AKG C214 Professional Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Description
AKG C214 Professional Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
The AKG C214 is a precision large-diaphragm condenser built around a robust 1-inch, edge-terminated back-electret capsule that captures every nuance with clean, detailed clarity across the full audible spectrum. Its compact 160 × 55 mm footprint and moderate 280 g weight mount naturally on a boom arm or in the included shock mount, with intuitive front-panel controls for pad and filter engagement. This is a versatile tracking and overdub tool trusted by producers and engineers—delivering professional performance without the premium price tag of flagship alternatives.
Recording Clarity & Dynamic Headroom
The C214 maintains an 81 dB-A signal-to-noise ratio and 13 dB-A equivalent noise level, ensuring your recordings stay clean even when tracking quieter vocal takes or sparse acoustic sources. With selectable –20 dB pad and switchable 160 Hz bass-cut filter, you gain immediate on-the-fly control over proximity effects and transient-heavy sources during session—maximum SPL reaches 136 dB unpaded or 156 dB padded, providing 123 dB or 143 dB dynamic range respectively for anything from intimate vocals to close-miked drums or guitars.
Studio-Grade Construction
Manufactured in Vienna, Austria, the C214 connects via standard 3-pin XLR and operates across the full 12–52 V phantom power range per IEC 61938. Its all-metal die-cast body with metal grille and gold-plated XLR output ensures transparent signal delivery to any professional preamp or mixer—a dependable choice for consistent session work across multiple studios and setups.
Key Features
- 1-inch edge-terminated, back-electret capsule design
- Fixed cardioid polar pattern
- Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 20 mV/Pa
- Maximum SPL: 136 dB (0 dB Pad) / 156 dB SPL (–20 dB Pad)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 81 dB-A; Equivalent Noise Level: 13 dB-A
- Switchable –20 dB attenuation pad and 160 Hz high-pass filter (6 dB/octave)
- Phantom power compatible: 12–52 V (IEC 61938)
- All-metal die-cast body with metal grille and gold-plated XLR connector
- Includes H85 shock mount, foam windscreen, and hardshell case
- Dimensions: 160 × 55 mm; Weight: 280 g
The C214 delivers professional studio-grade clarity and reliability at a price point that makes serious recording accessible to home and project studios.
More Information
| Condition | New |
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At a Glance
The C214 is a precision large-diaphragm condenser designed for capturing transparent, low-noise vocal and instrument recordings in home studios and professional sessions. Its edge-terminated back-electret capsule delivers a neutral, detailed tone across the full 20–20,000 Hz spectrum, while the switchable pad and high-pass filter give you immediate control over proximity effects and boomy sources during tracking. With a 13 dB-A equivalent noise floor and all-metal construction, it sits naturally in any mixing chain and handles everything from intimate voice-over work to loud drum and amp miking without compromise.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Home Recording
- ✓ Vocal Recording
- ✓ Instrument Miking
Not the best pick for
- – Extreme High-SPL Environments Without Pad
- – Outdoor Wind-Heavy Applications
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in the box?
The C214 ships with an H85 shock mount, foam windscreen, hardshell carrying case, and the microphone itself. You'll need an XLR cable and phantom-power supply (12–52 V) from your audio interface or mixer.
Can I use this on stage, or is it studio-only?
The C214 is built for both studio and live performance. Its all-metal die-cast body and maximum SPL of 156 dB with the pad engaged make it tough enough for touring, and the fixed cardioid pattern rejects off-axis noise on stage.
How does the pad and high-pass filter help during recording?
The switchable –20 dB pad lets you record loud sources (drums, guitar amps, kick drums) without clipping, while the 160 Hz high-pass filter removes rumble, proximity bass, and HVAC noise—keeping your recordings clean without post-processing EQ.
How does the C214 compare to the Shure KSM137 or Audio-Technica AT4040?
All three are professional large-diaphragm condensers with neutral tones and low noise. The C214 competes directly on clarity and build quality while offering the same switchable pad and filter controls—the choice often comes down to proximity coloration preferences and your preamp's input impedance.
Is this a good choice if I'm recording in a quiet room?
Yes. The C214's 13 dB-A equivalent noise level and 81 dB signal-to-noise ratio mean your recordings will stay clean even in intimate, low-SPL environments like bedroom vocals or acoustic guitar sessions.
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