Crown PCC170 - Professional Boundary Layer Microphone
Discover the AKG PCC170 surface microphone, a compact supercardioid model using PCC technology to deliver exceptional clarity and high gain before feedback, ideal for conferences and stage performances.
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Visual discretion, sonic power.
In the world of institutional and theatrical sound reinforcement, the challenge is always the same: how to capture a voice perfectly without obstructing the view with a large microphone stand? The answer is the AKG PCC170 .
Inheriting legendary Crown technology, this surface microphone isn't just small. It uses the surface it's placed on to naturally amplify the signal. Unlike standard surface microphones that pick up all the noise in the room, the PCC170 is a supercardioid . This means it's extremely directional: it hears what's in front of it and rejects ambient noise and feedback like a champ.
It is the secret weapon for conference rooms, theatre stages and places of worship that demand perfect intelligibility without aesthetic compromise.
Why is the PCC170 an industry standard?
Technologie PCC (Phase Coherent Cardioid) : En plaçant le diaphragme minuscule très près de la surface, le micro élimine les annulations de phase. Le résultat ? Une voix pleine, naturelle et présente.
Le roi du Gain : Grâce à sa directivité supercardioïde serrée, il offre un gain avant Larsen impressionnant. Vous pouvez monter le volume plus haut qu'avec un micro omnidirectionnel.
Filtre "Bass Tilt" : Un interrupteur intégré permet d'ajuster les basses fréquences. Idéal pour éliminer le "boom" d'une table qui résonne ou pour éclaircir une voix grave.
Format Miniature : Il est si petit qu'il disparaît presque visuellement sur une table de conférence ou un pupitre.
Comparison: PCC170 vs Other Surface Microphones
How can you tell if the PCC170 is the right choice compared to other surface microphones?
| Characteristic | AKG PCC170 | Shure MX393/S | AKG PCC160 |
| Directivity | Supercardioid (Very tight) | Supercardioid | Supercardioid (Wider) |
| Ideal Use | Lecterns, Conference tables, Altars | Generic meeting rooms | Theater Scenes (Floor) |
| Technology | Phase Coherent (PCC) | Surface Capacitor | Phase Coherent (PCC) |
| Size | Very compact / Discreet | Standard low profile | Larger, sturdier for the feet |
| Sound | Claire, optimized for voice | Neutral | Warm, broad spectrum |
| Our opinion | The best for static spoken voice. | Reliable corporate standard. | The go-to resource for tap dancing/theatre. |
Technical Specifications
Type : Microphone à condensateur (Technologie PCC)
Directivité : Supercardioïde
Réponse en fréquence : 50 Hz à 20 000 Hz
Sensibilité : 22 mV/Pa (-33 dBV)
Impedance: 150 Ohms
Niveau de pression max (SPL) : 120 dB
Rapport Signal/Bruit : 72 dB
Interrupteur : Bass Tilt (Flat / Low Cut / High Boost selon config)
Connecteur : XLR (via câble inclus ou connecteur Switchcraft selon version)
Alimentation : Fantôme 12V à 48V requise
Dimensions: 8.6 x 12.1 x 2.1 cm
Poids : 170 g
📦 In the box:
1x Microphone AKG PCC170
1x Câble de raccordement (4.6m) vers XLR
1x Housse de protection
FAQ - Most frequently asked questions on the web
PCC stands for Phase Coherent Cardioid . It's a patented technology (originally by Crown) that perfectly aligns the diaphragm with the recording surface. This prevents direct sound and sound reflected by the table from canceling each other out, guaranteeing a purer and louder sound (+6dB free thanks to physics!).
2- What is the difference between the PCC170 and the famous PCC160?
The PCC160 is larger, built like a tank, and designed to be placed on the floor on theater stages (you can almost walk on it). The PCC170 is smaller, more elegant, and designed to be placed on tables, lecterns, or altars.
3. Do I need phantom power?
Yes. The PCC170 is an active condenser microphone. It requires phantom power (12V to 48V) from your mixing console.
4- How far should I stand from the microphone?
That's the beauty of the PCC170: it has excellent long-range reception. It's designed to comfortably pick up a person sitting or standing at a distance of 30 to 90 cm, while rejecting ambient noise.
5- Is this a good microphone for recording music?
Although it is designed for spoken voice, many engineers use it creatively inside a grand piano (glued to the soundboard) or to capture the ambiance of a room (Room Mic).
Visual discretion, sonic power.
In the world of institutional and theatrical sound reinforcement, the challenge is always the same: how to capture a voice perfectly without obstructing the view with a large microphone stand? The answer is the AKG PCC170 .
Inheriting legendary Crown technology, this surface microphone isn't just small. It uses the surface it's placed on to naturally amplify the signal. Unlike standard surface microphones that pick up all the noise in the room, the PCC170 is a supercardioid . This means it's extremely directional: it hears what's in front of it and rejects ambient noise and feedback like a champ.
It is the secret weapon for conference rooms, theatre stages and places of worship that demand perfect intelligibility without aesthetic compromise.
Why is the PCC170 an industry standard?
Technologie PCC (Phase Coherent Cardioid) : En plaçant le diaphragme minuscule très près de la surface, le micro élimine les annulations de phase. Le résultat ? Une voix pleine, naturelle et présente.
Le roi du Gain : Grâce à sa directivité supercardioïde serrée, il offre un gain avant Larsen impressionnant. Vous pouvez monter le volume plus haut qu'avec un micro omnidirectionnel.
Filtre "Bass Tilt" : Un interrupteur intégré permet d'ajuster les basses fréquences. Idéal pour éliminer le "boom" d'une table qui résonne ou pour éclaircir une voix grave.
Format Miniature : Il est si petit qu'il disparaît presque visuellement sur une table de conférence ou un pupitre.
Comparison: PCC170 vs Other Surface Microphones
How can you tell if the PCC170 is the right choice compared to other surface microphones?
| Characteristic | AKG PCC170 | Shure MX393/S | AKG PCC160 |
| Directivity | Supercardioid (Very tight) | Supercardioid | Supercardioid (Wider) |
| Ideal Use | Lecterns, Conference tables, Altars | Generic meeting rooms | Theater Scenes (Floor) |
| Technology | Phase Coherent (PCC) | Surface Capacitor | Phase Coherent (PCC) |
| Size | Very compact / Discreet | Standard low profile | Larger, sturdier for the feet |
| Sound | Claire, optimized for voice | Neutral | Warm, broad spectrum |
| Our opinion | The best for static spoken voice. | Reliable corporate standard. | The go-to resource for tap dancing/theatre. |
Technical Specifications
Type : Microphone à condensateur (Technologie PCC)
Directivité : Supercardioïde
Réponse en fréquence : 50 Hz à 20 000 Hz
Sensibilité : 22 mV/Pa (-33 dBV)
Impedance: 150 Ohms
Niveau de pression max (SPL) : 120 dB
Rapport Signal/Bruit : 72 dB
Interrupteur : Bass Tilt (Flat / Low Cut / High Boost selon config)
Connecteur : XLR (via câble inclus ou connecteur Switchcraft selon version)
Alimentation : Fantôme 12V à 48V requise
Dimensions: 8.6 x 12.1 x 2.1 cm
Poids : 170 g
📦 In the box:
1x Microphone AKG PCC170
1x Câble de raccordement (4.6m) vers XLR
1x Housse de protection
FAQ - Most frequently asked questions on the web
PCC stands for Phase Coherent Cardioid . It's a patented technology (originally by Crown) that perfectly aligns the diaphragm with the recording surface. This prevents direct sound and sound reflected by the table from canceling each other out, guaranteeing a purer and louder sound (+6dB free thanks to physics!).
2- What is the difference between the PCC170 and the famous PCC160?
The PCC160 is larger, built like a tank, and designed to be placed on the floor on theater stages (you can almost walk on it). The PCC170 is smaller, more elegant, and designed to be placed on tables, lecterns, or altars.
3. Do I need phantom power?
Yes. The PCC170 is an active condenser microphone. It requires phantom power (12V to 48V) from your mixing console.
4- How far should I stand from the microphone?
That's the beauty of the PCC170: it has excellent long-range reception. It's designed to comfortably pick up a person sitting or standing at a distance of 30 to 90 cm, while rejecting ambient noise.
5- Is this a good microphone for recording music?
Although it is designed for spoken voice, many engineers use it creatively inside a grand piano (glued to the soundboard) or to capture the ambiance of a room (Room Mic).