AKG C214 vs AKG C414: Which Is Better?

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Here we are again, in a comparison article that is related to two microphones, that come from the amazing brand AKG.

As some of you may already know, AKG is a brand that deals with sound equipment in a general form, and it is worldly known, that they are quite professional in everything, that they bring. They are in charge of launching amazing headphones, and by the way, you can check my article regarding the greatest AKG headphones that you can find.

Besides headphones, AKG is a professional brand that deals with microphones as well and it is the field in which they are most proud. The AKG C214 condenser mic and AKG C414 are two microphones that come from this brand, and they are known and used by many people worldwide.

In this article, you will find a detailed comparison between AKG C214 and AKG C414 which are the best microphones that one can use! It is important to say that just as they have differences, they do have a lot of similarities, as well.

Now, without further ado, let us see who these two microphones are and what they bring to the table!

Things To Know – Who are these microphones?

Without knowing what the devices do and what to use them for, you can never compare anything. That’s why, in this section, I will give general information regarding the things mentioned. Let’s see!

AKG C214

Released on June 12, 2007, this microphone, the AKG C214 is a super professional one that is used all around the world. It is known as the microphone that can be used during live sessions, karaokes, and studio use, as well. Simply put among the best condenser microphones out there.

If you consider purchasing the AKG C214, tap on the link down below (it also comes with accessories like pop filter and shock mount)

Check AKG C214 On Amazon


AKG C414

Moving on to AKG C414, it is also a very professional condenser microphone that is used by many professionals in the world of sound in general. However, when it comes to usage, this microphone is mostly intended for studio use. The AKG C414 was released on April 13, 2004.

If you consider purchasing the AKG C414, tap on the link down below

Check AKG C414 On Amazon


Key Specifications of both Microphones

Frequency Response

The frequency response, in microphones, tells us the range of frequencies that a particular microphone can produce and how it works in different stages of sound. The frequency response is measured in Hz and kHz.

  • AKG C214 – 20Hz – 20kHz
  • AKG C414 – 20Hz – 20kHz

Impedance

Impedance is the resistance that an audio signal has, and in microphones, it controls the flow or the move of audio signals. As some of you may know, the impedance is measured in ohms, and it is written with the symbol Ω.

  • AKG C214 – 200 ohms (Ω)
  • AKG C414 – 200 ohms (Ω)

Sound Pressure Level (SPL)

From resistance, it is the sensitivity that is important, and in microphones, it is written as SPL (Sound Pressure Level). The SPL is measured in dB.

  • AKG C214 – 136 dB
  • AKG C414 – 140 dB

AKG C214 vs C414 – A Comparison

Design and Build Quality

On just a first look, you will find out that these microphones look similar to one another. However, there are some differences that you should know when it comes to the design part.

The AKG C214 comes in a grey and black combination of colors, and the part that is grey is the grille that covers almost the whole upper surface of the microphones. When it comes to AKG C414, we deal with a shiny black bottom part, and the grille on this one owns a golden color.

Both of the microphones are well built, and AKG used aluminum in the making of them. Aluminum is one of the most commonly used materials in different devices. Yes, the ones that we use in everyday life as well.

As for the measurements, the AKG C214 is 11.3 x 8.6 x 3.9 inches big, and it weighs around 1.76 pounds. The AKG C414 measures 11.3 x 9.6 x 5.5 inches and weighs 1.6 ounces.

Based on the size and weight, the AKG C414 is a little bit bigger, but still, it is super lightweight which means that it won’t bother you or tire your hand, of course, if you hold it in your hand.

Connectivity

Being a little bit old (from 2004 and 2007), these microphones don’t own a wireless connection because at that time, whatever was wired was good enough to be used. However, the connectivity of the headphones is almost the same.

In both of them, you will be using an XLR connector, but in AKG C214, it is specifically said that the connector type is a 3-pin XLR.

Performance, Quality

When it comes to sound quality, I would like to divide the part into talking about AKG C214 and AKG C414 specifically.

AKG C214

As I mentioned at the beginning, the AKG C214 is a microphone that can be used in different things. For studio use and live sessions of whatever you want. That basically tells that the C214 is a versatile microphone that performs great when it comes to vocals such as acoustic guitar, drum overheads, pianos, and so on.

In general, this microphone brings a super-natural and powerful sound, making it even better for acoustic instruments as I mention.

Its specialty is that it knows how to pick up every note and every nuance of your voice in exceptional clarity so you can sound clearer in many ways.

There is a feature that should be mentioned in the sound quality part, and it is that this microphone can reduce the noise that may come from mechanical problems. That means that with this microphone you will never make the buzz sound that may bother everybody.

AKG C414

AKG says that the C414 microphone can deliver studio-quality sound. That can mean only one thing: AKG C414 sounds very professional, and considering the fact that it is mostly used in studios, the sound quality is mostly focused on that part.

Just as in C214, the AKG C414 also owns a noise reduction feature, and it is not all. Within AKG C414, you will find nine polar patterns from which you can choose. There are five patterns and four settings of intermediate. By choosing between the patterns you can find the one that suits better the sound that you require from the microphone.

In a general form of saying, the AKG C414 is also a microphone with great sound quality, and it brings very well-balanced and detailed sound.

Final Thoughts, Verdict

Here we came at the end of this article, in which I tried to tell you guys some of the main differences and the similarities between the amazing AKG C214 and AKG 414 microphones.

I purposely divided it into more parts than always because microphones are very delicate and I know that you want to know in deeper detail.

Hopefully, this article will help you distinguish between AKG C214 and C414 easier!

Have fun!

Further Reading

Going out of topic a little bit, I would like to mention for you guys something else that I have already written.

In case you are in search of headphones, you can find out some of the best headphones for basketball and the ones for jazz music. Now, you may probably know Sennheiser and Focal brands which are super famous for headphones, well you can find a comparison between Sennheiser HD 800S and Focal Utopia!

If any of you guys are interested in soundbars, I would like to introduce to you some of the greatest soundbars for firesticks, soundbars for the hearing impaired, and the best ones for iMac!

As I mentioned AKG as a brand, let me tell you the differences between AKG-K701 and K702. Meanwhile, there is a specific topic that I wouldn’t like to leave unmentioned and it is the comparison of 320kbps and Flac, as well as 2ohm vs. 4ohm speakers. You might also need an audio interface, so don’t miss out on these amazing audio interfaces for FL Studio.

Whether you’re looking for information on audio equipment, looking to learn more about how things work in the music field, or looking for reviews of products, we got you covered!

 
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