RECORDING March 2023 - 28

A Family of AKG C Series Microphones Compared
AKG C314; $815
The C314, introduced in 2015, is essentially a multipatterned
version of the C214-they share a body, accoutrement
package and features.
A difference of note in the C314 is the dual-diaphragm
CK12 capsule (reported to be the same as the C414 XLS) that
gives it four polar pattern options (Omni, Cardioid, Supercardioid
and Fig. 8). These are accessible with a 4-position switch
on the back of the mic.
The C314 retains the -20dB pad and a 100 Hz, 12 dB/
octave highpass filter switch-a different frequency than the
C214. A small green LED on the side indicates when it is receiving
phantom power (the C214 offers this as well).
Sound of the 314
The C314 adds another new flavor to the C series universe,
even in its cardioid setting. The low end of the C314 is flat from
20 Hz to 150 Hz, offering +2dB lift up to 900 Hz. From there,
the upper midsection mimics the 1 kHz to 2 kHz dip, and the upper
midrise of the C214 and C414 here start at 2.5 kHz. In contrast
to the C214, it is smoother in its +5dB, 10 kHz high peak.
In my 2015 review, I noted, " this makes the C314 a tad
warmer in the high end than both the C214 and the C414 XLS. "
To describe
its sound further,
" Sonically,
the C314 is
big-sounding and nicely rounded on the top. It's a gently thick
fullness with a nice dusty smooth top end. What do I mean by
'dusty'? The top end, while smooth, is not as rolled off as you
might hear on, say, a ribbon mic, and there is still a nice clarity
to the top end. "
The AKG C12 VR; $6,989
The AKG C12 VR is the company's current iteration
of the classic C12. The C12 VR was introduced just
shy of 30 years ago, in 1994. Originally made in
Austria, current offerings are crafted in Hungary.
Appearance
The C12 VR is a 9-pattern tube condensor. Like
its predecessor, it has a diameter of 1.65 " , but at
8.85 " the emerald green body is an inch shorter
than the original with a smaller gold head basket.
Inside
The C12 VR is still based around a full-size 6072
tube, and much of the design, layout and circuitry remains
similar to the original but tweaked for improved
noise and output levels. The transformer is a new inhouse
design based on the original Haufe T14.
As the original brass and nylon CK12 capsules
have not been manufactured for years, the C12 VR
uses one of the company's current 2072 Z 0009
capsules (first used in the AKG The Tube mic-an
interim step of sorts between the C12 and C12 VR).
28 RECORDING March 2023
Use
I have used a pair of C314 mics in regular use on drum
overheads, toms, tambourines, shakers, acoustic guitar, cajon,
female backing vocals and Leslie cabinet. It is a very versatile
and handy mic, but compared to a C414, it is much more flavorful
and vibey-again, think thick and dusty. You will know it
when you hear it, and it's luscious.
I think the C314 is the sleeper of the " C " series. I strongly
urge you to check one or a pair out.
RECORDING March 2023

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