AKG C214 - Cardioid Condenser
Discover the AKG C214 microphone which captures the legendary sound of the C414 dual capsule system in an affordable cardioid format, ideal for enhancing vocals and instruments.
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The legendary sound, finally accessible.
You know that sound? The crystalline, detailed one we've heard on the greatest albums for decades? It's often an AKG C414. The problem is, not everyone has the budget of a big studio.
This is where the AKG C214 comes in.
At Garage à Musique, we consistently recommend it as the "first true pro microphone." Why? Because AKG took the same dual 1-inch capsule as its legendary big brother, but fixed it to a cardioid polar pattern. The result: you get that prestigious sonic signature—airy highs, surgical precision, and the ability to handle high volumes—for a fraction of the price.
Why the C214 is a "Must-Have":
Polyvalence Extrême : Excellent sur les voix (Rap, Pop, Rock), il brille tout autant sur les guitares acoustiques ou devant un ampli de guitare électrique hurlant.
Encaisse la Pression : Avec son atténuateur activé, il supporte jusqu'à 156 dB SPL. Vous pourriez enregistrer un avion au décollage sans distorsion (mais on vous conseille de garder vos oreilles !).
Construction Blindée : Corps en métal moulé, grille résistante aux chocs et finition anti-rayures. Il est fait pour durer.
Comparison: C214 vs. The Competition
To help you choose, here's how the C214 compares to other standards in our catalogue.
| Characteristic | AKG C214 | Audio-Technica AT4040 | Rode NT1 (Signature) |
| Sound | Strong presence, silky high notes (His "Radio") | Very neutral, transparent | Warm, very quiet |
| Capsule | Genuine 1" capsule (C414 Technology) | Electret capacitor | 1" Capacitor |
| Max SPL (Volume) | 156 dB (Most robust) | 145 dB | 142 dB |
| Functions | -20dB Pad & Low-Cut Filter | -10dB Pad & Low-Cut Filter | No switch |
| Our Opinion | The pro choice to break through in the mix. | The safe choice (flat). | Excellent for beginners. |
Technical Specifications
Type de microphone : Condensateur à large diaphragme (1 pouce)
Directivité : Cardioïde
Réponse en fréquence : 20 Hz à 20 000 Hz
Sensibilité : 20 mV/Pa (-34 dBV)
Niveau de pression max (SPL) : 136 dB / 156 dB (avec Pad)
Niveau de bruit équivalent : 13 dB-A
Atténuateur (Pad) : -20 dB (commutable)
Filtre coupe-bas : 160 Hz, 6 dB/octave
Impédance électrique : < 200 Ohms
Alimentation : Fantôme 12 à 52 V (DIN 45596)
Connecteur : XLR 3 broches symétrique
📦 What's included in the box:
Microphone AKG C214
Suspension élastique de luxe (Spider Shockmount H85)
Bonnette anti-vent (W214)
Mallette de transport en métal robuste
FAQ - Most frequently asked questions on the web
1. What is the major difference between the AKG C214 and the C414?
The C414 has several polar patterns (Omni, Figure-8, etc.) while the C214 is only cardioid . However, the C214 uses the same capsule technology as the C414 XLII. If you primarily record vocals or instruments alone facing the microphone, the C214 offers the "Legendary" sound for much less money.
2. Do I need phantom power?
Yes! The C214 is a condenser microphone. You need to activate +48V on your audio interface or mixer for it to work.
3. Is C214 good for rap and modern vocals?
Absolutely. It has a slight presence boost in the high frequencies (around 10kHz) which gives it that "airy" and "in-your-face" quality so sought after in modern rap, pop, and R&B. This helps the vocals cut through the instrumental.
4. Can I use it to record a guitar amp?
Yes, and that's one of its strengths. Thanks to its -20dB pad, it can handle extreme volumes (up to 156 dB). You can place it right up against the grille of a 4x12 cabinet without any risk of distortion.
5. Where is the AKG C214 manufactured?
AKG designs its microphones in Austria. Current production of the C214 series is carried out with rigorous quality controls to guarantee the brand's legendary robustness.
The legendary sound, finally accessible.
You know that sound? The crystalline, detailed one we've heard on the greatest albums for decades? It's often an AKG C414. The problem is, not everyone has the budget of a big studio.
This is where the AKG C214 comes in.
At Garage à Musique, we consistently recommend it as the "first true pro microphone." Why? Because AKG took the same dual 1-inch capsule as its legendary big brother, but fixed it to a cardioid polar pattern. The result: you get that prestigious sonic signature—airy highs, surgical precision, and the ability to handle high volumes—for a fraction of the price.
Why the C214 is a "Must-Have":
Polyvalence Extrême : Excellent sur les voix (Rap, Pop, Rock), il brille tout autant sur les guitares acoustiques ou devant un ampli de guitare électrique hurlant.
Encaisse la Pression : Avec son atténuateur activé, il supporte jusqu'à 156 dB SPL. Vous pourriez enregistrer un avion au décollage sans distorsion (mais on vous conseille de garder vos oreilles !).
Construction Blindée : Corps en métal moulé, grille résistante aux chocs et finition anti-rayures. Il est fait pour durer.
Comparison: C214 vs. The Competition
To help you choose, here's how the C214 compares to other standards in our catalogue.
| Characteristic | AKG C214 | Audio-Technica AT4040 | Rode NT1 (Signature) |
| Sound | Strong presence, silky high notes (His "Radio") | Very neutral, transparent | Warm, very quiet |
| Capsule | Genuine 1" capsule (C414 Technology) | Electret capacitor | 1" Capacitor |
| Max SPL (Volume) | 156 dB (Most robust) | 145 dB | 142 dB |
| Functions | -20dB Pad & Low-Cut Filter | -10dB Pad & Low-Cut Filter | No switch |
| Our Opinion | The pro choice to break through in the mix. | The safe choice (flat). | Excellent for beginners. |
Technical Specifications
Type de microphone : Condensateur à large diaphragme (1 pouce)
Directivité : Cardioïde
Réponse en fréquence : 20 Hz à 20 000 Hz
Sensibilité : 20 mV/Pa (-34 dBV)
Niveau de pression max (SPL) : 136 dB / 156 dB (avec Pad)
Niveau de bruit équivalent : 13 dB-A
Atténuateur (Pad) : -20 dB (commutable)
Filtre coupe-bas : 160 Hz, 6 dB/octave
Impédance électrique : < 200 Ohms
Alimentation : Fantôme 12 à 52 V (DIN 45596)
Connecteur : XLR 3 broches symétrique
📦 What's included in the box:
Microphone AKG C214
Suspension élastique de luxe (Spider Shockmount H85)
Bonnette anti-vent (W214)
Mallette de transport en métal robuste
FAQ - Most frequently asked questions on the web
1. What is the major difference between the AKG C214 and the C414?
The C414 has several polar patterns (Omni, Figure-8, etc.) while the C214 is only cardioid . However, the C214 uses the same capsule technology as the C414 XLII. If you primarily record vocals or instruments alone facing the microphone, the C214 offers the "Legendary" sound for much less money.
2. Do I need phantom power?
Yes! The C214 is a condenser microphone. You need to activate +48V on your audio interface or mixer for it to work.
3. Is C214 good for rap and modern vocals?
Absolutely. It has a slight presence boost in the high frequencies (around 10kHz) which gives it that "airy" and "in-your-face" quality so sought after in modern rap, pop, and R&B. This helps the vocals cut through the instrumental.
4. Can I use it to record a guitar amp?
Yes, and that's one of its strengths. Thanks to its -20dB pad, it can handle extreme volumes (up to 156 dB). You can place it right up against the grille of a 4x12 cabinet without any risk of distortion.
5. Where is the AKG C214 manufactured?
AKG designs its microphones in Austria. Current production of the C214 series is carried out with rigorous quality controls to guarantee the brand's legendary robustness.