Rode M5 and AKG P170 have been among the finest pencil microphones that are largely being used all around the world for recording quality sound.
If you are unsure between Rode M5 and AKG P170, two of the most common handheld microphones at almost the same price, then I made it easy for you with this review of the Rode M5 vs AKG P170 microphone.
Here is a detailed comparison review of the two best options if you’re looking to buy one of them.
Rode M5 Microphone Review
Rode M5 Microphone is a compact pencil microphone that comes at a very reasonable price for the features that it has to offer for the user. I found the sounding to be very clear from Rode M5 in a studio as well as on the stage. This is a very much suitable microphone for drum overheads, and it’s also good for recording high-hats.
- Small-diaphragm Matched Pair Cardioid Condenser Microphones
- English (Publication Language)
Features of Rode M5
This condenser mic from Rode has a cardioid polar pattern, with a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz. It is a good microphone that can record any theatre audio, studio music and it’s also best for recording in the home too.
Having a beautiful matte black metal body construction from Rode, this mic has transformerless circuitry for low noise operation. As a small diaphragm condenser mic, you can record acoustic instruments, choirs, drum overheads, etc.
The body of M5 is in beautiful design, and it has WS5 windshields and RM5 stand mounts that help to ensure good and high-quality sounds.
Technical Specifications of Rode M5 Microphone
| Microphone | Rode M5 Microphone |
| Type | Condenser Microphone |
| Acoustic Principle | Pressure Gradient |
| Active Electronics | JFET impedance converter with bipolar output buffer |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid (Unidirectional) |
| Frequency Range | 20Hz to 20kHz |
| Output Impedance | 200 ohms |
| Equivalent Noise | 19 dBA SPL |
| Maximum Output Level | +13.5 dBu |
| Sensitivity | -34 dB re 1V/Pa |
| Dynamic Range | 121 dB SPL |
| Maximum SPL | 140 dB SPL |
| Signal to noise Ratio | 75 dBA SPL |
| Power Requirement | 24V or 48V phantom power |
| Output Connection | 3 pin XLR |
| Weight | 80 g |
| Buy On | Amazon |
Pros and Cons of Rode M5 Microphone
AKG P170 Microphone Review
The AKG P170 is another pencil mic as a small-diaphragm condenser microphone having a great quality performance and reliability. AKG P170 works really well with everything from drum overheads to recording acoustic instruments, etc. This is also a reasonably priced microphone that is offering a quality recording of audio and music.
- Rugged all-metal body and robust design withstands tough day-to-day use
- Switchable attenuation pad for high SPL applications up to 155 dB SPL
- Heavy-duty, roadworthy, all-metal construction
- Country of Origin: China
Features of AKG P170
Having a cardioid polar pattern, this mic has a 20dB pad that helps to record incredibly clear sound with accurate capturing. You get distortion-free recording with its 20db switchable pad. It has a frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz. This mic can handle a good sound pressure level at 155db. It has a lightweight 0.5″ gold-sputtered diaphragm.
This is also a metal body mic with durable construction, and it’s very good for the rejection of RF interference. This mic is built to resist any high temperatures and weather conditions like humidity making it a very strong and usable mic under any conditions. It has a good rugged body and sturdy front grille that protects it from the rigors of day-to-day use.
Technical Specifications of AKG P170 Microphone
| Microphone | AKG P170 Microphone |
| Type | Condenser |
| Mono/Stereo | Mono |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid (Unidirectional) |
| Diaphragm Size | 0.5″ (12.7mm) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz to 20kHz |
| Max SPL | 135dB (155dB w/Pad) |
| Output Impedance | 200 ohms |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 75dB |
| Self Noise | 19dB |
| Sensitivity | 15 mV/Pa |
| Pads | -20 dB |
| Connector | XLR |
| Weight | 130 g |
| Buy On | Amazon |
Pros and Cons of AKG P170 Microphone
Rode M5 vs AKG P170
As I have mentioned everything about both of these mics, now it’s time for a comparison between their output and performance.
The Rode M5 is a more versatile option in terms of power as it can work with either +24V or +48V phantom power, whereas the AKG P170 cannot.
Both of these pencil mics are cardioid and capture sound signals from the front direction and eliminate any signals from the sides and from the back. This makes both of them equally good options for musical recordings as they are very well resistant to environmental noise.
Rode M5 has a good maximum SPL handling of 140 dB, and this makes it a good mic for handling most instruments and vocals.
On the other hand, AKG P170 has a maximum SPL of 135 dB, but it has the advantage of a –20dB switchable pre-attenuation pad that helps it to handle sounds as loud as 155 dB. Hence, it makes it a better option as compared to Rode M5 when you need to handle a very loud vocal or instrument.
Both the Rode M5 and AKG P170 have almost the same sound quality because they have a similar frequency response range and low self-noise levels. These mics can work very well to capture lows, mids, and highs with accuracy.
Talking about the sensitivity, I found that Rode M5 does have a slightly higher sensitivity as compared to AKG P170, but this also means that it is more prone to noise and another sound. AKG P170 has a lower sensitivity than Rode M5, but the performance is still very good, so both of these mics have their own features, but both of them are very good options to consider.
Conclusion
This was a detailed review of the comparison between the Rode M5 mic vs AKG P170 mic. I shared all the info related to both of these mics, including their polar patterns, frequency response, and their sound quality. Considering their design and built quality, both of these pencil microphones are a great option to choose from as they don’t have much of a difference.
If you want my personal opinion then I will suggest you go with Rode M5 Microphone being a more standard option in terms of versatility. Anyway, both the microphones are very close enough similar. You won’t regret getting anyone for you. Do let me know which one you are going to pick.
I hope this review is helpful for you in order to remove your confusion between selecting anyone of these so that you can decide which mic you would actually prefer after reviewing this info. If you liked this microphone review, please leave a response in the section below. Until then, check out my other articles:
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