Working with world-renowned artists like Jay-Z, Beyonce, and The Roots, GRAMMY winning producer/engineer Jason Goldstein has developed an ear for what works when it comes to recording techniques. Whether he’s tracking lead vocals, instrumentals, or even overhead drumming, Goldstein has been turning to one microphone that he knows will bring him a smooth, rich, accurate sound: AKG’s Perception 820 Tube.
Goldstein learned his craft from some of the most widely respected producers and engineers in the recording industry, including George Massenburg, Mike Schipley, Rick Ruben and more. Working with high-profile producers and GRAMMY winning musicians, Goldstein learned that having the right equipment for the right recording scenario could make the difference between a good and a great track, which is why he recently began using AKG’s Perception 820 Tube for his studio recordings.
“I just started using the Perception 820 Tube about a month ago, and it’s
already starting to make a difference,� Goldstein said. “I’ve used it to record lead vocals for Bilal, and the first thing that jumped out at me was the control we had as a result of the many features that come standard on the mic. With switchable bass cut filters, nine different polar patterns, a ground lift switch, and more, we were able to get the exact sound that we needed for every track.�
The vintage tube sound that the Perception 820 Tube delivers is a result of the dual one-inch large diaphragm capsule and the ECC 83 dual-triode circuitry that emphasises even-order harmonics throughout. The switchable bass cut filter perfectly tailors frequency response for close micing, and the 20 dB attenuation pad can be used in high SPL applications, allowing up to 155 dB SPL. The nine polar patterns – which are switchable on the brush finished, anodized aluminium remote control unit – are changeable from omni to figure 8, and each microphone comes standard with a spider suspension shock-mount.
“When we first got this microphone, we ran it side by side with some tube microphones that were four or five times the cost, and the Perception 820 Tube held its own,� continued Goldstein. “This is already one of the better all-around microphones that I could find, but when you look at the affordable price, nothing else compares.�
