). Besides its just so versatile that it probably was used on your favorite song. Similar capsule as an SM7b (i might get hate but you can make them sound really close) . Youll never want to get rid of it. Period. Condenser: AKG p220 can be a nice option for condenser. A friend has one and it definitely gets the job done. You’ll want to upgrade eventually tho

Preamp is the spice for flavoring the cuisine. The mic is the meat (#) and potatoes. If your current setup doesn’t work for you at all, I doubt a different spice will turn it all over. I’d change the meat (#) and potatoes instead. If you still have the P220, try that with the Scarlett to see where they stand. (#) Replace meat with tofu, mushrooms or whatever if you’re a vegetarian (like me)…

Go with the p220 but if you can afford the next tier get the AKG C214