recordinghacks

Search Microphones


Share This Page

Related Microphones

CardioidAKG Acoustics C 214

Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The C214 is a large-diaphragm FET condenser microphone conceived as a less-costly, cardioid-only version of the multipattern C 414B.

AKG C214 CutawayThe mic’s capsule is a 1-inch, edge terminated design, but although its superficial appearance is similar to the famous CK12 capsule, the C214’s capsule is a back-electret design. (See the sidebar link to a SOS forum post from Hugh Robjohns confirming the capsule type.)

AKG claims that the mic performs “close to the C 414 B-XLS.”

The mic’s self-noise, at 13dBA, is more than twice as high as the last 2–3 generations of C414 (6dBA). That said, 13dBA is relatively low, and unlikely to cause problems when recording all but the quietest acoustic sources.

As in the current versions of the C 414B, the capsule in the 214 is shockmounted within the headbasket, reducing the transmission of ambient vibrations to the microphone capsule.

The mic has a -20dB pad and a high-pass filter.

AKG C 214 kitThe C214 ships with AKG’s H85 universal shockmount (which fits all mics with shaft diameters from 19 to 26 mm), a foam windscreen (p/n W214), and a hardshell case.

The C214 is also available as a “stereo set,” introduced at Winter NAMM 2009. The kit includes two factory-matched C 214 mics, a pair of shockmounts, a pair of stand mounts, a pair of foam windscreens, and a certificate of authenticity, all packed into a foam-lined suitcase.

The mic was designed and is manufactured by AKG in its facility in Vienna, Austria.

MIX

[T]his mic generally inspires confidence… it sounded great in a majority of situations. Of course, the C 214 isn’t all things in all applications, but it excels for acoustic guitar, guitar amp, hand percussion and around a drum kit.

Resolution, 2008

A quick walk check around both microphones with speech is all that is required to establish that there are substantial sonic differences between the [C214 and C414 XLS] when the 414 was set to a Cardioid pattern.First, the 214 is more obviously “voiced” than the 414. There [is] a very pronounced HF peak that makes it much brighter-sounding… The 414 is less “scooped” sounding and seems to have a much better low-frequency extension…

The AKG Acoustics C 214 is also known as: 214.

The mic was released in 2008.

Specifications

Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare!
C 214 Cardioid Frequency Response Chart
Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Cardioid (20 mV/Pa; 45 - 20,000 Hz)
  • Pad: -20dB (Via Switch)
  • Filter: HPF: -6dB/octave @ 160Hz (Via Switch)
Capsule Dimensions Impedance SPL/Noise
Diameter n/a
200 Ohms (Low) Max SPL: 156 dB
Self-noise: 13.0 dB(A)
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
280g (9.88oz) 160mm (6.30'') 55mm (2.17'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires phantom power
  • Phantom voltage: 12–52v

Did we get anything wrong on this page? Please let us know!