AKG Supports Chelsea Academy’s Music Center through The Bryan Adams Foundation

AKG recently provided a complete set of microphones to support the Chelsea Academy, the recently opened secondary school in southwest London created to be an outstanding centre of education and creativity. Working with The Bryan Adams Foundation, AKG has donated a 6-piece drum microphone set and four C1000 S condenser mics to the Academy's Music Centre, which is designed to give students a thorough grounding in performance and recording techniques.

The Chelsea Academy is state-funded and part of the Government's Academies program to provide a broad education for children in local communities. It was established in September 2009 and is sponsored by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the London Diocesan Board for Schools of the Church of England.

Academies are independent to allow flexibility, innovation and creativity in the curriculum, as well as in how they operate. To provide the best facilities for their students the schools rely on additional funding, sponsorship and donations.

The Bryan Adams Foundation has guaranteed to help support and finance the Music Centre at the Chelsea Academy. Founded by musician and photographer Bryan Adams in 2006 with the aim of "helping people help people", the Foundation has worked with leading pro audio and instrument manufacturers to provide equipment for the Academy's music department.

AKG was approached by The Bryan Adams Foundation and was keen to help support the Chelsea Academy's ambitious music program. "The drum mic set and versatile C1000 S microphones will give students experience of professional equipment and we hope the Chelsea Academy Music Centre will produce talented people who go on to a career in music," said Walter Ruhrig, artists & key customer relations, AKG. "We are also happy to help The Bryan Adams Foundation in its aim of transforming lives."

Steven Hill, Curriculum Leader for Music at Chelsea Academy says, “We are extremely grateful to AKG for their support in providing professional equipment for Music at Chelsea Academy. The equipment has been used extensively by our students to record both compositions and performances. Many of them are already demonstrating a keen interest in and desire towards careers in Music and the opportunities for the students to produce high quality audio recordings will be greatly enhanced by the AKG microphones.”

AKG Microphones Rock The Music World In 2009

From California to Japan, artists around the world used AKG to drive live and recorded performances in 2009; delivering uninterrupted sound with a variety of AKG microphones and wireless microphone systems. With rap legends like Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Missy Elliot, country superstars Brooks & Dunn, and acapella rockers Rockapella turning to AKG for all their live performances, AKG was able to demonstrate the sonic integrity it’s known for to the world.

With the WMS 4500 wireless microphone system, Jay-Z performed in a variety of different venues; from small house of blues venues to heavily populated frequency areas for television events seen by millions. Using a handheld C 5900, he was able to keep a full mix without sacrificing any of the clarity necessary for his speedy rap style.

Missy Elliot selected the D 5 handheld microphone for many of the same reasons when she performed live on David Letterman’s Late Show. The laminated Varimotion diaphragm that comes standard on all D 5 microphones gave her the most sensitive transmission available and allowed her to concentrate on her raps without worrying about unanticipated feedback. 

“This has been a great year for AKG,” said Alfred Reinprecht, AKG’s Vice President of Marketing and Product Management. “We have worked closely with artists and audio engineers to ensure that our products meet and exceed expectations for everyone who uses them. From artists performing in front of millions of people to local theaters putting on recitals and plays, AKG has been able to deliver every time.”

Another artist to adopt AKG for his international “Glow In The Dark” tour was Kanye West. Starting at the beginning of the year, West used the WMS 4500 wireless system and IVM 4 in-ear monitoring system in 40 cities and six continents around the world. Darcy Khan, audio engineer for West’s tour, selected the WMS 4500 for the clean RF transmission and ease-of-use; saving the presets for each city in separate folders on his computer to open upon arrival.

“This feature was a tremendous time saver on the road as it allows me to easily access the file and have all of the saved settings at my fingertips,” Khan said.

The global endorsement of AKG came in response to a series of groundbreaking introductions that included the DMS 700 Digital Wireless system, the C 414 XLS, and the C 414 XL II. Also introduced in the second half of 2009 was AKG’s Perception 120 USB: a microphone that can be easily used to record audio from the desktop and plugged into the computer.

 “AKG re-established itself as the leader in live and studio microphone engineering this year,” Reinprecht continued. “We were used by some of the biggest artists in the business, we introduced some of the best products on the market, and we even joined the METAlliance Pro Partners. With the year coming to an end, we have started to look forward to 2010 as we prepare to carry the momentum from 2009 into the New Year”

AKG Delivers Revolutionary Performance With The New Versatile C 414 Microphone Series

AKG showcases its industry leading versatility with the release of the C 414 XLS and the C 414 XL II, one of the most famous recording, live sound and broadcasting microphones since 1971. The legendary C 414 needs no introduction – it is a tool found in most recording studios and has been used on thousands of hit records; it’s been on stage with artists of every musical genre and is also used by leading broadcast facilities the world over.

The new C 414 XLS and the C 414 XLII offer nine pickup patterns that enable it to choose the perfect setting for every application. For live-sound applications and fixed installations, all controls can be disabled easily for trouble-free use, and the peak hold LED displays even the shortest overload peaks. Both mics have three switchable bass cut filters as well as three pre-attenuation levels that allow lead vocals and solo instruments to be placed in even the densest mixes.

“For over 60 years, leading musicians and engineers have used legendary AKG microphones to capture their sound so their audience hears every nuance,” said Thomas Stubics, Product Marketing Manager for Recording and Broadcast. “The C 414 family has been one of the world’s most widely-used and respected studio and stage microphones in audio history. With the new useful features and even greater ease of use, we are able to answer the demands from our ever–growing customer base all over the world.”

The C 414 XLS maintains the sonic character of the legendary C 414 B-ULS, the longest-lived C 414 model. Engineered for the highest linearity and neutral sound, it is the most universal and versatile large diaphragm microphone released in decades. Widely used for accurate, beautifully detailed pickup of any acoustic instrument, the new C 414 XLS combines proven reference quality, leading-edge technology and state-of-the-art components.

The C 414 XLII is the successor of the famous C 414 B-TL II. It shows the unique sonic signature of the highly sought-after AKG C 12, which enables lead vocals and solo instruments to be placed even in a dense mix. The unrivalled up-front sound is also well known for distant miking applications like classical music recording or drum ambience miking.

The C 414 comes complete with everything you need to create great sound recordings, including: a carrying case, a pop filter, a windscreen, and spider-type shock mounts. In addition, AKG offers both the XLII and XLS in stereo sets. The stereo sets are created by AKG’s sophisticated matching method for stunning, three-dimensional recordings.

AKG is a unit of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com). Harman International designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets, and maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, employing more than 11,000 people worldwide. The Harman International family of brands includes AKG®, Audioaccess®, Becker®, BSS®, Crown®, dbx®, DigiTech®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson®, Revel®, QNX®, Soundcraft® and Studer®. Harman International’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NYSE: HAR.”

Legendary Country Music Duo Brooks & Dunn Top The Charts With AKG Wireless Microphone Systems

Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn are two of country music’s most successful artists and together, Brooks & Dunn have recorded 23 # 1 hits, sold over 30 million records and have won more than 80 major industry awards. Brooks & Dunn are currently on tour celebrating their 10th studio album titled, “Cowboy Town” and their monitor engineer, Kurt Springer, has selected a complete AKG wireless system that encompasses over 30 AKG products for the tour.

Brooks & Dunn have relied on AKG products for a number of years and are currently using a diverse collection of wireless products, including an AKG WMS4500 wireless system, AKG 520 headset microphone, AKG D7 handheld microphone, AKG IVM4 in-ear monitoring system as well as the vintage AKG C12 tube microphone.

The selection of over 30 AKG products for Brooks & Dunn was an easy decision for Springer as the headsets were a natural fit for the famous country duo. The ergonomic design of the WMS4500 and the outstanding sonic quality of the D7 are a perfect combination for showcasing the talents of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn.

“Brooks & Dunn are loyal AKG users and have used vintage C12 microphones for vocal recordings in the past, so when they needed headset mics, the first question was ‘Does AKG make a headset mic?” commented Springer. “Regarding the selection of the WMS4500, the engineers selected the AKG system for its ergonomic design and durable construction. We use the system extensively and the mute switch is very useful for us with guitar changes, sharing a pack for multiple instruments and the ability to mute and un-mute tech mics.

“We still have a 10 year old system of WMS 4000’s for backline that simply won’t quit,” continued Springer. “The AKG WMS 4500 wireless systems has three aspects that separate it from the rest: legendary sonic quality, bulletproof durability and state-of-the-art transmission quality,” Springer concludes.

In addition to Brooks & Dunn, Springer has a versatile and extensive engineering resume that includes world renowned artists such as Eric Clapton, Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones and Guns n’ Roses.

AKG Showcase Architectural Microphone Shaped Sound Series at IBC

Based acoustically on the classic AKG Blue Line Series, the Architectural Microphone Series (AMS) is representing itself to be the latest must-have in microphones. With a new wave of customizable possibilities in microphones, the AMS guarantees that conference rooms will never be the same again.

The AMS series allows users to customize the microphone by easily adjusting the length of the gooseneck module as well as selecting various designs for the shape of the capsule housing unit. The self-designed microphone can be personalized with any color as well as a shiny gold, chrome or a cool nickel finish for professional settings. In total, the entire microphone series are available in more than 6,840 customizable settings.

Premium studio microphones, like the AMS, are characterized by a very flat frequency response, low self-noise and a consistent polar pattern. Three precision transducers make up the series, all with different polar patterns, including a cardioid, an omni-directional and a hyper-cardioid.

Beside the 3 different polar patterns to match different room acoustics, the AMS showcases a diverse range of capabilities, such as flat frequency response for acoustic performance, gold sputtered ultra-low mass diaphragms, switchable bass cut filter and preattenuation pad. The series also offers an extremely high resistance to RF interference for extended versatility.

Adding on to the extraordinary attributes of the AMS, the mics are equipped with a bayonet coupling system with self-cleaning contacts. The Blue Line bayonet coupling system enables the capsules to be easily change.

With the installation of any of the microphones in the AMS, different mounting modules are available, including a wide range of specialized mounting accessories specifically dedicated to making the installation easy and bringing the microphone into place. Blended rubber material and high mechanical damping in the shock mounts help to eliminate any mechanical vibrations.

AKG’s New Perception 120 USB Microphone Brings Studio Quality Performance To The Desktop

In an introduction that couples AKG’s studio mic performance with desktop convenience and versatility, AKG presents the Perception 120 USB Microphone at both the PLASA and IBC shows this September. The Perception 120 USB is the very first USB-equipped microphone from AKG, offering studio-quality sound performance without requiring any installation or drivers.

The Perception 120 USB is a real plug-and-play device that allows users to do podcasts, voiceovers, and studio-quality rehearsal-recordings quickly and easily. It is capable of working with Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac OS X but also the new Windows 7. And for the price, it is one of the only USB microphones with an integrated high-quality Analogue-to-Digital Converter (24-bit, 128x oversampling) for convincing sound quality and low noise.

“The new USB-equipped Perception 120 USB microphones will extend AKG’s successful Perception range,” said Thomas Stubics, AKG’s Product Marketing Manager for Recording and Broadcast. “With the widespread USB standard and its ease of use, this new model allows users without any recording experience to make professional-quality recordings from their home.”

As of 2008, there are about two billion USB devices sold per year, and about six billion sold to date. The USB is a widely known interface for audio equipment like sound cards, active monitors, and outboard equipment, which makes the Perception 120 one of the most versatile microphones available. The Perception 120 includes a two-third-inch condenser capsule with a low-mass diaphragm delivering accurate sonic details an integrated pop filter that avoids plosives, a switchable bass cut filter, and an attenuation switch. The Perception comes complete with everything you need: a tripod table stand, a swivel mount and an USB cable.

AKG Launches New GuitarBug – The World’s Smallest Switchable Wireless Transmitter

AKG today announced the introduction of the GuitarBug Transmitter, which provides superb audio quality and performance at a very competitive price. WMS 40 Pro is well known for it’s miniature transmitters and quality sound and the introduction of the GuitarBug is the next generation of wireless transmitters.

GB 40 FLexx operates with a single AAA battery providing more than 11 hours of operation, offering the lowest operating cost in this class. The frequency response is optimized for guitar and bass and can be used for keyboards and all instruments with a jack plug. The patented FlexxJack-Plug is an additional feature to allow for extended flexibility by matching all guitar outputs with an included long adapter jack.

The GB 40 GuitarBug offers a user-friendly interface that has the ability to turn a guitar, bass, or portable keyboard into a wireless instrument. The FlexJack swivel jack plug will co-exist with any type of output jack and is spring loaded to hold the GB 40 securely against the instrument. In addition, the diminutive size of the GB 40 makes it virtually invisible and will not interrupt the musician’s ability to effectively perform with the transmitter in place. Additionally, the GB 40 is placed on top of the instrument's output jack allowing the musician to easily control the noiseless on/mute/off switch and gain control.

The GB 40 Flexx will be available as single version and as “guitar-set” version with a stationary receiver SR 40 Flexx.

AKG Acoustics Expands Product Offerings With Crown Microphones

Extending AKG’s position as a global leader in microphone technology, AKG Acoustics recently announced the acquisition of the worldwide distribution rights for the Crown family of microphones. The integration of Crown microphones into AKG Acoustics’ product portfolio adds to AKG’s global position as one of the world’s leading sources of high-quality microphones. As a result of the partnership, AKG distributors now handle the worldwide distribution for two of the industry’s leading microphone brands.

Crown is a Harman International company that specializes in manufacturing amplifiers, microphones, and system control products for audio markets worldwide. Thomas Stubics, Product Manager for Recording and Broadcast at AKG stated, " Crown microphones are among the elite and are top-of-the-line products that are very well known for their outstanding performance. The diversity of the Crown microphone line is the perfect match for AKG’s stronghold as a source of industry-leading products.”

AKG Acoustics is looking forward to its partnership with Crown International as each company has played a major role in the professional audio industry. Stubics continues, “With AKG’s expertise in the global microphone business, the new partnership of AKG and Crown is a logical next step that will benefit the customers and business partners for AKG and Crown microphones. AKG has invested a large amount of time and money into its distribution infrastructure, and the partnership with Crown will solidify our global distribution strategy.”

Harman International, the world’s largest professional audio company, acquired AKG in 1993 and then purchased Crown in 2000 in order to gain a stronger foothold in the microphone market. Both companies have made major contributions to the art and science of audio engineering and are responsible for a large number of groundbreaking products that have become milestones in microphones, headphones, amplifiers and wireless systems.

AKG Showcases Worldwide Success Of D7 Dynamic Vocal Microphone At PLASA08

In a microphone introduction that brings stadium quality performance to smaller venues at a lower price, AKG Acoustics displays the professional qualities of the D7 vocal microphone at PLASA08 in London. Similarly to its predecessor, the D5, AKG’s D7 is a dynamic microphone that delivers incredibly clear sound for lead and backing vocals for live sound applications. The D7 additionally features an improved capsule design that contains a humbucking coil and a high-pass filter along with a sleek redesigned look.

The D7 ensures pure vocal sound by reducing electrical interference and stage feedback. Also featured is an integrated high-pass filter that eliminates low frequencies, reduces handling noise, and provides superior audio clarity. The result is a higher-quality microphone that offers complete control for singers and announcers ensuring a quality audio experience for audiences.

“PLASA is a great opportunity for us to showcase the D7 along with all of its advantages and upgrades. Since the release at InfoComm, the D7 has been featured by famous recording artists and utilized in popular venues and we look forward to showcasing this great product at PLASA,” states Alfred Reinprecht, Vice President of Marketing for AKG.

AKG released the D7 to build upon the success of the D5 microphone. In doing so, the D7 microphone’s performance and reliability is one of the finest in today’s professional sound industry.

The D7’s new Laminated Varimotion diaphragm delivers high-end sonic performance by allowing the diaphragm to be fine-tuned without extra tuning resonators. This represents a competitive advancement in audio quality and performance.

“The D7 microphone is one of the greatest microphones in the industry for vocals, and we are very pleased with the amount of positive attention that it is receiving. We are dedicated to providing an industry leading microphone with superior quality and performance,” added Reinprecht.

The D7’s response evokes the subtle, open sound of a condenser microphone, while maintaining the rugged reliability of a dynamic microphone. It is equipped with a carrying case, mounting clamp, and a replacement windscreen, ensuring long life for the microphone. Two additional models are also available: the D7-S, which features an on/off switch; and the D7-WL1 microphone capsule for use with AKG wireless systems.

AKG is a unit of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com). Harman International designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets, and maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, employing more than 11,000 people worldwide. The Harman International family of brands includes AKG®, Audioaccess®, Becker®, BSS®, Crown®, dbx®, DigiTech®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson®, Revel®, QNX®, Soundcraft® and Studer®. Harman International’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NYSE: HAR.”

AKG Launches New WMS 4500 Wireless Microphone System

AKG Acoustics introduced its new wireless WMS 4500 microphone system, offering improved audio capabilities flexible enough to handle multiple users and multi-channel applications. Like its predecessor the WMS 4000, the WMS 4500 offers a wide range of available components for operational versatility, but has been modified for more durable use and greater flexibility with wireless applications.

The WMS 4500 is available in two new frequency bands: Band 7 (500-530 MHz) and Band 8 (570-600 MHz) that offer more options for multi-channel systems in today's crowded RF environment. The system’s components, the SR4500 receiver unit, the PT4500 emitter, and the HT4500 handheld microphone unit all offer new features and sleek new construction.

"The WMS 4500 wireless microphone system is the next evolutionary step for our industry-leading WMS 4000 system," explains Klaus Hitzenberger, Product Manager, AKG. "We’ve made a reliable, versatile system even more so, and packaged it in a sleeker, more durable design.”

The SR4500 receiver unit features adjustable backlight settings, a factory reset, and improved presets. The elegant new casing displays a stylish stage black finish. The receiver’s internal software features AutoSetup settings for inter-modulation free channel selection, EnvironmentScan settings for RF range scanning, and a RehearsalMode selection, which can be used to save system data during rehearsal set-up. Important settings like squelch threshold, carrier frequency selection, and the listed user name can be edited and stored with an easy-to-use menu.

The PT4500 emitter has also been redesigned to be even more rugged and able to withstand many years of rigorous stage use. The major electronic components— housed in the upper portion of the unit—are now encased in metal for improved durability. The bottom portion also features a new battery casing for easier access.

The PT4500 bodypack accepts both microphone and line-level input signals and has an adjustable input sensitivity. A lockable TA-3F Mini-XLR attachment easily connects with a broad range of AKG headsets, lavalieres, instrument microphones and instrument cables.

The HT4500 handheld transmitter features an improved metal casing and stage black finish. The transmitter allows for interchangeable microphone modules, which can be removed and switched to meet any vocal need. Models available for the WMS 4500 system include the D5, D3700, D3800, C5900, C5, and C535 EB, as well as the new D7.

The WMS 4500 can be integrated into a HiQnet™ system using the optional HUB 4000 Q. With the System Architect™ software, the WMS 4500 can be configured, controlled, and monitored remotely from a PC. System Architect makes frequency management incredibly easy with tools like RF Monitor, Device Manager, Environment Scan and Auto Setup.

“We designed the WMS 4500 system to be a feature-rich and versatile solution for professionals in the field, reliable even in environments hostile to RF transmission,” added Hitzenberger. “It offers everything needed by sound engineers, musicians, speakers, system contractors, and system integrators.”

AKG Microphones Selected To Enhance New AV System At Lake Grove Missionary Baptist Church

When faced with the daunting task of projecting one preacher, six musicians and 87 choral singers to a congregation of over 1,500 parishioners in Memphis, TN, Sound Hill Technologies turned to AKG microphones.

Sound Hill of Holden, LA is the design and integration firm that was charged with creating an immense new sound system for Memphis-based Lake Grove Missionary Baptist Church. They selected a range of 30 AKG wired mics and wireless systems for their ease-of-use, high quality and reliability. The microphones were brought in to compliment the system of JBL speakers and monitors, Crown amplifiers and Soundcraft mixing consoles, also selected for installation in the church.

One of the top priorities in upgrading the church’s AV system was ensuring that each member of the congregation would hear the same, clean tone and high level of speech clarity. It was also important to install equipment that could be run by a volunteer staff, rather than relying on experienced professionals. The AKG microphones were selected for their high quality performance and ease-of-use.

The new audio system had to reach across a room measuring 130 feet across, 115 feet deep and nearly 50 feet from floor to ceiling. To accomplish this, the system design needed to maintain a crisp, clear sound at a high decibel level from input to output.

“We met this challenge with AKG microphones,” said Tim Hill, CEO of Sound Hill Technologies. “Having worked with AKG before, I was confident that we could use a combination of their microphones to meet our specifications, and that the sound would be pristine.”

The installation utilized 30 AKG microphones, including eight AKG D5 vocal mics, and seven AKG CK80 capsules. Additionally, Sound Hill used four AKG GN 155 SET gooseneck modules, three AKG GN 50 ESP lectern mics, three WMS 40 Pro wireless handheld vocal microphones, two AKG C680BL cardioid boundary mics, one WMS Pro presenter lapel mic, one WMS 40 Pro Sports headset and DrumSet II/tour sound package.

Sound Hill Technologies selected this wide array of microphones to cover any foreseeable scenario, and enable perfect sound during performances involving upwards of 100 people including the choir, band and pastor.

AKG Launches New D7 Dynamic Vocal Microphone

Today at InfoComm 08, AKG Acoustics announced the release of the new D7 vocal microphone. Like its popular predecessor the D5, the D7 is a dynamic microphone that delivers incredibly clear sound for lead and backing vocals for live sound applications. The D7 additionally features an improved capsule design with a humbucking coil and a high-pass filter along with a sleek new look.

AKG`s newest dynamic microphone features a humbucking coil that greatly reduces electrical interference and stage feedback—ensuring that only pure vocal sounds come through. The D7 also features an integrated high-pass filter that cuts out low frequencies, eliminates handling noise, and provides better audio clarity. The result is a higher-quality microphone that offers complete control for singers and announcers and, therefore, a better audio experience for audiences.

“Our goal in creating the D7 was to build upon the success of our D5 microphone and take microphone performance and reliability to the next level,” explained Thomas Umbauer, Product Manager, AKG Acoustics. “The humbucking coil and high-pass filtering featured in the D7 design ensure that musicians and presenters alike will experience unsurpassed sound quality and lasting durability.”

The D7 delivers high-end sonic performance thanks to its new Laminated Varimotion diaphragm. This design allows the diaphragm to be fine-tuned without extra tuning resonators and represents a giant leap forward in audio performance. The D7 response evokes the subtle, open sound of a condenser microphone, while maintaining the rugged reliability of a dynamic microphone.

The D7 comes complete with a carrying case, mounting clamp, and a replacement windscreen, ensuring long life for the microphone. Two additional models are also available: the D7-S, which features an on/off switch; and the D7-WL1 microphone capsule for use with AKG wireless systems.

“We designed the D7 microphone to be the best hand-held microphone for vocals, with performance that stands on the leading edge of dynamic microphone technology,” added Umbauer. ”The D7 illustrates AKG’s commitment to innovation and our dedication to providing the very best microphones in the industry.”

AKG Launches New C 214 Microphone in the Tradition of its Legendary C 414

AKG's legendary C 414 microphone needs no introduction. It’s a tool found in most recording studios and has been used on thousands of hit records; it has been onstage with artists across every musical genre and is also used by leading broadcast facilities the world over. Today, AKG announced an important addition to the C 414 family: the new C 214 Recording Microphone.

The new C 214 offers a single-capsule, cardioid-only design that delivers class-leading performance with the same dual-capsule as the C 414, but using only one diaphragm instead of two. Thanks to its 20-dB attenuation pad and AKG's ultra-low noise electronic design, the C 214 can be used in sound fields as high as 156 dB SPL. The C 214 features an integrated capsule suspension system that minimizes chassis-borne noise and resonances for even greater sonic accuracy.

"The AKG C 414 has been successful for more than 30 years due to continuous improvement of technical specifications, useful features, and ease-of-use. The evolution of the C 414 has been accepted by recording studios, broadcast stations, and live sound engineers," explains Thomas Stubics, Product Manager at AKG. "Our new C 214 was designed as a budget-friendly alternative to the leading-edge C 414 family. Because the C 214 uses the same one-inch diaphragm as the C 414, the essence of that heralded C 414 sound has been captured in this newest model."

The C 214’s double mesh, all-metal grille protects the capsule and ensures high RF immunity without affecting acoustical performance. The C 214 has road-tough construction quality with a modern scratch-resistant finish, a dent-resistant, metal grille and a gold-plated XLR-type output. It comes complete with a spider-type shock mount, windscreen, and metal carrying case.