In the competitive world of podcasting and streaming, having a reliable microphone is crucial. The AKG Lyra USB Microphone, launched in 2019, has emerged as a popular choice among creators for its blend of quality and convenience.
This AKG Lyra USB Microphone review delves into the features, performance, and overall value of this device to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your audio setup.
Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just starting, read on to discover how the AKG Lyra stands out in a crowded market.
In Summary
- 🎛️ The AKG Lyra records at 24-bit/192 kHz, offering high-resolution sound with four versatile capture modes.
- 📲 Its plug-and-play design and intuitive controls make it user-friendly and compatible with multiple devices.
- 🕰️ The vintage-inspired design is both stylish and durable, with versatile mounting options.
- 💵 Priced around $90, it offers excellent value with professional-grade features, making it a top choice for mid-range microphones.
What Is The AKG Lyra USB?
The AKG Lyra USB Microphone upholds AKG’s reputation for high-quality, plug-and-play microphones. Renowned for its Ultra-HD sound, it’s ideal for podcasters, vloggers, streamers, and musicians seeking a versatile, reliable microphone.
With a four-capsule Adaptive Array, users can choose from four capture modes: front, front and back, tight stereo, and wide stereo, making it suitable for solo or group recordings. Since its 2019 release, the AKG Lyra has been celebrated for its clear audio quality and user-friendly design, offering 24-bit/192 kHz conversion for professional-grade sound.
Intuitive controls for gain, mute, and headphone volume make it accessible for both beginners and advanced users. The vintage-inspired design adds classic appeal, and its compatibility with Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android devices ensures immediate recording without additional software.
With zero-latency headphone monitoring and internal shock mounts, the AKG Lyra ensures high-quality recordings free from unwanted noise and vibrations, combining professional-grade performance with ease of use.
How Good Is The AKG Lyra USB Microphone?
Higher-end microphones such as the AKG Lyra can be a significant investment. It’s essential to understand its features to ensure it fits your needs and provides value for your money.
Audio Quality
The AKG Lyra excels in audio quality, recording at 24-bit/192 kHz, ensuring high-resolution sound. It features four capture modes—front, front and back, tight stereo, and wide stereo—offering flexibility for various recording scenarios:
- 🎤 Front: Ideal for solo recordings, focusing on the sound directly in front of the mic.
- ↔️ Front and Back: Perfect for interviews or duets, capturing sound from both the front and rear.
- 🎸 Tight Stereo: Great for instruments or situations needing clear left and right channel separation.
- 🎶 Wide Stereo: Best for capturing ambient sounds and group recordings.
This microphone minimizes unwanted noise from accidental taps and maintains clear audio up to four feet away, making it suitable for both close and distant recordings. However, being a condenser mic, it may pick up background noise in uncontrolled environments.
Ease Of Use
- 🔌 Plug-and-Play Design: The Lyra features a straightforward USB plug-and-play setup, allowing you to start recording immediately without needing additional drivers or software. This compatibility extends to both Mac and Windows computers, as well as iOS and Android devices.
- 🎧 Front Controls: The front of the microphone houses essential controls, including a headphone volume dial and a polar pattern indicator. These intuitive controls ensure that you can adjust your settings quickly and easily during recordings.
- 🎚️ Rear Controls: On the back, you’ll find a polar pattern selection dial and a microphone gain dial. While some users might find the positioning slightly inconvenient, these controls offer extensive customization options, allowing you to tailor your recordings to specific needs.
- 🔇 Mute Button: The convenient mute button on the front allows you to silence the microphone instantly, which is especially useful during live recordings or when unexpected noise occurs.
- 🎙️ Ergonomic Design: The AKG Lyra is ergonomically designed with easy access to all controls, ensuring that the microphone remains user-friendly without feeling cluttered.
Overall, the AKG Lyra’s user-friendly design and intuitive controls make it a great choice for anyone looking to produce high-quality audio with minimal hassle.
Appearance
The AKG Lyra USB Microphone combines a sleek, vintage-inspired design with durable construction, ensuring it stands the test of time.
The microphone features a metal mesh grille and a robust plastic body, giving it a classic look reminiscent of microphones from the 1950s and 60s. This aesthetic appeal is complemented by practical design elements, such as the sturdy base that keeps the microphone stable on any desk.
Despite its plastic components, including the mounting joints and dials, the AKG Lyra is built to be both functional and attractive. The dials, though slightly wobbly, provide a firm click when pressed, ensuring precise control over your recording settings.
One notable aspect of the Lyra’s design is its versatility in mounting options. It comes with a solid base by default, but you can easily remove it to attach the microphone to a different stand or boom arm using the five-eighths-inch threading at the bottom.
This flexibility makes it suitable for various recording setups, from desktop use to more complex studio arrangements.
The combination of vintage charm and modern functionality makes the AKG Lyra not only a reliable tool for audio recording but also an aesthetically pleasing addition to any workspace.
Price
Priced around $90, it is slightly more expensive than some entry-level USB microphones but offers superior performance and build quality that justifies the additional cost.
To help you evaluate the AKG Lyra’s pricing in context, here’s a comparative table with other popular USB microphones:
| Microphone | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| AKG Lyra | ~$90 | 24-bit/192 kHz, 4 capture modes, plug-and-play |
| Blue Yeti | ~$130 | 16-bit/48 kHz, 4 pattern modes, built-in gain control |
| Audio-Technica AT2020 | ~$100 | 16-bit/48 kHz, cardioid pattern, high SPL handling |
| Rode NT-USB | ~$170 | 16-bit/48 kHz, cardioid pattern, pop filter included |
| Samson Meteor Mic | ~$70 | 16-bit/48 kHz, cardioid pattern, compact design |
Compared to its competitors, the AKG Lyra stands out for its high-resolution audio recording and multiple capture modes, making it a versatile option for various recording scenarios.
Its price point positions it as a mid-range option, offering professional-grade features without the premium price tag of some high-end models.
Considering the slight price increase over basic models like the Samson Meteor Mic, the AKG Lyra is a worthy investment for those seeking enhanced audio quality and flexibility in their recordings.
Whether you are upgrading from a basic microphone or purchasing your first professional-grade mic, the AKG Lyra provides excellent value for its cost.
Setup and Installation
Setting up the AKG Lyra USB Microphone is straightforward, thanks to its plug-and-play design. Follow these steps to get started quickly:
- 📦Unbox the Microphone:
- Carefully remove the AKG Lyra from its packaging.
- Ensure all components are included: microphone, USB cable, and user manual.
- ✔️ Connect the Microphone:
- Plug the USB Cable into the microphone’s USB port.
- Connect the Other End of the USB cable to an available USB port on your computer.
- 🔊 Select the Microphone as the Input Device:
- 🪟 On Windows:
- Open the Control Panel and go to Sound settings.
- Click the Recording tab, find the AKG Lyra in the list, and set it as the default device.
- 🍏 On macOS:
- Open System Preferences and select Sound.
- Go to the Input tab, and select the AKG Lyra from the list.
- 🪟 On Windows:
- ⚙️ Adjust Microphone Settings:
- Use the dials on the front of the microphone to adjust the headphone volume and polar pattern.
- On the back of the microphone, adjust the gain dial and select the appropriate polar pattern mode (Front, Front and Back, Tight Stereo, Wide Stereo).
- 💻 Install Any Necessary Software:
- While the AKG Lyra typically requires no additional drivers, ensure your operating system is up to date.
- For advanced recording features, consider installing recording software like Audacity or GarageBand.
- 🛠️ Test the Microphone:
- Open your preferred recording software.
- Conduct a test recording to ensure the microphone is working correctly and the audio levels are appropriate.
- Make any necessary adjustments to the gain and volume settings.
Troubleshooting Tips
- No Sound: Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the microphone and your computer. Check the sound settings to confirm the AKG Lyra is set as the default input device.
- Low Volume: Adjust the gain dial on the back of the microphone. Ensure the recording software’s input levels are correctly set.
- Background Noise: Use the correct polar pattern mode to minimize unwanted noise. Consider using a pop filter or positioning the microphone away from noise sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the AKG Lyra USB Microphone have any built-in effects or processing features?
No, the AKG Lyra USB Microphone does not have built-in effects or processing features. It focuses on delivering high-quality, unprocessed audio, which allows users to apply their effects and processing using their preferred recording software.
This approach ensures that the raw audio quality remains high and versatile for different post-production needs
How does the AKG Lyra USB Microphone handle plosive sounds?
The AKG Lyra is designed to minimize plosive sounds through its internal shock mounts and pop filter capabilities. However, for optimal results, it is recommended to use an external pop filter. This helps to further reduce the impact of plosive sounds like “P” and “B” during recordings, ensuring cleaner audio.
Can the AKG Lyra USB Microphone be used with a mobile device for recording on the go?
Yes, the AKG Lyra USB Microphone is compatible with iOS and Android devices, making it suitable for mobile recording.
Users can connect the microphone to their mobile device using the appropriate USB adapter (USB-C or Lightning), allowing for high-quality audio recording on the go. This feature is particularly beneficial for vloggers and mobile podcasters.
Final Thoughts
While there are a few notable downsides, including background noise sometimes being a problem along with the traditional design which may not suit everyone’s tastes, the positives still far outweigh any of the negatives and make this condenser mic more than worth its price tag.
One of the biggest reasons the AKG Lyra is presented in such a positive light by many reviewers is because, unlike other USB mics, it doesn’t alienate anyone from trying it with just how easy it is to use.
No matter if you’re more of an experienced podcaster, or a beginner just getting to grips with podcasts, the Lyra is accessible to anyone and definitely, has a microphone that’s more than worth it if you have the funds to spend.
