AKG C214 - Using the Microphone; 3.1 Introduction; 3.2 Bass Cut Filter; 3.3 Preattenuation Pad

3 Using the Microphone
The C 214 features a smooth frequency response similar to the typical sound of
AKG large-diaphragm microphones.
You can use the C 214 for most musical instruments in the studio and on stage
(see also section 3.5). With its cardioid polar pattern, the microphone will give ex-
cellent results in a multiplicity of recording situations, particularly, in close miking.
The selectable bass cut filter will effectively cancel out any unwanted noise such
as fan noise from air conditioning systems or low-frequency noise due to floor vi-
brations, handling noise, etc. without affecting the sound of the recorded voice or
instrument on tape.
The selectable 20-d B preattenuation pad allows you to increase the microphone's
headroom from 136 to 156 dB SPL. Remember to check that the equipment con-
nected to the microphone (microphone preamp, mixer input, recorder input) can
handle the maximum output level of the microphone without causing distortion.
• The supplied H 85 shock mount has a standard 3/8" thread insert so you can
mount the microphone on almost every commercial stand or suspension with
a 3/8" thread.
• To fix the shock mount on a stand with a 5/8" thread, remove the tread insert
and screw the shock mount directly on the stand.
• To remove the shock mount from the microphone, rotate the bayonet-type
lock at the lower end of the shock mount CCW to the point that the shock
mount unlocks.
We recommend the C 214 for the following applications:
20 C 214
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Bass Cut Filter
3.3 Preattenuation Pad
3.4 Stand Mounting
3.5 Hints on
Microphone Placement
Table 1: Recommended
applications.
Sound source Studio Stage
Lead/solo vocals • •
Backing vocals/choir • • • •
Speech • •
Acoustic guitar • • • •
Electric guitar • • • •
Electric bass • •
Double bass • • • •
Violin • • •
Cello • • •
Zither • • •
Grand piano (classical music) • • • •