AKG C214 Review - The next step up?

[@Rickholly74]

Excellent video. About 30 years ago I was in band that was recording in big time studio for a small record label. Their vocal mic of choice was an AKG C414 and I have always thought it was the best vocal mic I had ever heard. Since then that mic has been my dream microphone but for a small home project studio it was way out of my price range. I have had a pair of Rode NT1 mics for about 15+ years and absolutely love everything about them. They are my go-to vocal mics. Last year I saw the AKG C214 on sale for $325 in a Guitar Center store and just couldn't leave without it. I was not disappointed. While it isn't dual capsule or multi patterned like the AKG C414 the reality is I don't ever need to record from both sides of the mic and a single cardiod pattern is just fine. The AKG C414 goes for $1,100-1,200 dollars so the trade off is just fine. I still use my Rode NT1 and still think it's the best all round mic under $500 (I have never owned a mic over $500). The AKG is a little "warmer" than the Rode NT1 with more subtle high end and slightly better low end. I just did a somewhat involved "voice over" for a long form commercial video and the professional voice over guy loved the sound of the AKG and said he would be getting one for his own home studio.

[@CreativeSauce]

Awesome insights thanks! When you consider at $325 you got a mic that can be used for decades, it’s darn good value!

[@AKGAcoustics]

Happy to hear you enjoyed the AKG C214. Thanks for your support!

[@CreativeSauce]

My pleasure! A great product :)

[@yvy1]

what I've found with this mic is it really boosts the mids crisply and cleanly, and the highs too (handles those loud powerful notes very very well with no proximity effect), but gets a tiny bit grainy and muddy on the low end for deeper male vocals. my background vocals are always on point instantly whereas my main vocals take more mixing to cut out the muddy low end. that being said, it still does its best on raw vocals with little to no plugins/presets. add effects after for the best sound.

[@musicandthewalk]

Wow that lady has a very pleasant voice.

[@konafama]

C214 sounds great for her voice! Came for mic info, stayed to hear her sing.

[@jjxlvii]

As always very detailed oriented video and product description. Not to forget great singing by both 👍

[@jimmysee1234]

Thanks for remembering Canada! :)

[@CreativeSauce]

I shall not forget again!

[@traxmark]

Thanks man. Your videos are awesome. Some of the most practical videos on KZbin. The foam wind shield crushed that mic. Throw the wind shield in the trash. It ruined the crystal high end and muddied up the bottom. Thank you so much for your hard work and videos. Love em. Keep up the hard work my friend.

[@balrampiyer271]

Hello "Handsome Mike " ! I love your videos.This on AKG C214 is also brilliant.I really appreciate you giving a link to the unprocessed dry vocal files.I am a singer from India I have been using this mic for the last 3 years in my home studio. So it was nice to see this review of yours:-)

[@Mcgiver699]

Hi Mike thanks for this review, great a usual. To my ears Sussie's vocals with the low cut sounded a bit harsh while in your voice it gave it a very nice tone. Apart from that both vocals sounded very good, specially Sussie's.

[@CreativeSauce]

She will be very pleased to read that.... not that we are competetive. ..... MUCH! Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed :)

[@trubilupi]

Thank you for the attached files !! So we can compare with our own recording with other mics also.

[@RecordingStudio9]

One of the best Mic investments I made purchasing my AKG C214.

[@CreativeSauce]

Hey Vatche. Do you use the foam windshield?

[@RecordingStudio9]

@@CreativeSauce No, I use a pop filter. This not only works better for plosives but also is a great way to keep studio recording inexperienced singers at the right distance, otherwise, you get the close proximity effect and they keep moving too much

[@MrFedericoFellini]

Great job Mike!!! I just found your review of the AKG C214. I’ve been looking at a used one and you’ve convinced me I should grab It if the guy will take my offer. Your studio must be really good. I’ve looked at other reviews and they were not getting the full potential from this microphone. Your voice is very good and the foam wind sock did sound better than the screen. I agree with you on the foam sock. I have felt from other reviews that the AKG C214 makes a male voice smooth and buttery, if you have a good voice. The C214 can make a good voice sound great. You proved that. That was the first female voice other than rappers that I’ve heard using the C214. Man that girl has the voice of an Angel, and that mic was excellent for both you, and her. I’ve not heard the AKG C414, but if I were spending US$1000, I would look for a used Neumann TLM-103 . Thanks

[@Baratheon.]

I don't understand whats up with rappers and AKG and Sony microphones

[@StuartwasDrinkell]

Thanks got this on order, sounded great to me through my focal cans. Cant wait to record my cordoba gk negra nylon string on this, finally capture the quality of it's awesome tone and sustain as the inbuilt pick up and mic combo dont quite do it justice.

[@wiseanime2875]

my question is, how much post production is appropriate? do all singer post produce vocals? for someone who wants to develop their voice, what should they do

[@bianconerofilms]

I loved this review. Awesome job 👏

[@JakobDam]

Thanks for this video - it was one of the essential videos that made me buy this mic. Having spent a few days with it, I must say I'm very happy for it, and impressed with its sound signature. I got it used at a very low price locally, but even at full price, I'd say this microphone is a great buy. However, it may not be for everyone - I think it depends on you voice and wishes for how the voice is presented. But I do think most women will enjoy it, and men with barytone or bass voices will too. Tenors may find it too colorful though, but no matter what, it's easy to eq what you don't like about it, if that's the case.

[@johnnydepthmusic]

I've been googling this mic for hours and cannot seem to find one single video or article that shows you how to use this strange shockmount. It obviously has a grip that clicks, but when I tighten it onto the mic, I cannot get it to "click" and don't want to force it and break it. Are you simply supposed to just tighten it without the "click" and pray that that mic doesn't fall out if you are using it upside down? And how come my XLR cable isn't clicking into place when I insert it? I've used tons of microphones in my life and my XLR cables always "click" and "lock" into place. Does the XLR cable simply float in this mic? Am I supposed to duct tape it? Your video was one of my favorites, so I thought I'd ask you these questions. Have a beautiful day!

[@randylight5745]

Great sounding i use it for micing choirs

[@crazybeatlefan]

I have a C 214!, and even for $400 I had to swallow hard to go ahead and get it,.. but no regrets at all..

[@CarynAngel0111]

I love the sound.

[@CreativeSauce]

Yeah, I think its a keeper!

[@GPM80]

Great vid mike. I like the sound of this mic.....very full balanced sound to my ears

[@CreativeSauce]

Cheers Glyn. Yeah I really enjoyed it. Actually really enjoyed it on the guitar. Just picked up a new guitar today... eager to try it!

[@GPM80]

@@CreativeSauce what did u get mate?

[@PM-yz8fx]

it would be good to compare this AKG with a lower quality one, like this it is very hard to discern any good or bad quality of the mic

[@CreativeSauce]

Thanks for the feedback - will keep it in mind!

[@anonymusum]

As a matter of fact the capsules of the 214 and 414 are different. It´s just a myth that they took one capsule of the 414 for the 214. Secondly I own them both and there are big differences between them. The 214 is pretty much treble boosted, a very bright sounding mic in comparison. But that´s just the purpose I´m using it for. For example a real big sounding acoustic guitar with a lot of bass gets tamed by the 214. Same goes for big bass voices. But I wouldn´t use it for bright sopranos or flute or violin for example.

[@CreativeSauce]

from the AKG website "The C214 captures sound by combining one capsule of the legendary C414 dual-capsule system"

[@anonymusum]

@@CreativeSauce I guess that´s just a PR thing. I spoke to various experts about this issue and everybody said that the capsules are not identical. Secondly if I compare both mics they are sonically very different and you can´t explain it by the fact that one mic has one and the other two diaphragms.

[@RainStickland]

You remembered the Canadians! :D Been a while, I know, but I at least try to be unforgettable...lol. I'm not in the market to upgrade the mics right now, but I'm sure I will one day. Spent several weeks doing nothing but shopping for gear and the furniture to put it on...then putting things together, of course. Still missing some cables and a proper display, which have been delayed by the virus. I'm staring at the Adam T5Vs we got, but I can't use them without the cables. I'm not exactly the patient sort, but it gives me time to practice and rehearse more.

[@CreativeSauce]

Canadians are my favourite cousins :) Nice to year from you Rain! Oh, them Adams are a great buy you won’t regret!

[@RainStickland]

@@CreativeSauce Nice to be heard...and be a favourite cousin! The speakers are still paperweights. Cables are really slow coming. Got my screen today, though, so that helps a ton. (Getting to be weird trying to explain I mean a speaker when I say 'monitor'...but not always, because sometimes I mean a screen.)

[@heut4384]

You had good examples on AKG C214. However, I noticed a few sections have bad buzzes on the top of the highs on the girls vocal and your acoustic guitar. Is there are a reason why? It sounds like you didn't adjusted the record level. Other than that, it sounds good.

[@LevesqueHHH]

Great review! I'm thinking about buying that AKG, but.. rode nt1 / nt1a is way cheaper and sounds really similar to c214. What would you advise me to choose?

[@remco2777]

Hi Mike, great and helpful video, thank you! I just listened to the downloaded WAV files (well done for supplying these) and was struck by how much difference the low cut filter makes on the overall sound, particularly on both guitar tracks (strummed and picked). With low cut filter on the gain is lower and the audio almost sounds compressed, whereas the clean versions have higher gains and more dynamics. I am considering this AKG for using as one ambient/overhead mic on drums in a 3 mic setup. (bass drum / snare drum/ overhead) Have seen some fantastic results achieved with that.

[@NumbNateMusic]

Hey my friend is having trouble setting up this mic in do studio on his MacBook Pro

[@marketweis]

Were you also using the mic for the VO when you were talking about it?

[@PianoCelloDrums]

Very enjoyable video thanks. By any chance have you worked with the Rode NT1, just wonderful which you would consider the better mic regardless of price?

[@MrMaestrodon]

Nice mic Mike!! Thanksl . Just wondering in your last shot there i saw a pad and wondered if you know if one can be used to act as a second screen with a monitor so as to see plug in's on it. I do hope you might still be interested in doing a vid on the Cakewalk Bundles I asked you about or if not a vid tell me what you think Mike. Many thanks for what you do.

[@CreativeSauce]

Hi Phil. I use as a remote for Studio One, but you got me thinking, and I found this: www.google.com/amp/s/www.howtogeek.com/100886/how-to-use-your-ipad-as-a-second-monitor-for-your-pc-or-mac/amp/

[@MrMaestrodon]

Awe! Thanks Mike for sourcing that, I will check it out, thanks for your time I know you must be so busy.

[@markflemmer1326]

Hello, Happy New Year and thanks for the video. I am considering this mic, as another (somewhat) affordable option, in addition to my Rode NT1 (the current black version). How would you contrast these 2 mics, in some detail? The main reason I'm interested in the C214 is because it can handle higher SPL's when recording a guitar amp. My NT1 is rated at 132 db, which should be okay for home recording. However, it tends to clip off the bottom portion of the waveform at less-than-insane levels IMO, and this is with the mic around 2 feet away. (I also use a Sennheiser 609 right on the speaker). I would probably also use the AKG for vocals, but the NT1 seems fine in that regard. Regardless, it would be nice to have a 2nd quality, reasonably priced condenser. Can you compare the NT1 and C214, along with any other helpful thoughts? Thanks in advance.

[@dhillonprav1676]

Thnx for the review s👍keep up

[@CreativeSauce]

My pleasure 😊

[@williamnorris9803]

Hi Mike. Great Video and the mic sounds great with you both singing. I find that some of my cheaper microphones sound better on my vocals than the more expensive ones. I am guessing that it depends on the singer. However I do love the sound you made with this mic and may gamble on getting one. Could I also ask which guitar strings you are using? Many thanks for the video.

[@dillonvado]

What's your thoughts on using this for percussion? either aux percussion like shakers or drum overheads, or mallet percussion like vibes and marimba? I'm considering picking up one for some voice over work I have to do, but wondering if it's worth while to get a pair of them as overheads for drums and vibes as those are my main instruments.

[@dolcemusica2586]

Hey, I really appreciated your review. What do you think of the comparison of this AKG mic with WA 47jr, which could be purchased at the same price?

[@CreativeSauce]

Hi Glen. The C214 is a wonderful mic in my opinion, perhaps my favourite of those i have tested this year. I haven't tested the WA47jr, but I've heard good things. The one thing it has an advantage with, is its switchable polar patters, which makes it a bit more versatile for various situations.

[@dolcemusica2586]

Creative Sauce thank you so much ! Indeed, yesterday I carefully listened to your recordings and noticed that probably c214 might sound not very natural on both vocals colouring voices in metalic fashion :-) not sure if it could be a minus of 214 rather then it’s specificity .. additionally there is wa-14 that quite resembles c414 with similar multi polar patterns but it seems to be too expensive for my budget

[@Shini869]

Thank you 👍

[@CreativeSauce]

My pleasure!

[@Shini869]

@@CreativeSauce Hey there 🙏 Would you happen to know if the pair (sold as double for stereo sound) are good for recording outdoors? I'm thinking of picking up on the guitar and voice - with Birdsong etc in the background, in a natural setting. I don't even know if I have to research completely different mics for outdoor use... I'm just beginning 😆

[@CreativeSauce]

Yes, they would be good for that, but may have some issues (with any mic), with wind noise.

[@Shini869]

@@CreativeSauce Appreciated, Mike. Best Wishes. Good advice !

[@Baratheon.]

C414 has more clarity, darkness presence. but i love the C214 sound signature on male voices. for girls i'd pick maybe Sony-C80 or WA 8000

[@mwinfy]

I would like to have an akg c214 but i still dont know which is the best mic for rap/hip hop VOCALS???????

[@jmccaintx]

Link to the files doesn't work now.

[@HenryT5]

Its not a wet track. Its edited. Have u got a link for wet soung?

[@heldercabral8027]

hello .. what is better this mic or the se electronic 3600 ??

[@wolfstalesm.chapman1640]

Foam seams so bright or clear? If i hear well

[@glockkidd]

What’s the best interface to use with this microphone that’s not over 5-600$? I’ve decided that the Akg 214 is the mic for me but I need help choosing an interface

[@thestupendouschumley]

I use an Audient id14 mkii interface and they work amazingly well together. Mainly for voice-over work but my mandolin sounds absolutely amazing through it too. Thinking of adding a preamp though to really polish it up. Either a Cranborne Camden EC2 or Seventh Circle Audio J99.

[@krustdogg131]

Mic seems to have a slight boost in the high mids? Right around the "nasal" frequency

[@thestupendouschumley]

It does, around 3500. I had an engineer develop a processing chain for me. He dropped the EQ there by 2 decibels. I replicated this on my dbx286s with the de-esser control at the same frequency and it was magic.

[@Mcrishmusic]

What audio interface did you use?

[@Alessandrino_]

Akg c214 or Aston Origin?

[@prod.brooda]

Akg

[@mavriv]

I hope, we can learn from you, how to overcome sibilance issues. Like how your voice sounds when speaking in the video because the /s/ and /f/ aren't sharp.

[@ShashankShekharMusic]

Rode nt1 or c214?

[@tomkent4656]

I stick with the Coles 4038. Nothing sweeter!

[@notyouagain7220]

It don’t get better than this for male vocals at east even in the 2000s $ range

[@ItzFranXXX]

thx for this video,gonna respect for male and felmale singer. beautiful! my C214 is on the way to me,however i'm kinda like use it to record Rap :( anyway,great video!

[@88keyz]

👍🏽

[@music_creator_capable]

Hey ^^

[@CarynAngel0111]

.

[@OnlineMD]

Hmmm. C214. $400. Not 4 me...C U later! 😁😁😁

[@CreativeSauce]

Just to the price, or don't like the mic?

[@OnlineMD]

@@CreativeSauce I mostly sing karaoke with a small diaphragm condenser AKG C1000S. Excellent at $200. May upgrade some day to a C214 or Rode NT1....need to upgrade my voice first 😁😁😁

[@CreativeSauce]

Raja haha, us I know the feeling. The Rode Nat1 is a solid choice.

[@ernestdaniels1671]

Look at the AT4040 by Audio-Technica