AKG C314

General overview of the AKG C314 microphone

The AKG C314 condenser microphone is indeed one of the best condenser microphones from AKG Acoustics. Indeed, it is good studio equipment for condensing, mixing and capturing sounds for various professional recordings.

I really appreciate its modern, innovative and authentic concept. However, at its core, it takes the typical style of the brand's condenser microphones.

A highly functional attenuator, recorder and amplifier, the stand microphone has everything to seduce you. It ranks well and truly above many dynamic microphones on the market.

Its dynamic description and output level far exceed those of the Rode NT USB, Blue Yeti, for example.

A priori, the AKG C314 pro microphone is located above the C214 micro-USB. On the other hand, it still remains below the C414 XLS range, the best AKG microphone for amplifying dynamics.

Some acoustic guitar beginners even define it as the low cost version of the AKG C414 XLII . But in reality, the brand simply wanted to design excellent recording equipment that provides good voice recording.

Construction of the C314 AKG vocal microphone

In front of a C314 microphone, I observe a rigid, well-maintained metallic structure . The acoustic pressures it provides meet my expectations in a home studio.

Moreover, I took care to plug in my headphones during the test to see how well they would meet my voice recording needs.

And apparently the singing mic has dual-diaphragm SPL capsules of a similar size to those in the C214. It measures 160 x 55 x 43 mm and weighs a little heavier than the latter.

Compared to the AKG C414 XLS, the USB micro C314 is much larger and more imposing.

Indeed, the C414 presents a narrower and slimmer look. However, these two microphones are equally good at capturing bandwidth using a moving coil.

They project a very precise response curve for any use on stage. Therefore, I can use the AKG C314 converter in the studio as well as in front of a microphone on stage .

Thus, it can be used just as well by singers, voice-over enthusiasts, podcasters as by live presenters.

The C314 directional mic is designed with a reassuring, well-constructed, sturdy and solid base. It has a metal grille with a magnetic and shockproof pass-through interface.

This double-layer grille protects your recording equipment from wind and external stress.

In short, you benefit from an excellent studio microphone equipped with a gooseneck transformer for your recordings. A black coating protects everything from false manipulation and the effects of an excess magnetic field.

By the way, also discover our complete test and opinion on the AKG P420 studio microphone . This guide provides you with the full benefits and features of this studio microphone.

Recessed LED and slide switch: its main features

The AKG C314 stereo microphone is characterized above all by the presence of a recessed LED and a slide switch. A priori, the hand mic switch is a four-position percussion-free slide model.

The audio interface of the mic input is more or less similar to that of the C414 condenser microphones.

From the switch, I have access to four types of diaphragm polarization: cardioid, supercardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional or figure-8.

You are entitled to two additional switches on both sides which ensure good sound wave capture . In addition, a 100 Hz 12 dB high pass filter is added to the membrane to capture highs and lows.

I don't forget to specify the presence of a 20 dB pad. The latter once again highlights the sound reinforcement performance of the ambient microphone at high frequencies and low frequencies.

And for better security, the static ribbon, the C314 condenser microphone is equipped with a recessed LED . In principle, it lights up green each time the lavalier microphone is under electrostatic voltage.

On the other hand, it flashes red for a moment once the sound level reaches 2 dB of overload.

This overload usually comes from the sound source of the impedance preamp and mixer. So, I just have to watch this electric current indicator throughout the studio recording sessions.

The C314 AKG wireless lavalier microphone comes with a foam windshield, spider mount and adapter. You also benefit from a simple connector to ensure a good USB cable connection with your computer.

And to top it off, you benefit from a carrying case designed to accommodate everything, without forgetting its stereo bar for good sound quality .

AKG C314: zoom on its technical specifications

Just like the dynamic microphone and USB studio pro microphone , the AKG C314 accommodates a one-inch capsule at its heart. These include a double membrane capsule , with finished edges and mounted in suspension.

This connector design makes it possible to reduce handling noise and increase sound pressure. The electrical signal produced has an excellent proximity effect.

Typically its diaphragms are placed in front of the amp, computer-matched to achieve a better frequency response . Thus, you indeed benefit from better rendering following more precise capture of sound and acoustic sources.

The vibrations worked by its coil return clearer sound curves to the loudspeaker. This considerably reduces the presence of background noise in the polar diagram.

The Electret Avenue of the Microphone

This type of mic needs phantom power to achieve higher pressure levels. Indeed, it is imperative to connect a mixing desk in order to provide enough electrical sources and power the dynamics correctly.

You will need an external 48 volt power supply in acoustic transformation. This is more than a necessity if you plan to use acoustic instruments .

However, compared to its analogues, your omnidirectional microphone can accept a variable phantom microphone level between 9 and 52 V.

AKG's C314 directional microphone develops retro-electret technology. Its large analog lavalier diaphragm offers better transformation and recording of your sounds .

Regarding the sensitivity of the microphone, it is estimated at 20 mV/Pa, a typical value for professional microphone models. For the AKG C214 studio microphone Its own noise is estimated at 8 dBA compared to 5 dBA.

Versatile, the AKG C314 external microphone offers a maximum SPL capacity of 147 dB . A priori, this value on a tripod covers all eventualities of sound source sound pressure in a recording studio.

Also note that it has an operational pop filter when connected with the vocal amplifier on the back of the sound card.

AKG C314, a cardioid and supercadioid microphone

The AKG C314 condenser microphone is among the best condenser microphone models . I tell you this mainly because of the diversity of its sound recording diagrams.

In fact, this professional studio radio microphone has a cardioid and supercadioid polarity. A priori, the cardioid directivity allows it to easily capture all vibrations on the axis.

I am talking in particular about the sound vibrations which are found in a heart zone all around the microphone stand. This area is on the front of the equipment for recording voice.

But in addition to this directivity common to most studio microphones , it also has a supercadioid directivity.

This form of sound wave capture also takes into account the sources present at the back of the microphone. I'm mostly referring to the close vibrations at the rear.

The supercadioid polar pattern remains advantageous for capturing sounds in front of the mics and in the near rear area. It minimizes bleeding from acoustic instrument handling and voice-over noise.

AKG C314, an omnidirectional & figure-8 microphone

And as the cardioid and supercardioid polar patterns were not enough, AKG equipped its equipment with two other polarizations. The C314 microphone also has omnidirectional and figure-8 directivity.

The omnidirectional mode allows you to capture voices all around the microphone. This capture is done uniformly across the entire sound environment.

It is particularly recommended for recording group vocals or vibrations spread across the entire scene. Thus, your C314 AKG microphone is just as efficient as a Neumann to amplify sound dynamics .

Finally, figure-8 mode primarily picks up sounds from the front and back of its capsules . I would mainly talk about bidirectional or double cardioid mode.

Indeed, the frequency curves obtained are similar to the cardioid mode. The difference is that the latter does not take into account waves in the direction behind the axis, but only in the front.

Note : Rode NT1000 microphone test guide and review . This review presents the range, characteristics, functions, sound quality, compatible accessories, and the comparison of this microphone with other condenser microphones.

Technical characteristics of the AKG C314

• Type: condenser microphone
• Capsule: 1'' double diaphragm
• Polar pattern: cardioid, supercardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 20 mV/Pa 
• Noise level: 8 dB
• Signal/Noise Ratio: 86 dB
• 48V phantom power
• Overload detection by LED indicator
• Built-in XLR connector and -20 dB pad
• Bass cut filter: 100 Hz, 12 dB/octave
• Dimensions: 160 x 55 x 43 mm
• Weight: 300g

Our opinion on the AKG C314 microphone

The AKG C314 is a versatile mic that meets both live and studio recording needs. Cardioid, supercardioid, omnidirectional and figure-8, its frequency diagrams allow vibrations to be recorded from all possible angles. You can therefore use it in front of thousands of spectators in a concert hall as well as in a home studio.  

AKG C314 Demo

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