AKG C214

I use this mic in my studio to track vocals and electric guitar amp mostly. AKG C214 is very similar to C414; at the first look the difference is polar pattern selector. C214 does not have this feature. You can only use Cardiod pattern. But, it's not a big deal if you're using it in a small studio or your home studio works. Cause if you don't have a very well acoustically designed room, Cardiod should be enough. Another difference from C414 is that C214 has about 1 db more mid range response. That makes it more usable for electric guitar amp recordings. I've been recorded vocals with lots of different mics, this C214 does very good job with vocals. Really satisfying. If you want to buy C414 but it's too expensive for you, get this C214 for a lower price. The performance is almost the same! There is one point that i don't like about this mic is the high-ends. They should be controlled very well prior to recordings. This mic may get too bright, of course it depends what you record, but keep that in mind. To sum up, i love C214 and there is no need to pay lots of more money for little technical differences!

It's not everyday that your grandmother randomly gifts you money, but when that happens, you obviously go to Thomann and buy yourself some musical gear you've been dreaming about.
I had been using an AKG Perception 100 (an entry-level condenser mic, currently discontinued) for years and wanted to upgrade. I was deciding between the C214 and the Shure SM7B, went for the C214 because it was more affordable and also seemed to better fit my needs according to the reviews.
It sounds, looks and is built like a much more expensive mic. The case also adds to the premium feel of the product. I love the shockmount and use it a lot when recording. I have yet to use the windshield so I can't comment on that. I use the mic for voice-overs, vocals and acoustic guitar, the sound is clear and detailed. I have now been using this mic for about four years and I highly recommend it.

As its features;
It has a smart case, a windscreen, and a shockmount comes with. I personally didn't like the shockmount because it is made of plastic. But beside of it many can like it because it makes the total weight lighter. It has a pad 0 dB, -20 dB and it has HPF switch. These are good features for a 400? mic.
As its sound;
This is really a professional sounding microphone. Here is my recording chain: AKG c214---->True Systems P-Solo---->TC C300 gate/comp---->Creamware Scope---->Cubase.
And here is another recording chain in another professional studio:
Audio Technica AT4050---->GreatRiver ME1NV---->ProTools. The same singer sang. And both were listened with an AKG K240MK-II headphone and Genelec 8030a speakers. The result is C214 has a more detailed sound, much higher ends ( but nice ) and very air than of the AT4050 has. My friends also liked C214's sound. It has a very nice proximity effect also.
As its quality;
Very nice expect shouckmount.
If you have 500$ to pay for a good mic put this one into the higher places in terms of your choices. It will worth for every penny.

I use microphone AKG C214 at home studio for recording vocals, acoustic instruments and percussion.
It has very clear sound and high sensitivity.
As it takes sounds from longer distances as well any reflections it needs to use headphones with no speakers while recording to avoid acoustic feedback. With it you'll get good starting material for your project.
From short/normal distance it gives full frequency range to the sound. Smooth lower frequencies are better than with any dynamic mic.
For cons can I say only it isn't shockproof and also You can't use it for Live (with speakers). Overall, I recommend it for studio recordings.

I have purchase two C214s for some clarinet sonata recordings.
( the mellow tone it gives (natural and just like what I hear myself real life). It has a boost in the high which is quite significant on my instrument (e.g. key clicks, sound of air getting into the clarinet is prominent) which is not very ideal but with a good interface and a bit of balancing on the high within the DAW it can be completely eliminated.
If you love the AKG sound, the high boost is very useful especially for vocals, guitars (can check out numerous vid on YouTube) and wind instruments going into effects - a lot of details (air sounds, overtones, slaps, key clicks) on articulations. ( in all, brilliant mic, absolutely value for its price. Just a bit of work in the DAW, it'd be giving you as much as you get from a recording with 414s (I think you need very very proper headphones/speakers to tell the tiny differences even when comparing A/B). If planning to get 414s, why not go to a proper studio where you can do very serious stuff with a collection of AKG Neumann DPA Tele etc? ;)

First impression matter, and in that case it did not disappoint. The case is sturdy and looks good. You instantly know you enter the realm of serious microphones. Of course it does not have any patter selector like the iconic C414, but given I am using it in a small studio (with poorer acoustics) I'd have no use of Figure of eight, Hypercardioid or Omnidirectional patterns. It captures voices with great detail and has been a great update from my dynamic e935. For acoustic guitar, somehow I still (so far) manage better results by combining my e906 (yes e906!) with my e614. It is also a great room mike for my cajon. The mic is still made in EU. Overall a great purchase.