AKG C 214

The AKG C214 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone that comes with a respected price tag. The Polar pattern is cardioid and the frequency range is 20 to 20,000 Hz. It has a standard 3 pin XLR input/cable, it does require phantom power due to the fact it’s a condenser. The AKG C214 was a major upgrade for myself and other artist that use this microphone in my personal studio. It has completely stepped up the recording quality for us. I have been using this microphone now since March of 2010 and will continue to use it to this day as one of the main microphones in my set up. It has a low cut filter (160 Hz, 6dB) and that is switchable.


OVERALL OPINION

The AKG C214 comes with a wind screen, suspension mount, and carrying case. The microphone is made out of solid materials and has a nice feel and weight to it. It seems to be well built and though I have never dropped it or anything close to that, I don’t think a drop or fall could hurt it any or even dent the double mesh grill. This microphone sounds great on vocals, brass instruments and some string instruments including guitars running through amps.

You can use the AKG C214 as a live microphone or a studio microphone. I have heard in a live club and it sounded amazing. But we only use it to record with. The AKG C214 is a well rounded do it all type of microphone that any studio owner must invest in. It will never hurt to have a microphone on hand that can take anything that you throw at it. The sound quality is amazing and it is a very affordable microphone, I am actually still thinking about buying another one when I see one on eBay for cheap then I can get rid of one of the MXL microphones and replace it with the AKG C214. I wouldn’t mind having a studio full of these microphones!

Capsule: One Inch Large Diaphragm Condenser
Sensitivity: 20 mV/Pa (-34 dBV)
Frequency Range: 20 to 20,000 Hz
Equivalent noise level: 13 dB-A (IEC 60268-4)
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Max. SPL: 136 / 156 dB SPL (0 / 20 dB Pad)
Dynamic range: 123 / 143 dB-A (0 / 20 dB Pad)
Low Cut Filter: 160 Hz, 6 dB/Octave, switchable
Attenuation Pad: 20 dB, switchable
Phantom Power: 12 to 52 V (IEC 61938)
Patents: AT 395.225, DE 4.103.784, JP 2.815.488
Dimensions: 160 x 55 mm (6.3 x 2.2 in.)
Net / Shipping Weight: 280 / 1450 g (0.62 / 3.22 lbs)
Included Accessories: H 85 Shock Mount, W 214 Windscreen, Metal Carrying Case

OVERALL OPINION

I still remember buying my first 214. I believe it was my second AKG mic I ever bought, and at this time this was a pretty big purchase. Pretty funny considering these days I consider this to be a budget mic for people who can't afford a 414. Let me say up front I have since owned, used, and destroyed a few 414s. And i'm sure a lot of you reading this review want to know is the 214 sounds as good. To be honest, I don't think it's a fair comparison to begin with. But if you want the truth, I think they are scary close. Some people claim the 214 is in fact better, and i don't really agree or disagree with that. They are simply different. The 414 in any high pressure situation will beat the 214 senseless. But for some reason I tend to use my old 214 more? I think the 214 has a bit more of a natural sound overall, which in my opinion makes it a better vocal mic, unless of course you are dealing with the voice of Zeus or something.

For instruments, the 214 works alright. I have used it for piano overhead and in rare instances as a drum overhead. It does well for those applications. For anything guitar I much prefer the 414. Sorry to burst some guy's bubble. But realistically, I think this mic is a seriously nice value. Anyone starting a home studio should probably get this mic as one of their first purchases. It's that good.

As far as reliability, I can tell you I still have my original 214 I bought years ago, and it works fine. I've probably dropped it a few times and spilled a few things on it. For what it's worth I dropped a 414 a couple years back and it fell apart basically. Not working anymore. Go figure? The 214 gets my recommendation.

The AKG C 214 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone that is designed for use in the recording studio.  I wouldn't recommend bringing it out for live shows or anything like that as this is pretty much strictly a studio microphone.  The C 214 has a cardioid pick up pattern and also has a -20 db pad and a bass roll off switch as well.

OVERALL OPINION

I've only used the AKG C 214 a few times at a friend's home studio, but definitely got a good impression of the microphone in those times that I used it.  I did only use it for recording some vocal parts and was generally pretty pleased with what came out as I could hear a good amount of detail and clarity.  This definitely isn't one of my favorite microphones out there but is quite good for the price as it won't cost you too much at all.  It is definitely a microphone that is catered toward home studio owners and I would suggest that professional look elsewhere as I don't believe it is up to snuff for professionals.  However, those home studio owners looking for a very good sounding microphone at a budget price for a mic like this, I would definitely suggest the AKG C 214.  It is kind of at a strange in between price but I would say that this is in our favor as consumers because while it isn't all that cheap, you are getting a very well built microphone without having to shell out an exurbanite amount of money on a single microphone.  Like I said earlier, this isn't the best microphone out there by a long shot, but it definitely will get the job done for homes studio owners looking for a very good microphone at a reasonable price.

Large membrane micro (1 ") condenser (bottom of C414 XLS).
Cardioid directivity only - attnuateur - 20 dB low pass filter 160 Hz
Comes with a foam windscreen and suspension, all in a briefcase.

Most: quality of manufacturing: it's not fake, it is supposed that the frquence cutoff low pass filter seems a bit high.

The least: no curve rponse individual micro economy requires. If you want to quibble there an error in the manual position as prconisent hypercardioid for making low-cons.

Well, I am convinced that it has just redesigned the hull of the C414 to accommodate only a single membrane instead of two. Copy / paste the circuits (the Espree I) and the doc a few marquetting and voila.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a few hours of voice, singing and percussions. Even with a rotten pramp all (ie that of my sound card), the acoustic guitar sounds full and round without being dull and flat. deadly! It was not a net but its a river. As against what I was afraid it just in April. The hump he can become acute in the voice of teachers or at least does not facilitate the placement of the microphone. That said it's because dtail lgre correction is more than enough, and the School for t at all analogue treatment before recording does not scare me.
If not for percussion (Oudou) is good.

This mic is sensitive and fairly neutral trs (despite its non-linear curve rponse). We do not feel like talking in a cardboard box like some rodes. I had used for a long time electrets small membrane (rode, shure) and dynamic microphones of all kinds. But I'm the one notch above. I could compare the average membrane ending for octava.

Well I wanted a C414 for a long time because of all the costs and the thing I could have, I felt a more broader and broader. This is what I have and I am very happy. In addition, there appears be used on many sources. I would tell you when I have the brass in the ear or when I test the guitar amp. Oh yes I did a little test of percu clapping: gnial. Good for this kind of sound I do not know if it is really Fidler trs but the rendering is good.

I could not take the big ERRF because I need a prampli (Focusrite green or solo 110). Well I will give more prcission when all this will be final and when I have more exprience with this mic.

If you need a microphone for voice only, I do not know if this is the best choice. on the other hand for some while having a good trs pte go to work!
For home studio: Watch out your acoustic treatment (trs mic sensitivity)?