AKG C214 Review
Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
- For Voice, Instruments, Drums & Cabs
- Cardioid Pattern Lowers Stage/Room Noise
- Switchable Pad Prevents Distortion
- Low-Cut Filter Suppresses Bass Buildup
- Shockmount Inhibits Vibration Noise
- Single-Diaphragm Version of C414 Capsule
- Low Noise and High Dynamic Range
- Includes Metal Carrying Case
- XLR Output for Hookup to Mic Preamp
- Operates on 48V Phantom Power
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 26,487 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the AKG C214. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the AKG C214. For example, 92% of 8,066 users who have commented on the Value for money of the AKG C214 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 85 Reviews
Pro sound that won't break your bank!
AKG C214 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by DJ Hellfire on Guitar Center
I find it hard to trust reviews because everyone almost always loves their product. But when it comes to the C214, it deserves 5 stars. Upgrading from the Perception 220, which I wasn't really happy with, there is a night and day difference. This mic is so much more crisp on vocals and hardly needs any EQ. I've found a LPF rolloff and slight boost in the highs is all this really needed for me. If you are on a low to mid budget, this is a great choice. I was finally able to capture that professional sounding vocal that I just could not get with my 220. ... More
Best Mic Ever
AKG C214 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Mike on Guitar Center
AKG has set the bar with this microphone. From the moment I hooked it up I couldnt believe my ears. The mic required hardly no EQing and it sounds great for vocals or accoustic instruments. I havent tried it on drums but I have a feeling it would sound good on those as well. Siblances are no longer a problem with this mic. Plosives are not a problem either. Now I know what they mean when people say "You get what you pay for" I will never purchase another microphone below this price rang. PROFESSIONAL STUDIO SOUND QUALITY!
Not What I expected. - Edited
AKG C214 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by James T. on Reverb
Picked this up because I heard so many good things about it from other people. How the only difference between this and the c414 is that this one has less patterns. 1. It is not the same capsule whatsoever. It's more in line with AKG's other low end mics. 2. The microphone is an extremely thin sounding microphone. It's got harsh highs and I hate the way it sounds on my vocals in a mix. While this is subjective I 'm honestly telling you I just couldn't get a good sound out of it. 3. The noise floor kinda sucks. It's totally usuable but the noise floor is a bit high for a mic that costs around 400 new. 4. There are much better mics out there for the same price and I feel I blew my money. Be sure to demo this mic and listen to not just how you sound through but also how you sound with it in a mix. I'm telling you this microphone mixes like crap. I had a studio project come due and switched back to an old bu trusty Sennheiser dynamic microphone to finish the project. I would not recommend this particular AKG. I'd suggest so many other fantastic microphones out there for the same price. If I had to pick something I liked about the mic its that it is a very detailed sounding microphone that does a great job of conveying articulation. I think I'll keep it just for pod casts or youtube videos but not for serious vocal productions. *Edit** After hooking it up to an outboard dedicated mic pre its like the MIC woke up and it sounded way better. I still didn't like it for singing vocals but I was surprised by how much smoother it became. While this doesn't need a lot of gain it does need a good quality pre other than the one built into your audio interface. Not all pres are created equal. Potentially a good deal for someone looking for an AKG sound on the cheap. Updated to 3 stars because all though it does sound much better on a different pre the mic is still not what a lot of the reviews or marketing says it is. ... More
Didn't live up to the hype
AKG C214 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Alexander Pollitt on Guitar Center
I bought one of these mics on the recommendation of the sales assistant and having read a lot of positive reviews. My first impression using the mic was that it gave a really lush warm sound to vocals. It has the usual proximity effect so I recorded the vocals at a safe distance of 12-18". At this distance the mic was still overly emphasizing silences which was a bit of a concern. The real problems started when I tried to mix the vocals in to the rest of the track. I had to do some heavy EQing to get the vocals to sit in the mix without sounding too muddy. And then if I tried adding any kind of effects, even the subtlest of reverbs for example, then the vocal ended up muddy again. Overall then, despite many people raving about this mic, for me it was not a winner. I auditioned a couple of other mics and eventually settled on the TLM102. It's not pretty, but it is fairly accurate, requires little EQ to make it sound natural, sits well in the mix, and happily lets me add effects without losing clarity. Your mileage may vary. ... More
Exactly as advertised.
AKG C214 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Joshua W. on Reverb
One can hardly tell the difference between microphones based on the rose-colored advertising manufacturers use. The verbiage isn't all that different between an MXL capsule and the AKG C214. (details below) However, the quality is significantly different. This mic has a lower noise floor (not quite as low as the 414), flat frequency response, good quality build, and a lovely proximity effect as one gets closer - though that can be offset nicely by the 20 db rolloff pad. The signal is REALLY clean -- I don't get any discernable signal noise from the mic. In fact, my Claret (which is a super clean preamp) can drive this close to the top and I still don't hear any signal noise. It does great with male vocals especially, though it can also be used for female vocals with some slight EQ. The max SPL is ridiculous with the 20 db pad, so this sucker can work on drums and other super loud instruments without smashing your condenser plate into the back of the microphone. You will need some room treatment (or a vocal booth solution of some kind) to make this mic most effective because it picks up a lot of detail, including information about the room it's in. The "metal" (it's mostly foam) hard case and spider shock mount are great quality too. Absolutely great quality for mid-level budgets. ... More
Ads
Great Mic at a Great Price
AKG C214 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Vince E on B&H Photo Video
In my project studio I record various acoustic instruments such as guitar, upright bass and violin. I also record vocals and various hand percussion. I have traditionally used small condensers such as Neumann KM 184's and AKG C451-B's but was craving the sound that only a large diaphragm can deliver. I love AKG products especially those built in Vienna. So far have only used the 214 on vocals, acoustic guitar and middle eastern percussion and it more than met my expectations. I love the AKG sound. To me AKG's are not as transparent as Neumann BUT that is what I dig about it..it brings a bit of color and an openness. At the price point..this is a must have mic..you can never go wrong with AKG ... More
Really Great Sounding Mic - I'm very happy with it
AKG C214 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by David Press on Guitar Center
I'm using this mic for home studio recordings, mostly vocals. I've only had the mic for a few days but i find other reviews very helpful so i want to make sure to provide my input and if I let to much time go by I'll never get around to writing one myself. To be honest I'm not an expert on mics. I was simply looking for something as an upgrade to the MXL 990 i've been using and this mic was highly recommended from the guy at GC. I had not done a lot of research but since the GC guys had such strong favoritism of this mic over the others and it doesn't cost that much money i figured it was worth a try. Right away i did a side by side comparison with the MXL 990 and yup definitely worth the extra cost. This mic has a very nice clean rich sound. I like the shock mount design with a quick release twist. Seems like a well put together mic. I'm very happy with it. ... More
Best For Hiphop
AKG C214 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by JOHNATHAN ROSALES on Guitar Center
best mic iv used for hiphop vocals. iv been rapping for some time now. works well with any vocals really. a little studio foam or blankets and you are set for awesome vocals. awesome prrice. even better mic. iv used audio technica 2020, tlm 103, and nta rode mics along with others. the mic is better than them all in my opinion.
Absolutely Fantastic - High Quality Mic for the Price!
AKG C214 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Randy on Guitar Center
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 less techy stuff you have to mess with, the sooner you are laying down clean and clear-sounding tracks. ... More
Nice mic
AKG C214 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by sbsef on Guitar Center
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 well on it's own in the mix. ... More
QUIET MIC WITH CLEAR SOUND
AKG C214 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I PURCHASED THIS MIC AS THE BEST MIC I COULD GET FOR IN-CLOSE RECORDING THE CELLO AND UPRIGHT BASS ON A $500 BUDGET. THE BIGGEST PLUSES ARE THAT IT IS VERY QUIET AND DETAILED--JUST BLOWS AWAY MY AKG C2000B. ALSO, IT DOESN'T OVEREMPHASIZE THE LOW FREQUENCIES OR ADD BOOMINESS WHICH IS EASY FOR A MIC TO DO WHEN RECORDING STRINGS UP-CLOSE. SO FAR ON MY TRACKS: THE BASS SOUNDS TIGHT, FOCUSED AND MEATY WHEN I USE THE BASS ROLL OFF SWITCH. THE CELLO IS DETAILED SOUNDING BUT NOT HARSH AND THE MIC SEEMS TO ADD A CERTAIN WARMTH TO THE UPPER MIDS. THE ONLY CON IF IT REALLY CAN BE CALLED ONE IS THAT THE MIC IS SO SENSITIVE IT IS A CHALLENGE TO NOT HAVE YOUR BREATHING PICKED UP TOO LOUDLY IN THE RECORDING. OVERALL I'M PLEASED. ... More
Worth it!
AKG C214 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Bernardo Garcez on B&H Photo Video
This microphone is very good! I'm not an expert in audio. I'm just starting my career as a voice over artist. I just recorded with it and compared with the last microphone I used (AKG Perception 100). The sound was clearer, cleaner. It has a low cut filter that will help me as sometimes it would be possible to capture some motorcycle or bus going through my street. It weights much less than the Perception 100 and comes with a shock mount (also lighter than the other I had) and a wind screen. I'm very satisfied and shurely recomend this microphone and B&H. The product was shipped exactly how and when they said it would be. ... More
Crystal Clear
AKG C214 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Steve Moser on Guitar Center
I upgraded my studio microphone from a Behringer B1 mic to a AKG-C214. Wow, what a difference. The Behringer is a good mic for around a $100.00. It's not a AKG by any means.!! The AKG-C214 brings out the back of my voice, with a rich, warm sound with no color added. I don't have to add any graphics to it. I just set it flat. It brings out the top and bottom of my voice as well. Very nice Microphone.!! I would recommend it to anyone!!
A thing of beauty!
AKG C214 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Steven on B&H Photo Video
This microphone is a thing of beauty. Solid construction and sleek design. Bought this for voice over work and it compliments my voice very well - it sounds smooth and a little deeper which is what I was looking for. The sales help from B&H was incredible as always. Their recommendation made me consider it in the first place but trying it out sealed the deal. I am very happy with my AKG C214. I highly recommend both it and B&H highly. Ive been shopping at B&H for years and the experience only gets better. Bottom line? This is a great mic. ... More
In the AKG c414 family of microphones!
AKG C214 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by David R. on Reverb
The AKG C214 is an amazing large condenser microphone for the money, especially used. It is solid, though you will want to handle it with care. Keep the wind screen on it. The sound is a bit more forward on the high end, but you can get wonderfully full and resonant vocals from the close-up effect. Highly recommended! As I was recording with it the first time, I asked myself, "What's that turning sound?" It was my desktop computer's fan on the other side of the room, and it's a pretty quiet fan! The C314 adds different pickup patterns (omni, figure 8 and cardioid), while the famous C414 has that awesome sound bells and whistles. ... More
Not my favorite
AKG C214 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by LDY on B&H Photo Video
I use this unit for a home studio. I must say, that compared to my other microphones (MXL 4000, MXL 2006 and others) this microphone sounded muted and / or muffled. Maybe I just got a bad one, but even EQ'd this unit did not sound good(at least to my ears, and 2 other musicians who helped me conduct the side by side comparisons). If this mic has the same cartridge as the C414 (which cost way more than any mic I currently own) then I will never consider buying it either. I returned the unit and intend on getting the Shure SM7B instead. Again, maybe mine was just a bad unit, so I won't dis the entire line, but there was no top end to this thing. Hope anyone else has better results! ... More
I will always remember this product.
AKG C214 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by qbStudio on Guitar Center
Just like any other mic ... When AKG C214 is solo, its sound has its own nuance - some people like it and others don't like it. But when mixed with music, the sound of AKG C214 is perfect. As a music producer, I am very interested in this. I think AKG has done a lot of research to create such a great product.
Incredibly rich and warm sound capture
AKG C214 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Matthew on B&H Photo Video
Amazing clarity on acoustic instruments and vocals. Recommended by one of the best sound engineers I know. A great addition to any home recording setup, podcast, and live performance situations where richness and full-spectrum sound are needed.
AKG C214
AKG C214 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by John A. on Reverb
I set out to find an affordable used C414, a mic I am very familiar with. I decided to try out this mic at a local music store and it sounded pretty good through headphones. I just finished my first recording with it. Very surprised with the overall quality, microphone housing, attenuation and frequency response actually, seems a little more balanced than the pricy and very bright C414. It's a keeper.
Far better mic than the price you pay!
AKG C214 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Jared H. on Reverb
The AKG C214 is a nice microphone, especially for the price. When I recorded with it, I hardly had to EQ my recording. The quality of the mic is very good. The shock proof mount and wind screen that comes with it also add to the quality of sound the mic produces. This mic also came with a very nice carrying case, which is extremely handy when toting the mic around. Overall, If you are looking for a good quality mic that is fairly easy on the pocket, this is definitely the one!
