Very entertaining review! I like the dry humour. I agree with most of your observations about this mic. Personally, I like it's sonic character. I own a few 'good' mics, so I can easily compare them. Some mics sound better on certain types of voices than others do, so sometimes it's a question of finding the right kind of mic for a particular voice. I don't use the C214 for my own vocals, although it does a good enough job, I have a couple of other mics that capture my particular voice better. Where I find the C214 to be a very good choice is on acoustic dreadnought guitar, mandolin and uke. I also like it for some percussive instruments. I use it for a couple of female vocalists as well, and it sounds great. I put my mics through very good pre amps and compressors. I match those with particular mics for great pairings. It's a process, and starting with a great mic is always good, but you need to know what you're looking to accomplish and do some research. More expensive doesn't translate to 'right for you' or 'right for the job at hand' in all circumstances. But it's a lot of fun being on the journey though, isn't it?
Absolutely. I don't have any background in music or audio (just audio for video) so it's been fun to try out different mics and evaluate their sound and character. It's definitely a long learning process
Thank you! I found your podcast on the AKG C214 to be useful. I want to start a podcast. So I’m buying equipment, and building a studio in an unfinished room in my basement. My first purchase was a secondhand AKG C214. I bought in an auction on EBay. I nailed it for $218.50, plus $12.50 shipping and handling. My next purchase will be the Scarlett 2i2. I think I will buy this item new. Your test of the C214 was perfect for what I wanted to see and hear. Speaking close in on this mike and lowering the gain appears to give warmth to the bass of a male voice which is what I want to achieve. From the examples I’ve heard on TH-cam the two mics I like best are the AKG C214, and the NeumannTLM-103. The TLM-103 was 4 to 5 times the price I paid for the C214, and I couldn’t pass up the c214 at such a good price. I would like to see a comparison of the two mics for pod cast use. I’m sure the the Neumann would excell but I’m not sure my inexperienced ear is sophisticated enough to appreciate the difference. I have always loved the way the Terri Gross podcasts on NPR sounded. I didn’t care about the political views, but her voice was very soothing. That is what I would like to achieve, a soothing, storytelling voice. Thanks for the good podcast.
Glad you found it useful and best of luck on your podcast. The Neuman is definitely way outside my budget though, so I don't think I'll be testing it anytime soon!
I just bought one to replace my AT2020 USB mic for doing audiobook narration and voice overs. Just wanted to get some more thoughts from others before I try it out myself. You sounded good! Hope I sound that good.
Cool, I hope it works for you. It has a unique sound. If you end up not liking it, I think I'd recommend the Rode NT1. It's a bit more neutral sounding
I have a question I’m a beginner at youtube I also play piano and rap It’s all on a beginner level So is the blue yeti A usb mic you’ve made made many videos on good enough? Currently i shoot and use the mic of the iPhone 12 pro And sometimes a simple lav mic Is the blue yeti good enough? Or should i get the yeti pro or yeti x or yeti nano or yeti snowball Orrrr the at 2020????
Great review! Thank you very much you got a new subscriber. I've a question about the high pass switch at the side of the microphone. How do I turn it on? Do I push the button up or down? Thank you in advance!
Thanks for the sub! Flip it down so that it's in the position next to the slanted line/straight line (the slanted line indicates a cut in the low frequencies)
@@PhillipRPeck thank you! So I need to switch the button down to activate the high pass filter? and I need to switch the other button up to activate the 0db, deactivate the -20db (just for understanding). Is it recommended for recording singing to activate the high pass filter?
Yeah, the pads should have the numbers printed next to the switch. If you enable the -20 pad, you'll definitely know it! I can't say for sure whether you should activate the high pass filter for singing. I'm not a musician and don't know anything about mixing music. But you could always just add a high pass filter in post production if you're unsure. Whereas if you enable it on the mic, then that's how you've recorded it...
@@PhillipRPeck thank you! so long story short, I activate the high pass filter by pushing the switch down (to the curve/ straight line), and activate the louder 0dB by pushing the switch up :D sorry for the complications, but in the handbook of the akg c214 there's nowhere explained when which function is activated and I am still a beginner :D
I wouldn´t buy the C214 as my one and only mic. It´s special and sometimes it just doesn´t fit, for example to bright voice timbres or instruments. It´s by far not as neutral sounding as the C414.
Unfortunately, I've never used the NT1, but I've heard great things. It should have a flatter EQ than the C214. Also it has a super low self noise. And it's a bit cheaper. That's all I can really say. I know Podcastage and Audio Hotline have reviews of both. I'd recommend checking them out
Very entertaining review! I like the dry humour. I agree with most of your observations about this mic. Personally, I like it's sonic character. I own a few 'good' mics, so I can easily compare them. Some mics sound better on certain types of voices than others do, so sometimes it's a question of finding the right kind of mic for a particular voice. I don't use the C214 for my own vocals, although it does a good enough job, I have a couple of other mics that capture my particular voice better. Where I find the C214 to be a very good choice is on acoustic dreadnought guitar, mandolin and uke. I also like it for some percussive instruments. I use it for a couple of female vocalists as well, and it sounds great. I put my mics through very good pre amps and compressors. I match those with particular mics for great pairings. It's a process, and starting with a great mic is always good, but you need to know what you're looking to accomplish and do some research. More expensive doesn't translate to 'right for you' or 'right for the job at hand' in all circumstances. But it's a lot of fun being on the journey though, isn't it?
Absolutely. I don't have any background in music or audio (just audio for video) so it's been fun to try out different mics and evaluate their sound and character. It's definitely a long learning process
Thank you!
I found your podcast on the AKG C214 to be useful. I want to start a podcast. So I’m buying equipment, and building a studio in an unfinished room in my basement. My first purchase was a secondhand AKG C214. I bought in an auction on EBay. I nailed it for $218.50, plus $12.50 shipping and handling. My next purchase will be the Scarlett 2i2. I think I will buy this item new. Your test of the C214 was perfect for what I wanted to see and hear. Speaking close in on this mike and lowering the gain appears to give warmth to the bass of a male voice which is what I want to achieve. From the examples I’ve heard on TH-cam the two mics I like best are the AKG C214, and the NeumannTLM-103. The TLM-103 was 4 to 5 times the price I paid for the C214, and I couldn’t pass up the c214 at such a good price. I would like to see a comparison of the two mics for pod cast use. I’m sure the the Neumann would excell but I’m not sure my inexperienced ear is sophisticated enough to appreciate the difference. I have always loved the way the Terri Gross podcasts on NPR sounded. I didn’t care about the political views, but her voice was very soothing. That is what I would like to achieve, a soothing, storytelling voice.
Thanks for the good podcast.
Glad you found it useful and best of luck on your podcast. The Neuman is definitely way outside my budget though, so I don't think I'll be testing it anytime soon!
Another enthralling vid! Love the room and vibe. The AKG C214 sounds fantastic. Super-crisp and warm to my ears.
Wasn’t sold until the silica gel packets.
One of a kind feature
Phillip, I love the buttery sound of the AKG c214. I’m glad you post your thoughts about the c214 on your TH-cam pod casts. Thanks!
To me the Mic sounds really sweet just the right amount of bass and high end. A mic that would be a joy to mix on.
I just bought one to replace my AT2020 USB mic for doing audiobook narration and voice overs. Just wanted to get some more thoughts from others before I try it out myself. You sounded good! Hope I sound that good.
Cool, I hope it works for you. It has a unique sound. If you end up not liking it, I think I'd recommend the Rode NT1. It's a bit more neutral sounding
@@PhillipRPeck - I’ve been using it for about 3 weeks now, and I like it very much!
@@mediamannaman Yes! Woo! So glad to hear it
The thing about mouth sounds is on point, have been struggling with it for a while now
You need to learn to control those extraneous mouth noises.
I really enjoy your videos - Greetings from Germany.
I use Mark Payne as my touchstone as far as how good a video or mic sounds. Mark uses an AKG C414 and sounds amazing.
I continue to look for a better mic for VO than the c214. Haven’t found one.
never use one of these without a pop filter or at least the wind screen that comes with it the capsule is mainey sensitive
When you said “that would be… stupid” talking about the 20db pad I lost it for some reason
My opinion ? Thank you. I spent a good time watching this video .. I can’t say that about most of the reviews I’ve watched about.
I appreciate that!
I have a question
I’m a beginner at youtube
I also play piano and rap
It’s all on a beginner level
So is the blue yeti
A usb mic you’ve made made many videos on good enough?
Currently i shoot and use the mic of the iPhone 12 pro
And sometimes a simple lav mic
Is the blue yeti good enough?
Or should i get the yeti pro or yeti x or yeti nano or yeti snowball
Orrrr the at 2020????
Not sure why people wouldn't like it. Sounds great
Aye I’m shopping for a mic but I subscribed bc I like your vibe my guy.
love sound and you video color.. so cinematic...
Thanks so much!
Great review! Thank you very much you got a new subscriber. I've a question about the high pass switch at the side of the microphone. How do I turn it on? Do I push the button up or down? Thank you in advance!
Thanks for the sub! Flip it down so that it's in the position next to the slanted line/straight line (the slanted line indicates a cut in the low frequencies)
@@PhillipRPeck thank you! So I need to switch the button down to activate the high pass filter? and I need to switch the other button up to activate the 0db, deactivate the -20db (just for understanding).
Is it recommended for recording singing to activate the high pass filter?
Yeah, the pads should have the numbers printed next to the switch. If you enable the -20 pad, you'll definitely know it!
I can't say for sure whether you should activate the high pass filter for singing. I'm not a musician and don't know anything about mixing music. But you could always just add a high pass filter in post production if you're unsure. Whereas if you enable it on the mic, then that's how you've recorded it...
@@PhillipRPeck thank you! so long story short, I activate the high pass filter by pushing the switch down (to the curve/ straight line), and activate the louder 0dB by pushing the switch up :D sorry for the complications, but in the handbook of the akg c214 there's nowhere explained when which function is activated and I am still a beginner :D
I’m in love with your channel and your vibes are fantastic
Thank you!
@@PhillipRPeck welcome bro
@@PhillipRPeck bro bro see my other comment about the mic question plisss ❤️
I wouldn´t buy the C214 as my one and only mic. It´s special and sometimes it just doesn´t fit, for example to bright voice timbres or instruments. It´s by far not as neutral sounding as the C414.
Yeah but also compare the prices of the 2 mics
I am kind of in a similar situation.. I am stuck between this and Rode NT1... Please help me decide..! For my home recording studio.
Unfortunately, I've never used the NT1, but I've heard great things. It should have a flatter EQ than the C214. Also it has a super low self noise. And it's a bit cheaper. That's all I can really say. I know Podcastage and Audio Hotline have reviews of both. I'd recommend checking them out
Im selling my rodeNT1 myself im will swap anyone for the Akg C214
this video sounds and looks incredible! awesome video!
Thank you 🙏
Great video! How do you think this would hold up in a group podcast setting with 3-4 people in the same room (each with their own mics)
Thanks! As long as everyone can stay close to the mic and therefore keep the gain on the preamp as low as possible, I think they'd do great
on point
"but who does that" lol
Here's what I think. Save up a little bit more money and get a Neumann TLM102.
About twice as much money to be fair but maybe worth it. I haven't tried a Neumann TLM102 but I'm sure it would be dope
Thank you
You're welcome
Why do you need silica gel packets? All of your microphones sound like you…microphones can’t change your voice, can they?
Thats the Lil peep's microphone from Hellboy It can't go wrong
True, if it was good enough For him. It's good enough For us too ☔🖤
Lol air traffic control!