3185X00110 vs 3361H00250-B — Compare
AKG C214 Professional Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Stereo Set vs AKG CS3 BU Conference Base Unit (Old Sku: 3361H00010) B-Stock
The AKG C214 is a stereo pair of large-diaphragm condensers designed for studio recording, live sound, and acoustic instrument capture, while the CS3 BU is a conference system base unit for managing multiple microphones in meeting environments. Choose the C214 if you record music; choose the CS3 BU if you operate corporate conference installations.
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AKG C214 Professional Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Stereo Set
AKG CS3 BU Conference Base Unit (Old Sku: 3361H00010) B-Stock
Specs side by side
| AKG C214 Professional Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Stereo Set | AKG CS3 BU Conference Base Unit (Old Sku: 3361H00010) B-Stock | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $939.00 | $1,277.60 |
| Brand | AKG | AKG |
| Condition | New | Refurbished |
Why choose AKG C214 Professional Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Stereo Set
- ✓ Stereo pair ready to use out of the box for drum overheads, room ambience, or acoustic instruments
- ✓ Compact, portable design (280g each) with integrated suspension and durable all-metal construction
- ✓ Low 13 dB-A self-noise and 156 dB SPL headroom with switchable pad for extended dynamic range
- ✓ Fixed cardioid pattern with 160 Hz low-cut filter ideal for close-miking without proximity coloration
Why choose AKG CS3 BU Conference Base Unit (Old Sku: 3361H00010) B-Stock
- ✓ Purpose-built conference base unit managing up to 60 microphone stations simultaneously
- ✓ Four operating modes (Override, Normal, Free, Request) with selectable NOM limitation for flexible meeting control
- ✓ Integrated RS-232 interface for optional camera control and hybrid meeting scalability
- ✓ Compact 19-inch rack-mount chassis with low power consumption (320W nominal, 13W static draw)
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the CS3 BU for music recording or live performance?
No. The CS3 BU is engineered exclusively for conference systems and meeting environments. It is not designed for music recording or live sound applications.
Is the C214 stereo pair suitable for conference room installations?
The C214 is designed for studio and live sound applications like drum overheads and acoustic instruments. It is not a conference system component and would not integrate with conference base units or microphone station networks.
What is the key difference in frequency response and self-noise between these two products?
The C214 offers a 20–20,000 Hz frequency response with 13 dB-A self-noise, optimized for music and acoustic capture. The CS3 BU is a control unit, not a microphone, so it does not have a published frequency response or self-noise specification.
Which product is portable and field-ready?
The C214 stereo pair is portable, weighing 280g per unit with an included aluminum carrying case, suitable for location recording. The CS3 BU is a stationary 19-inch rack-mount base unit intended for permanent or semi-permanent installation.