AKG studio classic microphones — Comparison of the AKG C214, C314, & C414 XLS

In this week’s episode, we take a look at and listen to the AKG C214, C314, and C414 XLS large diaphragm condenser microphones. These variations on AKG’s studio classic include similar feature sets for recording spoken word audio like podcasts, voice over, and livestreams. The AKG series of microphones include switchable polar patterns and inbuilt low-cut filters and pads. Although they’re often found recording vocals and instruments for music, the C series of mics can also be useful for podcast and voiceover recording. In this video we compare and contrast each mic’s feature set, discuss the applications in which they might perform best, and overall have a fun time playing with different mics. Let’s take a closer look!

If you’d like to learn how to make great dialogue audio for your film and video projects, please have a look at my courses including processing dialogue audio in Adobe Audition and DaVinci Resolve/Fairlight, recording sound, how to use the Zoom F4, F6, F8, and F8n, and how to get the most from the Sound Devices MixPre series of recorders. Our latest courses cover Sound for Live Streaming with the ATEM Mini and an Intro to Izotope RX. https://school.learnlightandsound.com

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Gear used or mentioned in this episode. The links below are Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Sweetwater, DVEStore, Perfect Circuit, Trew Audio or other affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases:

AKG C214 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone, brightest, crispest of the three — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon https://geni.us/7BxOEf
AKG C314 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone, best option for sibilant voices — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon https://geni.us/vDzqv3
AKG C414 XLS Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon https://geni.us/DoO4qT
AKG C414 XLII, brighter, crisper voicing than XLS — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon https://geni.us/t15vu
Table mic stand — B&H, Amazon https://geni.us/cJUHuw
XLR cables (high quality 59 C214 ) — B&H https://geni.us/8y4B
Sound Devices MixPre-3 II Series audio recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Trew Audio, Amazon https://geni.us/O8e0
Sound devices Pix-E stand (for the MixPre) —  Amazon https://geni.us/Y6WXndU
Aputure P300C LED used as key light — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store https://geni.us/TFVUy
Aputure LS 300X used for background light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon https://geni.us/LBXWV
Aputure Spotlight Mount —  Aputure, B&H, DVE Store. Amazon https://geni.us/kfAj
Rosco Gobo creates the pattern on the back wall — B&H https://geni.us/Yqzw
Canon C70 cinema camera — B&H https://geni.us/ABYB
Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L lens — B&H, Amazon https://geni.us/qwsEs
Schneider Radiant Soft diffusion filter — B&H https://geni.us/VFScD
Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon https://geni.us/InspOl
Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon https://geni.us/gr47

The intro and outro music for this episode is from Musicbed - “Dynamo” by Virgil Arles. Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself: https://geni.us/G7by

Copyright 2022, Curtis Judd

#AKG #Microphones #C214 #C314 #C414

Index
00:00 Start
00:07 Summary
00:17 Introduction
00:30 Why I bought the C414 XLS
01:49 Raw samples C214, C314, C414 XLS
03:16 Plosive samples
04:28 Shock mounting performance
05:01 Introducing the C214 and C314
05:42 C214
06:11 C214 polar pattern
06:46 C214 pad
06:59 C214 low-cut filter
07:24 C214 self-noise
07:51 C214 case and shock mount and foam windshield
08:05 C214 Wrap up
08:32 C314 Voicing
08:55 C314 Polar patterns
09:11 C314 pad
09:20 C314 Low-cut filter
09:35 C314 self-noise
09:58 C314 case, shock mount, foam windshield
10:18 C414 XLS voicing
12:19 C414 self-noise
12:30 C414 low-cut filter
13:14 C414 pad
13:25 Max SPL loud sounds
14:05 C414 9 Polar patterns
15:08 Why use other polar patterns & Mid-side stereo
15:59 My suggestions & when these mics make the most sense
17:44 Please buy my courses