AKG C214 Professional Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Stereo Se
Description
AKG C214 Professional Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Stereo Set
The C214 is a workhorse large-diaphragm condenser built with a compact, lightweight frame that sits comfortably on a stand without excessive strain. Its integrated suspension system handles vibration rejection without fuss, and the all-metal die-cast body delivers professional durability across years of studio and live-sound applications. This stereo pair arrives fully accessorized and ready to deploy for drum overheads, room ambience, acoustic instruments, or any application demanding transparent, detailed capture across a 20–20,000 Hz bandwidth.
Design & Build
Each unit weighs 280 g and measures 56 mm × 160 mm, making the pair portable enough to pack into the included aluminum carrying case. The scratch-resistant all-metal construction and double mesh grill provide robust RF immunity and mechanical protection, while the elastic spider suspensions isolate each microphone from stand and vibration noise.
Audio Performance
With a 1-inch dual-diaphragm electret capsule, fixed cardioid pattern, and 13 dB-A self-noise floor, the C214 captures clean signal across a 143 dB dynamic range. The switchable 20 dB attenuation pad extends headroom to 156 dB SPL, and the 160 Hz low-cut filter eliminates rumble and proximity coloration in close-miking scenarios.
Key Features
- 1-inch dual-diaphragm electret condenser capsule with integrated suspension
- Fixed cardioid pickup pattern
- Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz
- Dynamic range: 143 dB
- Self-noise: 13 dB-A; Signal-to-noise ratio: 81 dB-A
- Sensitivity: 20 mV/Pa
- Maximum SPL: 156 dB (with switchable -20 dB attenuation pad)
- Switchable 160 Hz low-cut filter
- 9–52V phantom power operation
- Gold-plated XLR output connectors; 200 Ohm impedance
- Stereo set includes 2 microphones, 2 elastic spider suspensions, 2 SA60 stand adapters, 2 windscreens, and aluminum carrying case
- All-metal die-cast body with double mesh grill for RF immunity
This stereo pair delivers transparent, noise-free capture with enough headroom and filtering flexibility to handle demanding recording and reinforcement environments.
More Information
| Condition | New |
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Reviews
At a Glance
The AKG C214 stereo pair is a compact, rugged large-diaphragm condenser built for studio and live-sound work—drum overheads, room mics, acoustic instruments, and anywhere you need transparent, detailed capture without fuss. Its low self-noise floor (13 dB-A), switchable attenuation pad, and 160 Hz high-pass filter give you professional headroom and clean rejection of rumble and proximity coloration. Ship-ready with suspension mounts, stands, windscreens, and a flight case, this pair sits on any stand without strain and handles years of gigging and recording alike.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Home Recording
- ✓ Drum overheads
- ✓ Acoustic instruments
Not the best pick for
- – Vocals in proximity-heavy applications without proper technique
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What comes in the stereo set?
The set includes two C214 microphones, two elastic spider suspensions, two SA60 stand adapters, two windscreens, and an aluminum carrying case—everything needed to deploy a stereo pair immediately.
Can the C214 handle loud sources without distortion?
Yes. The switchable -20 dB attenuation pad extends maximum SPL to 156 dB, and the fixed cardioid pattern with 160 Hz low-cut filter handles close-miking of drums, amps, and other high-SPL sources while rejecting proximity coloration and rumble.
What is the self-noise level, and does it matter for my recordings?
Self-noise is 13 dB-A with an 81 dB signal-to-noise ratio, making the C214 clean enough for quiet acoustic overdubs, room ambience, and overhead miking without audible noise floor hum or hiss.
Is this microphone suitable for vocals?
The C214 is transparent and detailed, but it is not optimized for proximity-heavy vocal work without proper technique; it excels on drums, acoustic instruments, and room/ambience capture where its neutral, uncolored response and low self-noise shine.
Does the microphone require phantom power, and what else do I need to use it?
Yes, it operates on 9–52V phantom power via gold-plated XLR connectors. Your audio interface or mixer must supply phantom power; the set includes all mechanical accessories (mounts, stands, windscreens, case) but no cables or preamp.
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