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AKG C151 small diaphragm condenser and C114 large diaphragm condenser microphones reviewed
Industrial Design Anyone?
Okay, let’s start here. These mics are stunning. They have a premium look and feel that belies their modest price. The satin black exteriors are exquisitely silky to the touch. The mics are refined, masculine and under-stated in esthetic with a weight and feel that elicits confidence. Kudos to the designer.
The new AKG C series microphones were designed from the ground up to provide users with AKG quality at a new lower price. This trio of mics include one small diaphragm mic ($129 street) and two large diaphragm mics ranging from $129 (C104) to $229 (C114) street. I did not have the C104 for this review.
AKG C151 Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
The AKG C151 is a cardioid electret condenser with a 16mm capsule, designed as an affordable entry-level pencil mic inspired by the classic C451B. It features a 20Hz–20kHz frequency response, transformerless FET circuitry, low self-noise (around 18dB-A), and high SPL handling (up to 147dB). Priced at about $129, it’s aimed at home studios, podcasters, and musicians for instruments like acoustic guitar, drums, and overheads. Released at NAMM 2026, it’s part of the new eco-friendly C-Series using recycled materials.
I found the C151 to be excellent on acoustic guitar. I compared it to an economy industry standard pencil condenser, the MXL 603S, that I’ve recorded with for years. The C151 was cleaner, clearer and fuller in the low end. And surprise! This is a great vocal mic, if you sing slightly off-axis with a windscreen to control plosives. And…it comes with a strong and secure mic clip.
Key Strengths:
- Exceptional clarity, detail, and transparency for the price, with natural transients and a bright top-end sparkle without harshness.
- Versatile for acoustic instruments, percussion, hi-hats, drum overheads, and even vocals with a pop filter; sounds “open, clean, and natural” with no hyped treble.
- Solid build quality and a tight cardioid pattern for good rejection.
- Surprisingly professional sound for a “budget” level microphone.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Slightly bright/high-end focused, which may require EQ on some sources; self-noise is on the higher side (though still low for the class).
- No pads or low-cut filters, keeping the design simple and user-friendly but limiting in high-SPL scenarios.
AKG C114 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
The AKG C114 is a multi-pattern (cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8) condenser with a 26mm dual-diaphragm gold-sputtered capsule, similar to the industry standard AKG C414 ($1299 street). It offers a 20Hz–20kHz response, low noise (around 14dB-A), and high headroom (up to 145dB SPL). At $229, it includes a shockmount and is built for versatility in vocals, instruments, podcasts, and streaming, with eco-conscious recycled metal housing.
The C114 made my voice sound better in every way…right out of the box, with no EQ or compression. It’s a joy to sing into when wearing headphones. When you can hear nuance and tonal variations in your voice its easier to sing with emotion and to not push too hard. And like with the C151, at the right distance and slightly off-axis with a windscreen helps to control plosives. Definitely needs a pop filter.
Excellent on acoustic guitar and as an announcers mic – watch the video.
Key Strengths:
- Very smooth, clear, and balanced with “weighty full-body and emotion” and no harshness; excellent on vocals, acoustic guitar, amps, and percussion. Multi-pattern flexibility makes this 3 mics in one: cardioid for focused capture, omni for brighter room sound, figure-8 for interviews and duets.
- Neutral in cardioid mode with a smooth top-end and balanced midrange; more “air” in omni; more body in figure-8.
- Wide dynamic range and low noise.
- Durable build and good isolation with included heavy duty shockmount.
Potential Drawbacks:
- No pads or filters – may need external processing for very loud sources.
- Full bodied low end my need taming on some sources.
- Needs a pop filter to control plosives.
- Shock mount angle adjusting knob difficult to access in certain setups and prone to slippage if not torqued. (May be my unit only?)
- Polar pattern selector switch makes an audible pop
| Feature | AKG C151 | AKG C114 |
|---|---|---|
| Capsule Size/Type | 16mm small-diaphragm electret | 26mm large-diaphragm dual gold-sputtered |
| Patterns | Cardioid only | Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8 |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz–20kHz | 20Hz–20kHz |
| Self-Noise | ~18dB-A | ~14dB-A |
| Max SPL | 147dB | 145dB |
| Best For | Instruments (guitar, drums, overheads) and also great for vocals | Vocals, multi-source versatility (guitar, amps, podcasts) and also great for acoustic instruments |
| Price | $129 (street) | $229 (street) |
| Accessories | Mic clip | Shockmount |
Conclusion
Great sounding and versatile mics at a great price – and did I also say they are beautiful? These 2 mics would cover most of your needs in a small home studio and podcasting environment.
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