I saw this microphone in use on a recording of Pentangle in Germany from around 1969-70. Aside from the colour scheme on the version used for Jacqui’s vocals, the shape of the mic is pretty unique, so I had to find out more.
Dual Transducer design
These are indeed unusual microphones. They have two separate pickups inside them, one for the high frequencies and one for low, coupled together via a crossover at 500Hz. The rear of the low frequency capsule is vented via a tube down the centre of the microphone into a set of grilles at the bottom.
The body of the microphone is a “special plastic compound”, apart from the bottom section where the air vents and XLR connector are, which is metal. The whole thing feels solid and nicely balanced.
It has a built-it high pass filter (bass cut) giving 0, 7 or 20dB cut at 50Hz. For vocals this is extremely handy. There’s also a humbucker coil, which reduces noise from stray electromagnetic fields.
The microphone was originally sold for recording work in TV, film and broadcast. As well as voice, it was recommended for picking up percussion in front of loudspeakers, or electronic musical instruments.
What does it sound like?
This, obviously is quite subjective. However one of the benefits of the design is that it has very little proximity effect, and so makes vocals sound very natural. Indeed, a later version of the design, the D222, was used in the Houses of Parliament to pick up debates.
Now that we own one, you can find out how it sounds for yourself by hiring it or using it at an event where we’re doing the sound and light. Please get in touch!
Tech spec, reviews and forums
- Official AKG data sheets: https://www.akg.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-masterCatalog_Harman/default/dwd6689f82/pdfs/D202.pdf
- Review from Home & Studio Recording, 1984: https://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/akg-d202e1-and-d224e-microphones/4057
- Detailed article about D202 & D222: https://coutant.org/akgd202/
RCM Audio 