AKG Perception P220 to Neumann u87 5 min mod ( p200, p100, p400, p420? )

[CalavoBob]

I just did some vocal listening tests comparing a Perception 200 (that I paralleled a 470pF polystyrene cap onto the suggested location) with a U87i and a U87Ai . The 200 did sound a lot like the U87i but it had a higher output about half way between the U87i and the louder U87Ai. There was about a 1 dB or 2dB hump around 300 Hz from the Perception 200 though, and I didn't quite hear as much extended high end at the top. I did like the smoother low end of the U87i better. This was done with a nylon stocking type pop filter and sung only an inch or 2 away to get some proximity effect. No bench test here. Totally subjective.

 

[micolas]

I just did some vocal listening tests comparing a Perception 200 (that I paralleled a 470pF polystyrene cap onto the suggested location) with a U87i and a U87Ai . The 200 did sound a lot like the U87i but it had a higher output about half way between the U87i and the louder U87Ai. There was about a 1 dB or 2dB hump around 300 Hz from the Perception 200 though, and I didn't quite hear as much extended high end at the top. I did like the smoother low end of the U87i better. This was done with a nylon stocking type pop filter and sung only an inch or 2 away to get some proximity effect. No bench test here. Totally subjective.

That hump at about 300Hz + was noticed (on some sources it is beneficial, on others the sound becomes boomyy) as well as some lower frequencies more pronounced on the AKG. It's part of his DNA. In addition, the proximity effect manifests itself differently, headbaskets with different shapes and sizes react differently.
I would suggest a test closer to normal usage conditions, for example for voice a microphone distance of 6...10 inches.