AKG C214 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Built with the same capsule as the legendary C414 microphone in a fixed cardioid pattern, the cost-effective AKG C214 is flattering on vocals and much more.

The AKG C 214 is the baby brother of AKG's legendary C 414 condenser -- a classic microphone prized for its versatility, transparent sound, and high SPL handling capabilities. Utilizing the same one-inch capsule as the C 414 and a fixed cardioid pickup pattern, the C 214 delivers comparable performance at a much more affordable price. Its fixed cardioid pattern is ideal for capturing vocals and instruments in the home studio, thanks to excellent off-axis rejection. With its all-metal die-cast body, you won't have to play nice with this microphone; it is well-suited to withstand the rigors of abrasive studio and live use. Its well-designed circuitry ensures that it is accurate at all frequencies, boasting a transparent and smooth sound with the slightest boost at 15 kHz, allowing it to cut through any mix without being too harsh.

On Stage

The AKG C 214's capsule is capable of handling an incredible 136 dB of sound pressure. The edge-terminated capsule rejects off-axis sound and ensures that the instrument being miked is upfront and detailed. For applications that require a complete attenuation of the low frequencies, the C 214 offers a 150 Hz low cut filter. This filter is ideal when the C 214 is being used for drum overheads, vocals, and ambient stage miking. When the low-cut filter and 20 dB attenuation pad are engaged together, the C 214 can handle a blistering 156 dB SPL, allowing you to easily handle loud sources like drum overheads and close-miked guitar cabinets. read more Though the C 214 is highly sensitive, it will not succumb to RF interference commonly associated with wireless systems, radio channels, and other communications devices. This means you can be confident anytime you put the C214 on stage -- nothing is going to distract this performer.

In The Studio

If you're recording in a less-than-perfect environment, such as the typical home project studio, the C 214's integrated capsule suspension system helps you capture accurate recordings by reducing mechanical noise and resonances. The C 214's capsule has been designed with the input of professional sound engineers who were intimately familiar with the entire C 414 series. The C 214's huge dynamic range makes it ideal for close-miking aggressive vocals or loud sources like guitar amps and horns. Place the C 214 close to a source to take advantage of the cardioid pattern's proximity effect, which boosts lower frequencies at close range. You can also choose to offset this natural occurrence with the C 214's switchable low-cut filter, which rolls off frequencies below 150 Hz. Built using state-of-art manufacturing techniques and high-quality components, the C 214 will stand the test of time in even the most abusive studio situations.

Hear the AKG 214 in action, miking the drum overheads, in this live jam:


Features:

- 1" cardioid capsule
- High maximum SPL handling: 136 dB / 156 dB (with 20 dB pad)
- Solid construction
- Low self-noise
- 20 dB attenuation pad and Low-Cut switch
- Rugged metal grill protects the capsule and blocks RF interference
- Shock mount included
- Metal carrying case included
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.p65Warnings.ca.gov.
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- Polar pattern: Cardioid
- Frequency range: 20 to 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 20 mV/Pa (-34 dBV)
- Max. SPL: 136/156 dB SPL (0/-20 dB) (for 0.5% THD)
- Equivalent noise level: 13 dB-A to IEC 60268-4 (A-weighted)
- Signal/noise ratio (A-weighted): 81 dB
- Preattenuation pad: 0/-20 dB (switchable)
- Bass cut filter slope: 160 Hz, 6 dB/Octave, switchable
- Impedance: <=200 ohms
- Recommended load impedance: >=1000 ohms
- Supply voltage: 12 to 52 V Phantom power to IEC 61938
- Current consumption: < 2 mA
- Dynamic range: 123/143 dB (0/-20 dB) (A-weighted)
- Connector: IEC standard 3-pin XLR
- Finish: matte grayish blue
- Dimensions: 160 x 55 mm (6.3 x 2.2 in.)
- Net weight: 280 g (0.62 lbs.)
- Shipping weight: 1450 g (3.22 lbs.)
- Patent(s): Electrostatic transducer (Patent no. AT 395.225, DE 4.103.784, JP 2.815.488)
Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item
Shipping Weight: 3 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 12 x 9 x 4 in
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): 3185X00010
Stereo Matched Pair
Shipping Weight: 5.25 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 4 in
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): 3185X00110

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 818-920-3212

AKG C-214 Condenser Microphone

The AKG C214 is designed as a cost-effective alternative to the high-end, industry-leading C414 family. AKG's C414 microphones are already a permanent fixture in the world's biggest recording studios and a highly respected work horse for independent artists, broadcasting, and on-stage miking as well. Drawing on the C414's design, the affordable C214 captures sound combining one side of the legendary C414 dual-capsule system and AKG's patented Back-Plate Technology, which results in an outstanding performance similar to the famous C414 B-XLS.

Features:

- AKG's Legendary 1 inch Edge-Terminated Large-Diaphragm Sound
- Outstanding Dynamic Range (up to 156 dB SPL, Ultra-Low Noise)
- Roadworthy Design
- Integrated Suspension to reduce mechanical Noise
- Switchable 20 dB Attenuation Pad and Low Cut Switch
- Rugged double mesh Grill for high RF immunity but unaffected Acoustics
- All-metal Die-cast body with shock- and scratch-resistant Finish
- Spider-type Shock Mount included
- Metal Carrying Case included

Like the C414 models, the C214 is capable of handling the rigors of high-pressure sound such as amplified guitars, with a sensitivity perfect for voice and orchestral instruments as well. Additionally, the microphone offers a 20 dB Attenuation pad, 13 dB noise floor, and a low cut switch--all in an elegant but rugged package. Besides, the C214 will also work on low phantom power voltages from 12 up to 48 volts.

Additional features include an integrated suspension, a double mesh grill high RF immunity without affecting acoustics. The circuitry in the C214 provides maximum SPL capability with minimum noise and the gold-plated XLR-type output connector offers loss-free signals.

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (23 ratings)
Submitted May 21, 2023 by a customer from gmail.com

"Awesome microphone for Taylor Guitars"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
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 read more 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…

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