AKG PERCEPTION 400 User manual

User Instructions
Please read the manual before using the equipment!
PERCEPTION 400
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1 Precaution/Unpacking
1.1 Precaution
Please make sure that the
piece of equipment your microphone
will be connected to fulfills the safety
regulations in force in your country
and is fitted with a ground lead.
1.2 Unpacking
Check that the packaging contains all of
the items listed below:
• Microphone
• Spider suspension
• Carrying case
• Mini poster
Should any item be missing, please con-
tact your AKG dealer.
2 Description
2.1 Introduction
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 instructions
below carefully before operating the
equipment and keep the Manual for
future reference. Have fun and impress
your audience!
The
PERCEPTION 400 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 know-how and feedback from sound
engineers around the world using AKG
studio microphones every day, this gen-
eral-purpose 1-inch large-diaphragm
microphone brings AKG studio quality to
the worlds of recording, live sound, and
broadcasting.
2.2 Features
•Cardioid polar pattern: The micro-
phone is most sensitive to sounds
arriving from in front of it while pick-
ing up much less of sounds arriving
from the sides or rear (from monitor
speakers or neighboring instru-
ments). This makes the microphone
equally suited for recording and
onstage use.
•Gold-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.
•All-metal body: The all-metal body
adds to the rejection of RF interfer-
ence so you can use the microphone
near transmitter stations and along
with wireless microphones or other
2
PERCEPTION 400
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communications equipment. The
extremely rugged, heavy body and
sturdy front grill protect the micro-
phone from damage from tough han-
dling on stage.
•High headroom, minimum distor-
tion: Capable of handling sound
pressure levels up to 135 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.
• Polar pattern selector: Selector 1 on
the microphone front (refer to fig. 1)
sets the microphone polar pattern to
figure eight, cardioid, or omnidirec-
tional.
•Switchable preattenuation pad:
Selector 2 on the microphone rear
(refer to fig. 2) lets you increase the
headroom by 10 dB for distortion-
free close-in recording. The preatten-
3
PERCEPTION 400
Fig. 1: Polar pattern selector (1) on
PERCEPTION 400 front.
1
Fig. 2: Preattenuation (2) and bass cut
(3) switches on PERCEPTION 400 rear.
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3 2

uation pad prevents the micro-
phone's output level, particularly at
low frequencies, from overloading the
miniature transformers used in many
mixer input stages, etc.
•Bass cut filter: Selector 3 on the
microphone rear (refer to fig. 2 on
page 3) further reduces low-end dis-
tortion caused by footfall or wind
noise, etc. The filter also minimizes
the proximity effect that close-in mik-
ing from less than 4 inches causes in
any unidirectional microphone.The
filter rolls off at 12 dB/octave from
300 Hz downward.
2.4 Optional Accessories
•B 18 + A 48V battery supply and
DC/DC converter for 48-V phantom
powering
•PF 80 studio pop screen
•ST 305 floor stand
•W 4000 external windcscreen
3 Interfacing
3.1 General
The microphone uses a true
condenser transducer designed for 48-
volt phantom powering to DIN 45 596/
IEC 268-15. Neither the diaphragm nor
the backplate are permanently polarized,
so the microphone 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: return
4
PERCEPTION 400
2.2
2.3
Mic
Mic
Phantom
Fig. 3: Connecting to a balanced input with (2.2) or without (2.3) phantom power.
1
2
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You can connect the microphone either
to a balanced microphone input with or
without phantom power or an unbal-
anced microphone input.
3.2 Input with Phantom Power
Refer to fig. 2 on page 4.
1. Use an XLR cable to connect the
microphone (1) to a balanced XLR in-
put with phantom power.
2. Switch the phantom power on. (Refer
to the user manual of the unit to which
you connected your microphone.)
3.3 Input with No Phantom Power
Refer to fig. 2 on page 4.
• If your mixer provides no phantom
power, connect an optional AKG
B 18 + A 48V phantom power sup-
ply (2) between the microphone and
the mixer.
Important: Using any power supply
other than those recommended by
AKG may damage your micro-
phone and will void the warranty.
3.4 Unbalanced Input
Refer to fig. 4.
Use a cable with a female XLR connec-
tor and TS jack plug:
1. On the XLR connector, use a wire
bridge to connect pin 1 to pin 3 and
the cable shield.
2. Connect the inside wire of the cable
to pin 2 on the XLR connector and
the tip contact of the jack plug.
5
PERCEPTION 400
Fig. 4: Connecting to an unbalanced input.
Mic Phantom
21
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Note: Unbalanced cables may pick up
interference from stray magnetic
fields near power or lighting cables,
electric motors, etc. like an antenna.
This may introduce hum or similar
noise when you use a cable that is
longer than 16 feet (5 m).
4 Using Your
Microphone
4.1 General Hints
The
PERCEPTION 400 is a general-pur-
pose multipattern microphone for re-
cording, 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.
• Whichever polar pattern you select-
ed, 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.
• When 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
6
PERCEPTION 400
Fig. 5: Microphone front.
1
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optional PF 80 pop screen from AKG
between the microphone and vocal-
ist/instrument.
•Keep 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 cir-
cuits in the polarization voltage.
• If you use the microphone in the
open, use an optional AKG W 4000
windscreen to protect the micro-
phone from moisture and reduce
wind noise.
•High 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 capabili-
ty of handling sound pressure levels to
145 dB.
•Low-frequency noise: To suppress
low-frequency noise such as air con-
ditioning rumble, footfall noise, or
traffic sounds, switch the bass cut fil-
ter in.
4.2 Selecting Polar Patterns
Each of the PERCEPTION 400’s selec-
table polar patterns is virtually frequency
independent so that reflected sound, too
will be reproduced accurately and uncol-
ored.
•Cardioid (center setting): This is a
standard setting for recording and
gives excellent results on all kinds of
voices and a wide range of instru-
ments. Remember to aim the micro-
phone front (see fig. 5 on page 6) at
the sound source.
•Figure eight (left-hand setting): The
microphone will pick up sounds arriv-
ing from the front and rear with equal
sensitivity. Use this mode to mic up
the side signal in M/S stereo record-
ing or to record two sound sources
(talkers, instruments) facing each
other. It is also a good choice for
cymbal overhead miking.
• Omnidirectional (right-hand setting):
This is the preferred setting for "all
around the mic" recording, high qual-
ity ambience (audience sound) mik-
ing, or far-field recording in excep-
tionally good-sounding large or small
recording rooms, etc.
5 Cleaning
To clean the surface of the
microphone body, use a soft
cloth moistened with water.
7
PERCEPTION 400
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8
PERCEPTION 400
No sound.
Distortion.
1. Power to mixer and/or amplifier is off.
2. Channel or master fader on mixer, or
volume control on amplifier is at zero.
3. Microphone is not connected to mixer
or amplifier.
4. Cable connectors are seated loosely.
5. Cable is defective.
6. No supply voltage.
1. Channel gain control on mixer set too
high.
1. Switch power to mixer or amplifier on.
2. Set channel or master fader on mixer
or volume control on amplifier to de-
sired level.
3. Connect microphone to mixer or am-
plifier.
4. Check cable connectors for secure
seat.
5. Check cable and replace if damaged.
6. Switch phantom power on.
Phantom power supply: insert
batteries.
Check cable and replace if necessary.
1. Turn gain control down CCW.
Problem Possible Cause Remedy
6 Troubleshooting
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9
PERCEPTION 400
(Distortion)
Crackling noises or low output.
2. Microphone too close to sound
source.
3. Microphone sensitivity set too high.
• Partial short circuits due to excessive
humidity.
2. Move microphone further away from
sound source.
3. Switch preattenuation pad in.
• Place microphone in warm, dry room
and allow to dry.
Problem Possible Cause Remedy
6 Troubleshooting
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Type: 1-inch dual-diaphragm, true con-
denser pressure-gradient micro-
phone
Polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional,
figure eight
Open-circuit sensitivity
at 1kHz (cardioid): 28 mV/Pa (-31 dBV ±2 dB)
Frequency range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
(see frequency response graphs)
Impedance: ≤200 ohms
Recommended load impedance: ≥1000 ohms
Equivalent noise level
to CCIR 468-2: 26 dB
Equivalent noise level
to IEC 60268-4 (A-weighted): 16 dB-A
Signal/noise ratio
re 1 Pa (A-weighted): 78 dB
Max. SPL for 0.5% THD: 135 / 145 dB SPL (0 / -10 dB)
Preattenuation pad: -10 dB (switchable)
Bass cut filter slope: 12 dB/octave, 300 Hz
Environment: temperature: -10°C to +60°C
R.H.: 80% (+25°C)
Powering: 48 V ±4 V phantom power
to DIN 45 596 / 268-15IEC
Current consumption: ≤2 mA
Connector: 3-pin XLR (pin 2 hot)
Dimensions: 53 dia. x 160 mm high / 2 x 6.3 in.
Net weight: 525 g / 1.2 lbs.
10
PERCEPTION 400
FFCCCCSSttaatteemmeenntt
The device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, includ-
ing interference that may cause undesired operation.
7 Specifications
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Frequency Response (cardioid)
Cardioid Polar Diagram
Frequency Response (omnidirectional)
Omnidirectional Polar Diagram
11
PERCEPTION 400
7 Specifications
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PERCEPTION 400
12
7 Specifications
Frequency Response (figure eight)
Figure Eight Polar Diagram
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PERCEPTION 400 13
English
This product conforms to the standards
listed in the Declaration of Conformity.
To order a free copy of the Declaration of
Conformity, visit http://www.akg.com or
contact [email protected]
Deutsch
Dieses Produkt entspricht den in der
Konformitätserklärung angegebenen
Normen. Sie können die Konformi-
tätserklärung auf http://www.akg.com
oder per E-Mail an [email protected]
anfordern.
Français
Ce produit est conforme aux normes
citées dans la Déclaration de Con-
formité, dont vous pouvez prendre con-
naissance en consultant le site
http://www.akg.com ou en adressant un
e-mail à [email protected].
Italiano
Questo prodotto corrisponde alle norme
elencate nella dichiarazione di confor-
mità, che è disponibile al sito
http://www.akg.com oppure all'indirizzo
email [email protected].
Español
Este aparato corresponde a las normas
citadas en la declaración de conformi-
dad. Esta última está disponible en el
sitio http://www.akg.com o puede ser
solicitada al correo electrónico
[email protected].
Português
Este produto corresponde às normas
citadas na declaração de conformidade,
que pode pedir na nossa página da web
http://www.akg.com, ou enviando-nos
um email para [email protected].
The International Page
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14
PERCEPTION 400
Notizen • Notes • Notes • Note • Notas • Notas
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15
PERCEPTION 400
Notizen • Notes • Notes • Note • Notas • Notas
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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 à mudanças sem aviso prévio.
AKG Acoustics GmbH
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Hotline: [phone], [email protected]
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