AKG C214?

[talktalk]

Is this mic worth getting?I know its new and already have a 414

[Hugh Robjohns]

I think -- but this is still to be confirmed -- that the 214 uses the same one-inch electret capsule as the C3000, rather than the DC-biased capsule of the various C414 incarnations.

Nothing wrong with modern electret capsules at all -- some of the finest mics in the world use them.

I'm not sure what you intend to use the C214 for, but my concern would be how well it matches the C414 tonally and in its polar response.

Hopefully I'll get to review one soon and I'll be able to tell you more then.

Hugh

[James Percival]

Are you sure it uses a C3000 capsule, Hugh? I bought a pair of these - unheard - relying on the claim that they use a single 414 capsule instead of two for cardioid-only operation. They certainly sound in the same ball-park as the C414-ULS, but I haven't had chance to do a proper direct comparison, or to pit them against the XLS models. I will say that I don't feel short-changed - they sound excellent, are quiet and feel sturdy, even though I think they look a bit odd .

[Hugh Robjohns]

Are you sure it uses a C3000 capsule, Hugh?

No -- as I said I still haven't been able to confirm it... but my gut feeling is that it does use the company's large electret capsule.

The AKG website blurb for the C214 states:

...It captures sound combining one side of the legendary C 414 dual-capsule system and AKG’s patented Back-Plate Technology which results in an outstanding performance close to the famous C 414 B-XLS.

The term "back-plate technology" could refer to the drilled backplate needed for a cardioid capsule, but it could also mean a back-plate eletret capsule.

The C214 also has a much higher noise floor than the C414 (13dBA instead of 6dBA) which also points towards an electret capsule rather than a DC polarised one.

I will say that I don't feel short-changed - they sound excellent, are quiet and feel sturdy, even though I think they look a bit odd .

No reason to feel short-changed. As I said, there's nothing fundamentally wrong with electret technology (ask DPA or Earthworks), and the C3000 and C4000 are actually very decent mics, particularly for the price. I've not heard the C214 yet, but I'd be surprised if it disappoints given the price.

Equally, I don't think it will be a C414 on the cheap -- the noise figures alone point to that -- but then this mic isn't aimed at those people who use C414s. It's aimed at those who would like to but can't afford it. A subtle but important difference

As soon as I get confirmation of the capsule technology one way or the other I will post here.

Hugh

[Hugh Robjohns]

Just to complete this thread -- I have now had formal confirmation from AKG that "the C214 is an electret condenser microphone with a 1-inch large membrane capsule"

So it sits more neatly in the C3000 and C4000 camp, rather than the C414 camp from a technology point of view, and matches the company's policy with this kind of thing (eg the C451 re-issue which is an electret design whereas the original used a DC poalrised capsule).

hugh

[bobg]

Here are AKG C214 specs from AKG:
Polar pattern Cardioid
Frequency range 20 to 20,000 Hz
Sensitivity 20 mV/Pa (-34 dBV)
Max. SPL 136/156 dB SPL (0/-20 dB) (for 0.5% THD)
Equivalent noise level 13 dB -A to IEC 60268-4 (A-weighted)
Signal/noise ratio (A-weighted) 81 dB
Preattenuation pad 0/-20 dB (switchable)
Bass cut filter slope 160 Hz, 6 dB/Octave, switchable
Impedance =1000 ohms
Supply voltage 12 to 52 V Phantom power to IEC 61938
Current consumption < 2 mA
Dynamic range 123/143 dB (0/-20 dB) (A-weighted)
Connector IEC standard 3-pin XLR
Finish matte grayish blue
Dimensions 160 x 55 mm (6.3 x 2.2 in.)
Net weight 280 g (0.62 lbs.)
Shipping weight 1450 g (3.22 lbs.)
Patent(s) Electrostatic transducer (Patent no. AT 395.225, DE 4.103.784, JP 2.815.488)
HSG