At Prolight + Sound, AKG announced the most recent addition to the Perception Series of microphones with the introduction of the highly anticipated Perception 820 Tube. AKG’s industry–leading Perception Series of condenser microphones are recognized for their outstanding quality and versatile capabilities at an affordable price.

The Perception 820 Tube proudly joins the Perception Series family, which includes the P 120, P 170, P 220 and P 420. Each microphone features a 20 dB attenuation pad and a low cut filter for an extensive range of microphone capabilities, including vocals, brass instruments, electric guitar amps and overhead miking.

"The AKG Perception 820 Tube microphone brings not only warmth and outstanding sound quality as a new flagship, but it also raises the bar in its class of affordable tube microphones," comments Thomas Stubics, Product Marketing Manager for Recording and Broadcast at AKG. "In contrast to many other affordable tube microphones, the Perception 820 Tube delivers real tube sound quality. The anticipation for the release of this product was very high, and we are extremely happy to release the Perception 820 Tube at Messe," Stubics adds.

The Perception 820 Tube’s features are endless. The dual one-inch True Condenser Large Diaphragm capsule delivers a clear and accurate signal that is perfect for lead vocals, brass instruments, overhead miking and many other applications. The ECC 83 dual-triode tube circuitry and the output transformer emphasize even-order harmonics for rich, smooth and three-dimensional sound. The elegant remote control unit allows selection of 9 different pickup patterns from omni-directional to cardioid to figure eight. In addition, it also controls the switchable second-order bass-cut filter and the switchable attenuation pad. Moreover, a ground lift switch prevents unwanted hum if necessary. The brush-finished, anodized aluminum front plate and the all-metal housing unit ensure maximum shielding against radio frequency interference.

Designed and engineered in Vienna, Austria, the entire Perception line offers AKG’s signature sound quality captured in a rugged precision-tooled zinc/aluminum alloy body with a dent-resistant, stainless steel grille screen.

The Perception 820 Tube comes complete with a robust metal carrying case, a classy spider-type shock mount, a microphone cable and the versatile remote control unit.

Perception 820 will ship in the UK in May 2009.