You’ve invested time and money into perfecting your musical craft, and now it’s time to show off your talent with the AKG Pro Audio C214 Professional Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone in Grey. This microphone delivers a sonic character that captures every nuance of your vocals or solo instruments with stunning detail. With its outstanding dynamic range and ultralow noise, you can confidently record even the highest-output sources, reaching up to 156dB SPL. And with the convenience of a switchable 20dB attenuator and bass-cut filter, you can easily adapt to any close-up recording situation. Plus, the integrated suspension effectively reduces mechanical noise and vibration, allowing your performances to shine on stage. With the AKG Pro Audio C214, your recordings will sound as professional as your talent deserves.
Why Consider This Product?
If you’re looking for a professional-grade microphone that delivers stunningly detailed recordings, the AKG Pro Audio C214 is definitely worth considering. With its sonic character inspired by the highly acclaimed C414 Xlii model, this microphone captures the true essence of lead vocals and solo instruments, bringing out their subtle nuances and rich tones.
One of the standout features of the AKG Pro Audio C214 is its outstanding dynamic range and ultralow noise. It excels at capturing high-output sources of up to 156dB SPL, ensuring that even the most powerful performances are faithfully reproduced without any distortion or unwanted artifacts. This microphone is particularly well-suited for close-up recording, thanks to its switchable 20dB attenuator and bass-cut filter. These features allow you to reduce proximity effect and capture crisp, clear recordings up close.
The integrated suspension system of the AKG Pro Audio C214 is another notable feature. It effectively minimizes mechanical noise and vibration from the stage, ensuring that your recordings are clean and pristine. This is especially important in live performance settings where external disturbances can often interfere with signal quality.
Features and Benefits
Sonic Character Inspired by the C414 Xlii
The AKG Pro Audio C214 inherits the sonic character of its acclaimed sibling, the C414 Xlii. This means that it creates beautifully detailed recordings of lead vocals and solo instruments, capturing every subtlety and nuance with precision and clarity.
Outstanding Dynamic Range and Ultralow Noise
With its wide dynamic range and ultralow noise floor, the AKG Pro Audio C214 is perfect for capturing high-output sources without distortion or unwanted artifacts. Whether you’re recording a powerful singer belting out their best or a loud instrument, this microphone ensures that their performance is faithfully reproduced without compromise.
Switchable 20dB Attenuator and Bass-Cut Filter
The switchable 20dB attenuator allows you to handle even the loudest sound sources, giving you the flexibility to capture performances with varying levels of intensity. Additionally, the bass-cut filter helps reduce proximity effect, allowing for clear recordings even when the microphone is placed close to the source.
Integrated Suspension for Reduced Mechanical Noise and Vibration
The AKG Pro Audio C214 features an integrated suspension system that effectively reduces mechanical noise and vibration from the stage. This ensures that your recordings are clean and free from unwanted disturbances, allowing the true essence of your performance to shine through.
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Product Quality
AKG, a renowned brand in the audio industry, is known for delivering high-quality products that meet the demanding standards of professionals. The AKG Pro Audio C214 is no exception. It boasts exceptional build quality, ensuring durability and reliability even in the most rigorous recording environments. The microphone is also designed to deliver consistent performance, allowing you to rely on its capabilities for years to come.
What It’s Used For
Capturing Lead Vocals
With its exceptional sonic character and detailed recording capabilities, the AKG Pro Audio C214 is the perfect tool for capturing lead vocals. Whether you’re recording a studio album or a live performance, this microphone ensures that every vocal nuance is captured with breathtaking clarity.
Recording Solo Instruments
The versatility of the AKG Pro Audio C214 extends beyond vocals. It is equally adept at capturing the complexity and nuances of solo instruments. Whether you’re recording a powerful guitar solo, a delicate piano melody, or any other instrument, this microphone faithfully reproduces the unique characteristics of each performance.
Close-Up Recording
Thanks to its switchable 20dB attenuator and bass-cut filter, the AKG Pro Audio C214 excels at close-up recording. It allows you to place the microphone in close proximity to the source, capturing intimate performances without sacrificing audio quality.
Reduction of Proximity Effect
The bass-cut filter of the AKG Pro Audio C214 not only facilitates close-up recording, but it also helps reduce proximity effect. This effect is the exaggerated bass response that occurs when a microphone is placed very close to the source. By reducing proximity effect, the microphone ensures that recordings remain balanced and natural.
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Product Specifications
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Microphone type | Large diaphragm condenser |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Sensitivity | 20mV/Pa |
| Equivalent noise | 13dB-A |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 81dB |
| Maximum SPL | 156dB SPL (with 20dB attenuator engaged) |
| Output connector | XLR 3-pin |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 160mm x 55mm x 43mm |
| Weight | 280g |
Who Needs This
The AKG Pro Audio C214 is aimed at musicians, producers, and audio engineers who require a high-quality microphone for recording lead vocals, solo instruments, or any high-output sound source. It is suitable for both studio recording and live performances, making it a versatile option for professionals in various audio-related fields.
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Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent sonic character inspired by the highly acclaimed C414 Xlii
- Outstanding dynamic range and ultralow noise for pristine recordings
- Switchable attenuator and bass-cut filter for versatile recording options
- Integrated suspension system reduces mechanical noise and vibration
- Exceptional build quality and reliability
Cons
- Might be too expensive for beginners or casual users
- Requires an external audio interface with +48V phantom power
FAQ’s
Q: Is the AKG Pro Audio C214 suitable for recording loud sound sources like drums or electric guitars?
A: Yes, the AKG Pro Audio C214 can handle high-output sound sources of up to 156dB SPL with its switchable 20dB attenuator engaged. It is suitable for recording drums, electric guitars, and other loud instruments.
Q: Does the AKG Pro Audio C214 come with a shock mount or any accessories?
A: Yes, the AKG Pro Audio C214 includes a shock mount and a carrying case for added convenience and protection.
Q: Can I use the AKG Pro Audio C214 with an USB interface?
A: No, the AKG Pro Audio C214 requires an external audio interface with +48V phantom power. It does not have a built-in USB interface.
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What Customers Are Saying
Customers who have purchased the AKG Pro Audio C214 have praised its exceptional sound quality and versatility. Many appreciate how it captures vocals and instruments with stunning clarity and detail, allowing them to achieve professional-grade recordings. The build quality and durability of the microphone have also received positive feedback, with users reporting long-lasting performance even in demanding conditions.
Overall Value
The AKG Pro Audio C214 offers exceptional value for professionals who prioritize audio quality and versatility. With its impressive sonic character, outstanding dynamic range, and low noise floor, this microphone delivers high-quality recordings that truly stand out. While it may be pricier than entry-level options, its durability and reliability make it a sound investment for serious musicians, producers, and audio engineers.
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Tips and Tricks For Best Results
- Experiment with microphone placement to find the sweet spot for capturing the desired sound.
- Engage the switchable 20dB attenuator when recording loud sound sources to prevent distortion.
- Use the bass-cut filter to reduce proximity effect when recording up close.
- Maintain proper isolation and minimize external disturbances to achieve the best recording results.
- Consider investing in a pop filter to reduce plosive sounds during vocal recordings.
Final Thoughts
Product Summary
The AKG Pro Audio C214 Professional Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone in Grey is a highly capable microphone that excels in capturing the sonic character of lead vocals and solo instruments. With its outstanding dynamic range, ultralow noise floor, and versatile features like the switchable attenuator and bass-cut filter, this microphone delivers professional-grade recordings with exceptional clarity and detail. Its integrated suspension system further enhances recording quality by reducing mechanical noise and vibration.
Final Recommendation
If you’re a professional musician, producer, or audio engineer in need of a reliable and premium-grade microphone for capturing vocals, solo instruments, or high-output sound sources, the AKG Pro Audio C214 is an excellent choice. While it may come at a higher price point, its exceptional sound quality, functionality, and build quality make it a worthwhile investment for those who demand the best from their recording equipment.
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About the Author
Michael-B is a Music Producer, Musician, and Formally Trained (and was Certified by the Recording Institute of Detroit in 1986) Recording Engineer. As of 2022, He's built 3 home recording studios go back to 1987, where he wrote, played all the instruments, and recorded his music. Michael B is also a Writer, Chief Editor and SEO of TrackinSolo.com