4
PERCEPTION 820 TUBE
2 Description
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Packing List
2.3 Optional Accessories
2.4 Microphone
2.5 Remote Control Unit
Thank you for purchasing an AKG product. This Manual contains important instructions for
setting up and operating your equipment. Please take a few minutes to
read the instruc-
tions below carefully before operating the equipment.
Please keep the Manual for fu-
ture reference. Have fun and impress your audience!
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PERCEPTION 820 TUBE
microphone
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Remote Control Unit
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Audio/control cable
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Spider-type shock mount
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US type power cord
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UK type power cord
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European type power cord
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Check that the packaging contains all of the items listed above. Should any of these
items be missing, please contact your AKG dealer.
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For optional accessories, refer to the current AKG catalog or folder, or visit www.akg.com.
Your dealer will be glad to help.
The PERCEPTION 820 TUBE is a high quality, true condenser microphone with a 1-inch dual
large-diaphragm transducer.
What sets it apart from other condenser microphones is that it uses a vacuum-tube pream-
plifier. Unlike conventional solid-state electronics, a tube preamplifier adds even-order har-
monics to the signal. Although these are low in level, they create a rich, warm,
three-dimensional sound. This characteristic in conjunction with the typical response of the
large-diaphragm transducer will give your recordings a degree of warmth and “musicality”
that is difficult to achieve with solid-state microphones.
The microphone incorporates a carefully selected ECC 83 tube. If the tube needs replacing,
you may alternatively use a 12AX7 tube. This type is similar to the ECC 83.
Other features
of the PERCEPTION 820 TUBE include:
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Selectable polar patterns:
The microphone’s transducer uses a dual diaphragm. This
sophisticated technology allows you to select the optimum polar pattern (cardioid, om-
nidirectional, figure eight, and six intermediate patterns) for every application.
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Gold-sputtered diaphragm:
The diaphragm is made of a plastic foil that is gold-sput-
tered on one side only to prevent shorting to the back electrode even at extremely high
sound pressure levels.
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All-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.
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High headroom:
Capable of handling sound pressure levels up to 155 dB and built to
resist high temperatures and humidity, the microphone will give excellent results in a wide
range of applications.
The Remote Control Unit delivered with your microphone
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provides the filament and plate voltages for the vacuum tube,
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supplies the polarization voltage for the transducer,
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lets you select one of nine different polar patterns,
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provides a 20-dB preattenuation pad, and
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allows you to switch in a bass cut filter.