AKG Lyra USB Microphone Review: Superior Soun

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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:

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.

Podcasting Equipment AKG Lyra vs Blue Yeti Comparison

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:

1. Unbox the Microphone:
   • Carefully remove the AKG Lyra from its packaging.
   • Ensure all components are included: microphone, USB cable, and user manual.
2. 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.
3. Select the Microphone as the Input Device:
   • Your browser does not support the audio element.