AKG C214 Professional Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Description
AKG C214 Professional Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
The AKG C214 is a precision large-diaphragm condenser built around a robust 1-inch, edge-terminated back-electret capsule that captures every nuance of your performance with clean, detailed clarity across the full audible spectrum. Its compact 160 × 55 mm footprint and moderate 280 g weight sit naturally on a boom arm or in the included shock mount, with intuitive front-panel controls for pad and filter engagement. This is a live and studio recording tool trusted by engineers and musicians worldwide—delivering professional performance without the premium price tag of flagship alternatives.
Sonic Performance & Headroom
The C214 maintains a 81 dB-A signal-to-noise ratio and 13 dB-A equivalent noise level, ensuring your recordings stay clean even in quieter venues or intimate settings. With selectable –20 dB pad and switchable 160 Hz bass-cut filter, you gain immediate control over proximity effects and transient-heavy sources—maximum SPL reaches 136 dB (unpaded) or 156 dB (padded), providing 123 dB or 143 dB dynamic range respectively for any stage or session.
Build & Reliability
Manufactured in Vienna, Austria, the C214 connects via standard 3-pin XLR (male) and operates across the full 12–52 V phantom power range per IEC 61938. Its 200 Ohm electrical impedance pairs optimally with recommended 1,000 Ohm load impedance, ensuring transparent signal delivery to any professional preamp or mixer—a dependable choice for touring and session work.
Key Features
- 1-inch edge-terminated, back-electret capsule design
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 20 mV/Pa
- Maximum SPL: 136 dB (0 dB Pad) / 156 dB SPL (20 dB Pad)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 81 dB-A
- Equivalent Noise Level: 13 dB-A
- Switchable –20 dB attenuation pad
- Switchable 160 Hz bass-cut filter (6 dB/Octave)
- Phantom power: 12–52 V (IEC 61938)
- Includes H85 shock mount, W214 windscreen, and metal carrying case
- Dimensions: 160 × 55 mm; Weight: 280 g
The C214 delivers professional studio-grade clarity and reliability at a used-market price that makes serious recording accessible.
More Information
| Condition | New |
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At a Glance
The AKG C214 is a professional large-diaphragm condenser microphone built for studio and live recording with a compact, road-friendly design and switchable pad and bass-cut filter for immediate control over hot sources and proximity effects. Trusted by engineers worldwide, it captures clean, detailed audio across the full spectrum without breaking the bank, making it ideal for musicians and sound engineers who need workhorse reliability on a budget. The included shock mount, windscreen, and carrying case mean it's ready to record vocals, drums, acoustic instruments, or room ambience right out of the box.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included with the C214?
The C214 ships with an H85 shock mount, W214 windscreen, and metal carrying case—everything you need to mount and protect the microphone in the studio or on the road.
Can the C214 handle loud sources like drums or guitar amps?
Yes. The C214 offers a maximum SPL of 136 dB unpaded or 156 dB with the switchable –20 dB pad engaged, providing 123 dB or 143 dB dynamic range respectively, so it handles transient-heavy and high-volume sources without distortion.
What phantom power does the C214 need?
The C214 operates across the full 12–52 V phantom power range per IEC 61938, so it works with any standard professional preamp or mixer.
Does the C214 have any built-in controls?
Yes. Front-panel controls include a switchable –20 dB attenuation pad for loud sources and a switchable 160 Hz bass-cut filter (6 dB/Octave) to tame proximity effects and rumble.
What is the C214's frequency response and sensitivity?
The C214 captures the full audible spectrum at 20–20,000 Hz with a sensitivity of 20 mV/Pa, delivering clean, detailed audio suitable for vocals, instruments, and room recording in any genre.
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