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.
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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
- AKG C314 Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone, best option for sibilant voices — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon
- AKG C414 XLS Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon
- AKG C414 XLII, brighter, crisper voicing than XLS — B&H, Sweetwater, Amazon
- Table mic stand — B&H, Amazon
- XLR cables (high quality 59 C214 ) — B&H
- Sound Devices MixPre-3 II Series audio recorder — B&H, Sweetwater, DVE Store, Trew Audio, Amazon
- Sound devices Pix-E stand (for the MixPre) — Amazon
- Aputure P300C LED used as key light — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store
- Aputure LS 300X used for background light — Aputure, B&H, Amazon
- Aputure Spotlight Mount — Aputure, B&H, DVE Store. Amazon
- Rosco Gobo creates the pattern on the back wall — B&H
- Canon C70 cinema camera — B&H
- Canon RF 24-70 f/2.8L lens — B&H, Amazon
- Schneider Radiant Soft diffusion filter — B&H
- Panasonic GH5 camera — B&H, Amazon
- Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II lens — B&H, Amazon
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.
Copyright 2022, Curtis Judd