AKG C214 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

I don't have much experience with studio-level condensor mics, I'm probably easily impressed. But this is certainly better than anything I've ever used before and I'm delighted with it. I used it recently in some studio recordings for vocals and bongos (+ cowbell) and stubbornly resisted the studio's invitation to use their massively more expensive posh mics, in favour of my new AKG C214 as my primary mic.In the studio, the AKG C214 went toe-for-toe against a top quality studio condensor room mic and 2 top quality dynamic studio mics, and they all sounded great (each slightly different).The low cut filter rolling off from 160Hz at 6 dB/Octave seems to be primarily intended for proximity effect bass inhibition (unlike the 414 there are no other deeper low cut ... MoreI don't have much experience with studio-level condensor mics, I'm probably easily impressed. But this is certainly better than anything I've ever used before and I'm delighted with it. I used it recently in some studio recordings for vocals and bongos (+ cowbell) and stubbornly resisted the studio's invitation to use their massively more expensive posh mics, in favour of my new AKG C214 as my primary mic.In the studio, the AKG C214 went toe-for-toe against a top quality studio condensor room mic and 2 top quality dynamic studio mics, and they all sounded great (each slightly different).The low cut filter rolling off from 160Hz at 6 dB/Octave seems to be primarily intended for proximity effect bass inhibition (unlike the 414 there are no other deeper low cut options).I love the sturdy AKG C214 carry case!Additionally (this is not necessarily a recommendation), I've been combining it with a Kaotica Fatboy, which just fits over the top (only) of the AKG C214 shock cage. This leaves a distinct displacement of the diaphragm downwards from the correct centre of the Kaotica Fatboy, which has the side-effect of creating a slight bass proximity type effect, even with vocals some distance away. At first I was concerned about this, but now I've grown to like it; I've embraced it as a unique sound style.I was initially astonished at the sensitivity of the AKG C214 to the slightest background sounds. When I used the C214 with a FocusRite Scarlett 4i4, with the Kaotica Fatboy on, I found myself putting the front input gain knob well below "12 O'Clock" even for background vocals.

Absolutely Fantastic - High Quality Mic for the Price!

Put it this way: You wouldn't want to spend less on a microphone. As with all gear, you get what you pay for, and in the case of the extremely versatile AKG C214, you get more than that. I've had other comparably-priced mics with strange design quirks that complicate the ability to use the equipment. I am very happy that I can plug right into my pre-amp or directly into my multi-track recorder (which has built-in phantom power) without having to use some supplemental equipment. The mic is super-light and works great on the normal mic-stands with the arm- without being too top-heavy. These are qualities that allow quick and easy set-up/tear down, which is precisely what I want for my in-home studio. It's practically as quick and easy as setting up a Shure SM57. The ... MorePut it this way: You wouldn't want to spend less on a microphone. As with all gear, you get what you pay for, and in the case of the extremely versatile AKG C214, you get more than that. I've had other comparably-priced mics with strange design quirks that complicate the ability to use the equipment. I am very happy that I can plug right into my pre-amp or directly into my multi-track recorder (which has built-in phantom power) without having to use some supplemental equipment. The mic is super-light and works great on the normal mic-stands with the arm- without being too top-heavy. These are qualities that allow quick and easy set-up/tear down, which is precisely what I want for my in-home studio. It's practically as quick and easy as setting up a Shure SM57. The less techy stuff you have to mess with, the sooner you are laying down clean and clear-sounding tracks.

Awesome microphone for Taylor Guitars

Overall:I was shopping around for a few months looking for a single mic that I could use to record my guitar while I would sing into a another mic. (SM7B)… I was going back and forth between a SM-81, a WA-14 or a AKG c214… many said to get the SM-81 but I would need a stereo pair of mics on my guitar to get the full body sound… yeah that’s too many mic stands for me in my home studio… so it came down to a Warm Audio 14 or the AKGc214… after weeks of reading reviews, and watching online YouTube videos of these two microphones I ended up going with the AKG for the simple fact that the WA-14 was a more noisy microphone, it’s off axis rejection was not that great and it does not come with a case, while the AKG does better in all those categories, and also comes with a ... MoreOverall:I was shopping around for a few months looking for a single mic that I could use to record my guitar while I would sing into a another mic. (SM7B)… I was going back and forth between a SM-81, a WA-14 or a AKG c214… many said to get the SM-81 but I would need a stereo pair of mics on my guitar to get the full body sound… yeah that’s too many mic stands for me in my home studio… so it came down to a Warm Audio 14 or the AKGc214… after weeks of reading reviews, and watching online YouTube videos of these two microphones I ended up going with the AKG for the simple fact that the WA-14 was a more noisy microphone, it’s off axis rejection was not that great and it does not come with a case, while the AKG does better in all those categories, and also comes with a very nice carry case…For reference, I am using a Taylor 114CE and the AKG c214 sweet spot target area for its best sound on this guitar is 3 inches forward of the sound hole, and about 2 1/2 inches under from where the neck meets the body of the guitar at about a 5 inch distance with the mic turned slightly towards the bridge. (Hope that was not confusing, it’s easier to show in a photo then to describe) With this position all that’s needed is just a little bit of compression and a room reverb with some light EQ on the effects and your golden, you will have nice lows and good highs with a slight scoop in the mids. Another thing I liked about this microphone is that it is very honest, if you use guitars made out of different kinds of materials, you were distinctly hear a difference between them with this microphone. This microphone also does pretty well with voice acting if you are looking for a mic that provides a nice crispiness top end to a voice. The only downside that I can find is not necessarily a downside, but it does lack features that some other mics have such as multiple selectable polar patterns… to be honest this should not be a dealbreaker because when using a condenser microphone 8 out of 10 times most people use a cardioid polar pattern anyways…

Best mic I’ve ever used

I bought this years ago and to this day, it has been the greatest microphone I’ve ever used. Without mentioning specifics about other brands, I also own a $6,000 microphone. I find myself using the AKG 214 far more for the following reasons:It is bright, but not brittleIt has depth and clarity without being too glassyIt has a beautiful roll offVocals sound crisp without sounding brittleMid range is perfect - not too muddy, but still enough to have presence.Best item I’ve ever bought in my life. A true standout. All recording studios tend to have this in their cabinet. It’s a no brainer.

Nice mic

This is a really nice mic for my singing voice, your experience may be different. Has great mid/low clarity and a little high end sizzle. According to the AKG website this mic has "performance close to the famous C414 XLII." So I take that to mean that the endgame for this mic is to be like the cardioid pattern of the XLII (though I don't own one, just drawing the conclusion), not like the XLS which is supposed to be just slightly darker sounding. Straight into my 2i4 this mic is very quiet and clean. Through my ART MP/C preamp with an aftermarket tube it is still a quiet floor, but it adds a really nice character and stands out wellon it's own in the mix.

Review of AKG C214 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Mic

This mic is exactly as I had hoped for and as you can hear on the video, sounds perfectly matched to my voice! With other mic's I struggle with Sibilance (S's when singing) but this mic is clear and 'sibilance free' for me!

Rich beautiful sound!

Overall:I bought the microphone roughly about a year ago. I thought the Blue Spark SL sounded great. But this? This microphone brings out the best tone from my vocals. The perfect amount of Shine on the high end with a nice smooth balance on the mids and lows. Literally struggling to find a reason to buy another microphone even if better options may exist. My Favorite microphone overall. Have and will recommend over and over again to others.

The Mic. For the job

We are just playing back the recording we made of the B.S.O. as a “Virtual Orchestra” in the Pit. In an appraisal of the C214 a reviewer said “How often do you use your AKG C414 in other than Cardioid? Good question and the answer is “rarely” So why pay double the price when the same Large Capacitor comes in the C214? ‘Nuff said! True we had more than two C214’s in the Session - more like 50 - 60 a real mix of large Condensers and small. Even snuck in a pair of Schoeps for the Clarts.! And a number of Neumanns. But the C214’s are in a class of their own - with a full rich sound. Thank you!

This is my favorite mic!

At first, I resisted due to the price. Then after I got it, it took some getting used to (almost gave up on it!). But now, I don't know what I did before I got it! Getting so many compliments, clarity, tonality, professional sound!

great for the studio

Bought this to upgrade my home studio vocals. It definitley did both on vocals and acoustic guitar. Its the only microphone I need. Im selling my SMB7 that was more money. This is an incredible microphone! AKG has a hit here.