AKG C214 Review
AKG C214 Intro
The AKG C214 is a large-diaphragm microphone with a cardioid pickup pattern. Its affordable price makes it a popular choice for people on a budget who want a quality solution for recording vocals. The mic’s low-cut filters also make it a great option for miking instruments and other sound sources that aren’t too loud.
While it’s often used for vocals, the AKG C214 is also well-suited for recording acoustic guitars. It has received plenty of positive reviews for its dynamic range, reliability, versatility, and stylish design. For a large-diaphragm condenser microphone, the AKG C214 boasts an impressively high maximum SPL of 156dB. This means it can handle loud acoustic guitar strumming and even works well with guitar amps.
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AKG C214 Details
The C214 is designed, engineered, and assembled in Vienna, Austria. As promised, it lives up to AKG’s high quality standards. The package includes a shock mount, a case, and the microphone itself. We were impressed by the shock mount—it has a simple design and feels nearly indestructible. The microphone features a nice finish and is made from an all-metal die-cast material.
The switches are solid and can be easily moved with your fingernail. There’s no “in-between” position—once you change the switch, you know exactly what setting you’re on. The edge-terminated capsule is mounted on an integrated suspension, which is enough to protect it from minor bumps and in acoustic environments.
The C214 uses a 1-inch edge-terminated large-diaphragm capsule, delivering a detailed and up-front sound. It can handle an impressive 143dB dynamic range, accurately capturing even fast transients. The integrated capsule suspension reduces resonance, further enhancing accuracy.
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AKG C214 Switches
The AKG C214 features a very well-defined and smooth cardioid polar pattern. Its response is extremely linear, providing excellent coverage for anything facing the mic. These qualities make it easy for your vocal talent to work comfortably. They can move around in front of the mic without worrying about ruining the recording while staying in the creative zone.
The C214 has very low self-noise, just 13dB, along with a large headroom. The microphone operates with phantom power sources ranging from 12 to 52V.
Switching on the microphone’s 160Hz bass roll-off filter helps remove unwanted low-frequency rumble caused by floor vibrations, handling noise, or other sources. It does this without noticeably affecting the sound of recorded voices or instruments. Using this filter also helps minimize the proximity effect that can happen when close-miking sources.
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AKG C214 Usage
It all comes down to its truly impressive performance. Vocals sound incredibly smooth and warm, whether you’re recording female or male voices. In fact, among large diaphragm microphones in this price range, it’s one of the most transparent options available. The AKG C214 stands out for its exceptional definition, clarity, and detail.
This mic is especially useful when you want to capture the true character of an acoustic instrument—including drums and other high SPL sources. You can record virtually any acoustic instrument you desire without worrying about poor results. The AKG C214 is so popular that it doesn’t take long to understand why once you start using it. It’s a professional piece of gear!
It excels in studio recordings, live performances, and even broadcasting. It’s a favorite among people with larger budgets too, since it’s such an affordable option for so many applications.
Built to last, the high-quality construction means this mic can handle life on the road without any problems. It’s also durable enough for everyday use, making it a great choice for any professional recording studio.
Musicians with home studios will love this microphone. It’s reliable and built to last. The C214 actually sounds very similar to the C414, but we prefer the C214 for recording electric guitar because it has a punchier sound. If you’re on a budget and want to invest in a versatile studio microphone, the C214 is an excellent choice.
