Gear / Technical Help => Microphones & Setup => Topic started by: kingdong on March 02, 2011, 02:09:42 PM
Title: AKG Perception 170 vs. C391B
Post by: kingdong on March 02, 2011, 02:09:42 PM
Has anybody used both of these? Any comments about how they compare? TIA, Don
Title: Re: AKG Perception 170 vs. C391B
Post by: kirk97132 on March 02, 2011, 02:21:35 PM
I've never seen or used the 170's but I'd think the new pricing of $99 VS $365 is an indicator of quality especially since they are both made by AKG. Then there is the option to switch out capsules on the 391's. Plus I have a brand new pair in the YS for less than you get them anywhere else ::)
Title: Re: AKG Perception 170 vs. C391B
Post by: rjp on March 02, 2011, 10:38:36 PM
I can't speak for the 391s, but I've been very happy with the results I've obtained with the 170s. It figures that they'd go on sale long after I got mine, though. ::)
Keep in mind that they are Chinese-built to AKG's design, which explains the low price. It would be interesting to hear comparisons against the 391s, and also against competing Chinese mics like the Avantone CK-1.
No interchangeable caps. Look elsewhere if you need them.
Some specs, lifted from the AKG site:
Perception 170
C 391 B
Sensitivity
12 mV/Pa
10 mV/Pa
S/N
73 dBA
77 dBA
EIN
< 21 dBA
17 dBA
Pad
-20 dB
-10 dB
Bass Filter
None
12 dB/octave @ 75 Hz
Max SPL
135/155 dB SPL @ 0.5% THD
132/142 dB SPL @ 1% THD
Phantom power
48 V, < 2 mA
9 - 52 V, < 2 mA
So, the 391 gives you lower noise, a bass filter, more flexible powering, and interchangeable capsules, while the 170 can handle insane SPLs with lower distortion, and has greater sensitivity.
Title: Re: AKG Perception 170 vs. C391B
Post by: taperj on March 02, 2011, 11:17:05 PM
I really liked my Perception 170's, here's a comparison of them next to Neumann km84i's if interested:
Title: Re: AKG Perception 170 vs. C391B
Post by: rjp on March 03, 2011, 09:25:16 AM
Nobody's seeding the KM84i source. The 170 source had a seeder when I started the torrent, which quickly vanished.
Edit: The seeder for the 170 source reappeared, and I managed to get a full copy. I just listened to "So Weak So Strong," and while I can hear a difference between the KM84i and the 170, it's hard to determine how much of that is due to mic placement and pattern. In any case, the 170s made a very nice pull!