AKG C-Series microphones: Everything you need to know about the AKG C104, C114 and C151AKG is a respected manufacturer of reference-quality microphones, with its classic C414 mics being among the best ever created. Indeed, I’ve always maintained that if I had to record absolutely everything with one model of microphone, it would be a C414.
READ MORE: “What’s currently out there isn’t good enough; we can do better”: Why AKG wants to raise the bar for budget microphones
Now, AKG is offering three new C-series mics that allow budget-conscious producers to own a large slice of its signature sound for a fraction of the price of its flagship products. Two of them look extremely similar, echoing the squared-off profile of the aforementioned C414, while the third resembles the company’s current reference C451 B small-diaphragm microphone. All three, however, have their own individual sonic character while adhering to the company’s admirable philosophy of sustainability.
All of the mic bodies are made from 100% recycled PIR metal, and AKG states that every aspect, from packaging to accessories, has been thoughtfully engineered for minimal environmental impact. The boxes housing the microphones are made from paper pulp and other sustainable materials, making them fully recyclable, yet robust enough to protect the mics when in transportation or storage.
Phil Feinman, AKG’s Global Line Product Manager (Microphones), told us, “The new microphones were designed and developed with content creation in mind. The acoustic and sonic characteristics were inspired by the legendary sound of AKG microphones, but modernised for use by today’s content creators. The team also took care to incorporate a simplified design for improved function by podcasters, streamers and musicians; the new mics are right at home in home studios, project studios and recording studios.”
So, which of these microphones is best suited to your needs?
AKG C104
[products ids=”66i4XZsrN3ADWREEOGZHtg”]
If you are a podcaster or content creator who only wishes to record speech, the large-diaphragm C104 is a great choice, and it’s highly affordable. You’re not paying for multiple polar patterns you’ll likely never use, and it’s a no-fuss, easy-to-use microphone.
In my review of the AKG C104, I said: “For most pop music producers, it will cover all bases admirably.”
“At this price, I can think of no other mic that performs as well as the C104, especially for speech recording. Expect to see it on many podcasts and YouTube videos over the coming months and years.”
AKG C151
[products ids=”1cMixBMu6cTkgWKe4t3hqB”]
More expensive yet visually more unobtrusive, the small-diaphragm C151 is highly detailed with a polished sound that adds sparkle to voices and, especially, instruments such as acoustic guitars. It’s also fabulous to use with percussion of all types.
In my review of the AKG C151, I said: “Tonally, the mic is balanced towards the higher end of the frequency spectrum, so acoustic guitars, for example, benefit from a natural sheen from the mic. This adds a sense of air and space as though you’ve boosted around 12 kHz on a really nice-sounding EQ. Human voices can be enhanced greatly by the C151’s cool clarity and articulate nature, especially when intelligibility is needed to cut through background music or noise on location recordings.”
“For a budget-priced microphone, the AKG C151 is remarkably clean and detailed-sounding
AKG C114
[products ids=”66i4XZsrN3ADWREEOGZHtg”]
For me, though, the star of the show is the C114. Not only is it the most versatile mic in the series, offering omnidirectional, figure-8 and cardioid pick-up, it’s also the most natural sounding. It delivers much of the signature AKG sound I associate with the company’s classic mics, such as the C414 and C12, offering clarity and convincing midrange detail that’s rare at its price point.
In my review of the AKG C114, I said: “Much of the wonderful AKG sound I have always adored is present and correct in the C114. The broad midrange is wonderfully faithful, neutral and correct with no spikes or dips in the response, and the low end is firm and richly textured.
However, it’s the treble quality that impresses me the most. It’s beautifully smooth with crystal-clear accuracy and no harshness at all. Voices are captured with a palpable honesty that is usually the preserve of far more expensive microphones.”
Check out more music gear buyers’ guides.
The post AKG C-Series microphones: Everything you need to know about the AKG C104, C114 and C151 appeared first on MusicTech.