Top to bottom, the AKG C214 is an excellent large-diaphragm condenser microphone — not just ‘for the price,’ but overall. Many hobbyists looking for their first decent microphone will be perfectly happy with the 214’s performance on multiple sources, including vocals, acoustic guitar, and more.
Is AKG C214 good for rap?
Rap Microphone #1: AKG C214
It’s great for recording crisp but hard rap vocals, but it’s not the best for recording softer, deeper RnB vocals. Even if you switch to a higher quality rap mic in the future, you can still use this mic as a good second option.
Does AKG C214 need preamp?
Basically, you could go with an audio interface and no preamp, or go with both. The popular opinion is that a separate preamp does improve the sound, and the options above are all top-notch. I may go with an audio interface from the list however to start off, as the C214 doesn’t require a hugely powerful preamp.
Does the AKG C214 need phantom power?
The C214 is an XLR microphone, so you’ll need a mixer, preamp, or digital recorder to plug it into. Being a condenser mic, your device will also need phantom power to work – I use either the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or the Zoom H5, both with great results.
Is the AKG C214 a good mic? – Related Questions
What happens if you use phantom power on a mic that doesn’t need it?
It will not hurt anything to leave your phantom power on. Most dynamic or condenser microphones that don’t require phantom power will reject it. Ribbon mics are the exception in this situation. Sending phantom power to a ribbon microphone will probably have disastrous consequences.
Will phantom power damage my mic?
Some balanced output devices, such as T-powered microphones and dynamic ribbon microphones, can be permanently damaged if phantom power is applied to them. Turn off phantom when connecting these types of equipment.
Does the AKG P120 use phantom power?
The P120 uses a condenser transducer designed for 48V phantom powering from a source such as an external mic preamp, an audio interface, or a mixing console.
Do Sennheiser mics need phantom power?
The MKH 416 is a condenser microphone and does require 48V Phantom Power to operate.
Which microphone will not work without phantom power?
Condenser microphones such as Shure’s KSM range all have active circuitry and require phantom power.
Does AKG 451 need phantom power?
Requires +9-volt to +52-volt phantom power.
When should you not use phantom power?
Phantom power should not be used on Dynamic or Ribbon microphones. It’s also worth noting that phantom power should not be used on unbalanced cables. An example of an unbalance cable is a guitar lead. The reason for this is that typically microphone cables have 3 cores, 2 that send the signal and one that is a ground.
Is a phantom power mic better?
If you are running live sound, you probably won’t notice much of a difference if you have phantom power switched on for a dynamic mic. However, if you are recording, you may find that you pick up some additional hum due to the phantom power.
Does phantom power improve sound quality?
Adding a phantom power supply will boost the signal, allowing you to reduce the gain which will lower the background noise significantly, plus the overall sound quality will increase.
Can phantom power damage an amp?
Most recording devices or mixers have microphone preamplifiers that put out phantom power. However, phantom power can damage some equipment, specifically any equipment with unbalanced outputs.
Which is better sound card or phantom power?
A condenser mic need phantom power, regardless of where it comes from. Generally speaking, you’re going to get better sound quality from an external microphone interface than from an internal sound card.
What devices use the most phantom power?
Greatest users of phantom power: Quick switch on devices ○ speaker systems ○ stereo systems ○ satellite cable boxes ○ laptops ○ computer monitors ○ video game consoles ○ televisions ○ PVR ○ DVD, etc.
Do appliances use electricity when plugged in but not in use?
The short answer is yes! A variety of different electronic devices and appliances, including televisions, toasters, lamps, and more, when plugged in, can consume electricity even when they’re turned off.
How can phantom power be avoided?
The easiest thing you can do to reduce phantom power is unplug anything you’re not using. This includes unplugging your phone or laptop charger when your device isn’t charging, not simply unhooking the device. Leaving cords plugged in when they’re not connected to anything is a common way phantom power can add up.
Why do they call it phantom power?
It’s called phantom power because it works by transmitting power using the same cable that’s carrying the audio signal. So it provides simulataneous transmission of both the audio signal and power to the microphone or audio device over a single cable.
Why do condenser mics need 48V?
This voltage is commonly referred to as phantom power. Note that, even with phantom power on, the mic’s signal will still need pre-amplification; the 48V supply is simply there to charge the condenser mic’s capsule and power active electronic components.
