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AKG’s C series has some of the best performing mics, while C214 and C414 are on top of the list. You need to pick C214 if you’re looking to upgrade from your entry-level equipment. The C214 ensures you get the best sound quality output when recording solo instruments or lead vocals. It also comes with a robust construction that will allow your mic to take some toll over time. There are very few controls to focus on your creativity and sound quality but at the expense of versatility. Preview Product Rating AKG Pro Audio C214 Professional Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone, Grey Check Latest Price Sound Quality C214 has a market reputation for delivering the best performance when it comes to technicalities. It comes with a 1-inch large-diaphragm that does a fine job of delivering exceptional sound quality. With only a limited set of features, this microphone certainly performs very well in terms of recording different sound sources and handling them at different frequencies. Whether you have a loud sound source or a minimal one, there are a few sound details that will slip by this microphone. It can take care of any ambient noise as well because it has a cardioid polar pattern. So, you can hit the spot if you properly place and position the mic in front of the sound source. Dynamic rage and self-noise handling C214 can conveniently handle outstanding dynamic range and can capture transient depths. It also features a merged suspension to make sure it can handle any mechanical noise or resonance very well. This mic doesn’t retain any self-noise either. Essentially, it is completely ready to take on any audio that you might have. It also allows you to make any adjustments you might want to make to your output. Switchable attenuation It comes with a switchable pad for attenuation along with a low-cut filter. Therefore, this microphone is going to work pretty well for atmospheres and fields with high sounds. You will notice this microphone is pretty sensitive and can conveniently record even the slightest of details. It means this microphone is a top choice if you want to record from a very loud sound source. The mic pairs well with brass, drum overheads, amplifiers, and guitars. As this microphone is pretty flexible in its output, it can easily handle sounds from different sources with a dynamic range that tops out at 143 dB. Handling mechanical noises Mechanical noises can influence the overall output significantly. But the suspension capsule curbs these noises as distortions significantly to provide you with exceptional sound clarity. And this is the reason this mic has been so popular among the masses. The mic can render an extraordinary sound clarity and with the roll-off filter, you can conveniently get rid of any rumbling in the output as well. The sound clarity is going to be as clean as possible and the mic will keep it punchy without sacrificing much on accuracy. These are some top features that every musician seeks. Versatile sound The frequency response this mic can handle ranges from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. And the response curve is flat between 60 Hz and 1 kHz. Therefore, you will get a solid bottom end. But there is a dip right between 1 kHz and 2500 Hz to prevent louder sounds from shirring and the frequency rises again. Therefore, this mic can handle different sound sources and is a truly versatile workhorse. Build Quality You will see this mic has a very sturdy construction and there is plenty of protection present within the mic as well. The elegant looks of this microphone can easily adorn any stage or studio space. And still, you won't have to break your bank balance to get it. Large-diaphragm This mic features a large-diaphragm with careful engineering. You will find more versatile better-sounding mics but this mic at this price range certainly does a pretty fine job. If you are looking to capture that true sound quality, you can rely on your C214 and its large diaphragm. This diaphragm comes with patented technology of edge terminated backplate. This capsule features an electrical lead that is linked to the diaphragm’s edge. As the metallic diaphragm touched the capsule’s edge, its outer circumference of the plate had to be of non-conductive material instead of brass. It superbly enhances the overall performance of the capsule and ensures it captures sounds at a wider range. This is the feature that makes this microphone one of the best in terms of performance despite being limited in features. Looks and versatility The mic provides you with a layout that will surely turn some heads around and of course, it is backed up by good performance too. The full metal body construction of this mic makes it extremely robust. The design can easily grace any stage or studio space. The mic is a top choice for any gigs as well because of its road-ready design thanks to the damaged resistive grille. The finish this mic comes with is completely scratch resistant. The XLR of this microphone comes with a gold coating that significantly optimizes its sound. And inside its flat structure, the microphone doesn’t waste any space at all. The shock mount of this sound has a low mount and provides you with incredible flexibility. The company has used high-quality metal in the construction of this mic. The metal grille of this mic is very sturdy and it is pretty tough to get scratched or dented. You will notice this mic can certainly take a few bangs as well. And it's the durability of this microphone has won the hearts of many with its superior sound handling. It also comes with a very sturdy base to conveniently mount it on its stand. It is a pretty heavy microphone best suited to work on its mount. And even with all its durability, you won’t have to pay much either. Designed by the best in the industry AKG microphones have always been one of the top performers of the market. The designers make sure they deliver top-quality performance and are durable as well. Due to these features, these microphones are the best selling products on the market. This mic comes with shock and scratch-resistant properties. The flashy mesh grill not only makes the mic stand out but is also very resilient. The one-inch diaphragm of this mic can handle diverse sounds. These are all the ingredients for a design recipe of a perfect microphone in every regard. Controls When it comes to controls, there is not much to discuss as it comes with a very simple design to handle solar instruments and lead vocals. But these controls do allow you to use this mic for all recording purposes. The company itself recommends using this microphone for recording any sound source. This microphone comes with a low self-noise capacity and has a high-volume capacity. It means this mic comes with an inbuilt feature to handle a wide dynamic range, but for instruments, I recommend the Shure SM81. Quality attenuation This microphone is pretty versatile due to the controls it has on it. With its 20 dB attenuator, this mic can keep the noise down for instance on-stage performance where background noise is high. With his features, you can focus on the solo sound source and bring out the best sound quality. This mic also boasts a bass roll-off switch as well that can eradicate any of those low-rage rumbles. In most cases, any on-stage noises or component resonance can be managed with its fighter in action. With this filter, your sound output can be attenuated up to 160 Hz. And it also allows you to place your mic closer to the sound source. Setting it up with your computer As it is an XLR mic, you will have to plug it into your mixer digital recorder or preamp if you want to use it with your computer. You will just have to plug your XLR cable into your mic and plug the cable’s other end to a preamp. Now, take the USB cable from your preamp and connect it with your computer. However, you need to keep this in mind, the mic rims on phantom power and you must have your preamp running on that before you start using your mic. Polar Patterns The C214 is a cardioid microphone that oceans with a flat frequency rate. It means it can roll off the low end pretty well. And when you have its low-pass filter on, the mic will provide you a natural response. And all the credit goes to its attenuation that the mic uses very gently. The microphone comes with a high-gain of frequency at 15 kHz. It means the voice can slice right into the mix and produces a livelier sound. But based on your personal preferences, the enhancement this microphone can produce may or may not be up to your standards. The smooth and fine-tuned cardioid polar pattern of this microphone has a linear response but it still gets coverage on the mic. These characteristics make it extremely easy to choose this mic for voice recording even if you have to move around a lot but right in front of the mic. You won't have to spoil your recording session with its high-quality sound rendition. With a polar pattern, you can conveniently record any types of instruments and vocals using this microphone. And for this reason, this mic has been creating some vines for such a long time. Acoustic master Thanks to its cardioid patterns, this mic is good in its overall performance. But it does a fine job with its low-cut filters and handling acoustic instruments. But at the same time, it also comes with maximum SPL to tackle louder sound sources. Due to its high sensitivity, the mic at times is slightly difficult to handle but it does great when you are looking to record your sound sources in a studio. Pros and Cons Pros Suitable for recording solo instruments and lead vocals.The dynamic range can handle low frequency as well as high-frequency sounds.Comes with a 20dB attenuator along with a bass-cut filter to reduce proximity effect while close-up recording.Integrated suspensions for reducing any mechanical distortion or resonance.The C214 has roadworthy construction with its all-metal die-cast design.Resistant to scratches and impacts. Cons This microphone is not meanest for handheld use.Only the cardioid pattern is available with this microphone. Conclusion: When we talk about technical design and construction, AKG is far ahead of its competitors. It has safely established the reputation of all its products when it comes to design and engineering. The C414 is the flagship of the company and following its footsteps closely comes in the C214. This mic comes with a large diaphragm and also features a shock mount along with a foam windscreen. The cardioid condenser mic comes at a decent price but if you are looking for an entry-level device, this might be a bit too much. And that is why AKG has equipped this microphone with several other features. It comes with a bass-cut filter along with an attenuator. Furthermore, it features a pop filter and the mic can handle a variety of frequencies pretty well. It can easily work with acoustics and high sound-producing instruments. You can conveniently use it for lead vocals and solo instruments. Preview Product Rating AKG Pro Audio C214 Professional Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone, Grey Check Latest Price