AKG Lyra Ultra-HD USB microphone review
The AKG Lyra Ultra-HD USB microphone is high-quality recording in a variety of applications. It has a four-capsule condenser array that captures sound from all directions. So, you can use it for single voice recording, interviews and even ensemble of musicians or a discussion. It also houses a built-in headphone amplifier so that you can monitor your recordings in real-time. As it is a USB microphone, the AKG Lyra features a high-resolution analog-to-digital converter which offers 24-bit / 192kHz recording quality. Therefore, it can capture audio with a wide dynamic range and low noise. That is why, you don’t need any audio interface with this mic.
It is compatible with both PC and Mac, and can obviously be used all kinds of recording softwares (DAWs). Many people love to use it for podcasting, streaming, voiceovers, and music recording. Most of them recommend this microphone as “value for money”.
Table of contents
Pros of AKG Lyra Ultra-HD USB microphone
Design
One of the main advantages of the AKG Lyra is its four-capsule condenser array design, which allows it to capture sound from all directions and produce a rich, full-bodied sound. It also has a built-in headphone amplifier, which allows you to monitor your recordings in real-time and adjust the gain as needed. The high-resolution converter and 24-bit / 192kHz recording quality also help to produce clear and detailed audio with a wide dynamic range and low noise.
The front of the microphone has a headphone volume knob, the pick-up pattern indicator and the mute button. The rear panel houses the microphone gain knob and pick-up pattern selector knob. You will find the USB connection and mic 3.5 mm jack connector in the bottom section.
Portability
The AKG Lyra comes handy with a desk stand. Although it is not a tripod, but it is quite sturdy. You will also find a USB connector cable (USB – C to USB – A) in the box. Length of the cable is about 2 metres. The small size of this mic with its stand and cable make this very portable and handy for travel. There is no pouch or box with this mic, so you may consider purchasing that separately.
Sound quality
I loved the sound quality of the mic. AKG is a good brand and has kept quality foremost in the construction of this mic. The capsules are robust and sound good in most recording environments
Some users have reported problems with the gain knob. The gain knob on the AKG Lyra Ultra-HD USB microphone can be used to adjust the sensitivity of the microphone. This is useful for optimising the microphone’s performance in different recording environments or for recording different types of sources.
The microphone will be more sensitive when the gain is set to a higher level. It will be able to pick up softer sounds more easily. However, this can also result in increased background noise or hiss if the recording environment is not ideal. On the other hand, the microphone will be less sensitive if the gain is set to a lower level. Therefore, it may not pick up softer sounds as easily, but it may also produce a cleaner signal with less background noise. Thus, it is important to experiment with the gain knob and find the optimal setting for your specific recording situation.
Build quality
The body, stand and grill – all are made of plastic. This has helped AKG to lower the cost of this mic. The knobs too are made of plastic and might seem to be a bit wobbly for your liking. But apart from that I could not find any serious flaw with the design.
Negative points of AKG Lyra USB microphone
Some users have reported that the AKG Lyra can be sensitive to background noise. It may require a quiet recording environment to produce the best results. Some people have also mentioned that the microphone may not be ideal for recording sources that are very close or very loud. It may produce distorted audio in these situations.
Video review (curated)
Review score
Specifications
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Transfer Protocol | USB 2.0 |
| Transducer | 4 proprietary, permanently polarised back plate, condenser capsules |
| Capture Modes | Selectable; Front, Front & Back, Tight Stereo and Wide Stereo |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Bit Depth / Sample Rate | 24-bit / 192 kHz |
| Maximum SPL | 129 dB SPL (0.5% THD) |
| Power Requirement / Consumption | 5V USB / 75 mA |
| Headphone Impedance | 16 ohms |
| Headphone Power Output (RMS) | 43 mW |
| Headphone THD | < 0.009 % |
| Headphone Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 22kHz |
| Headphone S/N Ratio | 98.0 dB |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 152.50 mm (6 in.) x 107.90 mm (4.23 in.) x 247.5 mm (9.72 in.) |
Conclusion
The AKG Lyra Ultra-HD USB microphone has received generally positive reviews from users and experts. Many people have praised its build quality, ease of use, and high-quality audio recording capabilities. Some people have also appreciated its compact size and versatility. Indeed, it can be used for a variety of applications such as podcasting, streaming, voiceovers, and music recording.
