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It has a low noise level, a wide frequency response, and, most importantly, a resolution of 24-bits and 192 kilohertz, which gives it the name “Ultra HD” USB microphone. The high definition of this microphone is made possible by a number of amazing statistics. This is pretty much the pinnacle of USB microphone technology, and as we’ll see in a momen.
The Lyra USB condenser mic from AKG is surely supported by the well-known brand name of its manufacturer. AKG is a firm that has been producing high-quality audio equipment since 1947. On paper, it also boasts sufficient numbers to deliver quality to your podcasts, and we assume that it can do the same for your music recordings.
It offers an exceptionally high level of recording quality for its users. There is also an incredible level of adaptability in the form of four different polar patterns that can be selected. These polar patterns do not have the conventional designation of “cardioid,” however; rather, they are referred to as “Wide Stereo,” “Narrow Stereo,” “Front,” and “Front/Back” respectively.
These allow you to change the pattern of the microphone, which determines the area that it focuses on in order to get the best recordings possible. The recording characteristics of the microphone are essentially altered as a result, and these alterations are dependent on the purpose for which the microphone is being used.
The titles of these designs give a pretty good indication of what they look like. Recording instruments in Tight Stereo yields the greatest results, while Front will yield the best results for vocal capture, and Front/Back will yield the best results for the more flexible podcast interview.
AKG Lyra review: Design
The AKG mic was great from the moment we took it out of the box. The design is beautiful, and the mic stand is very well made. When you put the AKG four-capsule mic array in front of a light, you can just barely see it through the cover. The heart-shaped overlaid cardioid design on the screws that hold the mic in place is a nice touch.
We will talk about more details in a moment, but first we want to discuss how things work. The screws and mic stand mentioned above can be taken off to free the mic, and a 38 adapter is included so that the Lyra can be used with “industry-standard” mic stands. It’s pretty easy to take off the screws and stand, making the mic much more stable than when it comes out of the box.
The stand itself is not only nice to look at, but it is also very strong. Overall, the details are cool, but some things could still be changed in a future model. The mic cover that protects the four-capsule mic array feels cheaply made, like it could be punctured or wear down over time. The Lyra also missed the chance to be better by not having an indicator button for the headphone volume or the microphone gain. You can buy this microphone from its official website.
AKG Lyra review: Sound quality
As we said at the beginning of this review, we opened the Lyra, connected it to my MacBook, opened Garageband, and started recording right away. Everyone won’t have the same experience because software and hardware are different. The system requirements for the mic are on the quick start guide, along with a web address where you can find the latest Lyra firmware.
We used the “plug-and-play” feature and didn’t use a pop filter either. Most people shouldn’t do that, but we wanted to see how well the Lyra worked. We were very impressed after a quick 20-minute podcast and review. My voice was clear, and the only thing that needed to be changed was that we clicked my tongue at random times during the episode.
AKG Lyra review: Performance
The Lyra not only makes Ultra HD audio with little compression, but it also has an internal shock mount and a built-in sound diffuser that work together to reduce noise and boost signal levels automatically. This gives it the best performance possible.
With a four-capsule AKG Adaptive Array, you can choose from four different capture modes, each of which is designed for a different recording situation. “Front” mode is best for solo recordings and voiceover work; “Front & Back” mode is best for recording more than one voice.
Which is best for interviews; “Tight Stereo” mode is best for recording near-instrumental tracks; and “Wide Stereo” mode is best for recording choirs, bands, and other unruly tracks.
AKG Lyra review: Software
The AKG Lyra is ready to use right out of the box, so you can use it with any software you want for recording or live streaming. Mine also came with a serial code for Ableton Live 10 Lite, which is an amazing piece of DAW software (used for recording audio and making music) that is good for basic use but not as good as the paid versions of Ableton Live.
AKG Lyra review: Price
At just under $150, the Lyra is a very good value for what it can do. There are USB microphones that cost more and ones that cost less. But AKG has a long history of making microphones, which it brings to the Lyra.
Also unique is the pair of microphones. It lets the Lyra fill the space between USB microphones and hand-held recorders. The built-in audio interface makes Lyra a one-stop shop that has everything you need.
AKG Lyra review: Final words
The AKG Lyra microphone boasts highly respectable specifications, including a broad frequency response, four different capture modes that can be switched between, and overall excellent depth. It does an excellent job of picking up spoken word, and it’s also a very nice mic for recording music on a budget for people who are looking for something more affordable.
FAQs
Is AKG Lyra good for singing?
The AKG Lyra microphone has very respectable specifications, including a broad frequency response, four different capture modes that can be switched between, and great depth in general. It does an excellent job of picking up spoken word, and it’s also a decent mic for recording music on a budget for those looking for something more affordable.
What is the frequency response of AKG Lyra?
It has a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, a maximum SPL of 120dB, it can record at up to 24 bits and 96 kHz, and it has an integrated headphone output and a push-to-mute mic button on the underside. The frequency response is 20Hz to 20kHz. It provides zero-latency monitoring while tracking, and a volume control for the headphones is conveniently located nearby.
Are AKG microphones any good?
Microphones manufactured by AKG are widely regarded as some of the best in the business. AKG is best known for their high-end offerings; however, they produce a wide range of microphones that are suitable for any application and price point.
Is AKG better than Sony?
The AKG N700NC is not as effective at cancelling out ambient noise as the Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones. In addition to having remarkable noise reduction capabilities, the Sony headphones have a construction that is both more robust and more comfortable.
AKG Lyra Ratings