If you are confused between selecting a good and reliable brand for making a choice of your condenser microphone, then Rode and AKG both are the top leading brands that are providing high-quality microphones. You can know about them in this AKG C214 vs. Rode NT1A review, in which I am sharing my experience with both of these microphones.
Each of these affordable microphones comes at a low price but offers features that many other microphones do not have.
The AKG C214 is loved by many users, whereas Rode NT1A is famous for its durability and stability for sound recording. To clarify any confusion between these two microphones, I will compare them head-to-head.
AKG C214 Microphone Review
AKG C214 is a great large-diaphragm capsule mic that is famous for recording a very clear sound even at high sound pressure levels. The C214 is a reliable microphone made out of a die-cast metal body that makes it very durable to stay and hold for long-term use.
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It has the ability to capture every single transient detail while recording anything with its integrated capsule suspension and avoid noises.
You find this microphone as AKG Pro Audio C214 Microphone at most places. That’s how AKG brand names their microphones.
Features of AKG C214
It is a cardioid pattern mic with a good bass roll-off filter at 160Hz, having a large-diaphragm condenser. The low self-noise recording is also very incredible at 13dB (A). The frequency range of AKG C214 is 20Hz to 20kHz, and it eliminates any extra frequency noises well off. The max SPL that you get from this mic is 156dB.
The sound quality recorded with this mic is very clear and pretty audible without any noise. It works best for those who are recording vocals or those who want to deliver speeches. You can also use it with instruments like acoustic guitars and other audio equipment like a piano.
Technical Specifications of AKG C214 Microphone
| Microphone | AKG C214 |
| Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Diaphragm Size | 1″ (25.4mm) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Max SPL | 136dB (156dB w/Pad) |
| Output Impedance | 200 ohms |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 81dB (A-weighted) |
| Self Noise | 13dB (A-weighted) |
| Low Cut Filter | 160Hz (-6dB/octave) |
| Pads | -20dB |
| Connector | XLR |
| Weight | 281 grams |
| Buy Now | Amazon |
Pros and Cons of AKG C214 Microphone
Rode NT1-A Microphone Review
The NT1A from Rode is a great microphone that delivers good audio recording performance having clear sound without any background noises. Rode NT1A has one of the best low self-noise recording 5dB. This mic has appealing looks with the features that it offers to the users to record good quality audio and music.
- Large diaphragm 1” gold-sputtered capsule
- Cardioid polar pattern
- Ultra-low noise, self-noise of only 5dB (A)
- Includes Rode SM6 shock mount, pop filter and dust cover
- Internal capsule shock mounting
This mic is also made of an all-metal body making it more durable and sturdy. As the brand has its name for delivering quality sound recording, I found it great for recording my voice in my room, and it works the best with low self-noise as well.
Features of Rode NT1A
The Rode NT1A has metal construction, making it a durable microphone for recording that also has great performance to deliver. I found the elegant construction and design to be very amusing with this microphone.
NT1A mic works at 20Hz to 20kHz frequency levels, and it does the job of eliminating background sounds pretty well. It is good for recording good audio tunes and music with a maximum SPL of 137dB.
The sound recorded with this mic is up to the mark, and it’s really worth considering as the mic successfully removes the background noise and catches the sound precisely. You will find its good use with recording vocals and acoustics as its low self-noise successfully delivers very good results.
Technical Specifications of Rode NT1A Microphone
| Microphone | Rode NT1A |
| Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Diaphragm Size | 1″ (25.4mm) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Max SPL | 137dB SPL |
| Output Impedance | 100 ohms |
| Self Noise | 5dB A-weighted |
| Connector | XLR |
| Power Source | 48V phantom power |
| Weight | 326 grams |
| Buy Now | Amazon |
Pros and Cons of Rode NT1A Microphone
Also check out:
MXL 4000 vs Rode NT1A: Head to Head Microphone Comparison
Rode NT1-A vs Audio Technica AT2035 Microphone: Which is the best microphone?
AKG C214 Vs Rode NT1A
Now it’s time for ultimate comparison between both of these top-quality microphones (AKG C214 vs. Rode NT1A)starting from AKG C214 that is a slim and lightweight microphone as compared to Rode NT1A. The NT1A is a cylindrical-shaped mic with a heavy body and durable construction to hold against any impact.
It’s easier to hold Rode NT1A due to its sleek design that fits very well in hand, but AKG C214 looks more appealing in looks, from my point of view. NT1A condenser mic has a cardioid polar pattern that works very well to capture sound from the source at its front. It eliminates any unusual background noises to provide a quality recording of audio.
AKG C214 has a rugged and durable construction body made from all-metal die-cast and the additional advantage of the shock and scratch-resistant ability. This is due to an integrated suspension that also helps to eliminate any noise and vibration in order to record quality audio.
AKG C214 is also a cardioid mic that has low self-noise, but Rode NT1A has an ultra-low self-noise level at 5 dB (A) to become the quietest mic. NT1A captures the vocals with clear input quality, just like AKG C214, but the result of NT1A is a little bit better due to ultra-low self-noise capability.
Both mics are best on their own as they are praised by many customers all around the world. I can’t say any of them is a clear winner as both of them are head to head, offering one feature over the other to win the battle.
These mics have the same frequency response levels, and overall, you will find them both to be very much helpful in recording quality audio.
Conclusion
This was a discussion of a comparison between AKG C214 and Rode NT1-A mic. Both of these microphones deliver good sound quality, and I shared my experience about both of these models that offer better features one over the other.
If you want my recommendation, I recommend the Rode NT1A, as it’s my favorite brand and the NT1A is one of the quietest microphones on the market.
I hope you find this article useful as info on these mics to reduce your confusion and to make a selection about which one is a better option to consider. If you like this info, leave a reply in the box given below. Until then, you can check out my other articles:
Top 5 Best Microphone for Rappers in 2024
Top 10 Best Microphone Brands 2024
Top 5 Best Condenser Microphones Under $300 in 2024: Reviews
Top 5 Best Vocal Microphones Under $500 in 2024
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