Those AKG’s sound brilliant even just as overheads they were beautiful. NT5 are not too bad for the price, but there is a certain ‘thin’ sound to them.
For this specific test, specific room, specific kit, I prefer the NT5s. There was a bit of presence and depth added every time the NT5s came on. Every studio, room, kit and set up will be different but this is a great shoot out. Thanks for sharing. George.
The 214 has a big membrane, which explains the huge difference in freq response. Mixed in with the others, both mixes are very much based on the OH's (so also in the mix the AKG's mix tend to sound nicer to me). Still, very interesting video. Good speed, nice length, good sound and setup. Thanks for uploading!
Great comparison. Thanks for this! I was really leaning towards the C214s but the NT5's capture a bit more tone opposed to the boominess from the C214s
Super Video, ich wünschte genauso schnörkellos und informativ würden alle ihre Vergleichsvideos für Mikrofone und Musikequipment gestalten. Mach weiter so 👍
Great video and interesting result. For half the AKG price, the Rode ones would convince me more, clearer and more precise definition to my ears (so subjective), at least in this very room and with this very kit. Great playing too.
Both the NT5's and AKG 's have their unique qualities. I use the NT5's and M5's as well as half a dozen NT1's (new version) all are excellent. I'd use a combo of both on this kit. Its easy to hear the strength of each design so placement shouldn't cause you any issues.
AKG's sound like they have a little more compression built on. This is better, saves some work, the NT5's have like a more raw feeling to them, you might need to work a little more with EQ and compression on the mix. but it can be fixed. great video tho!
in the highs and high mids they are very similar, but on the lows and mids the akg is definately much more capable! Im not saying thats better, but definately a difference! good job!
The AKG sound smoother and not scooped... the Rode have some scoopness to them... but are the AKG three times better than the Rode? Depends on ones' budget!
AKG C214 are far more refined but of course pricier. Rode NT-1 or NT-2A sounds way better than NT5 on overhead. And they can be used for kick, toms, snare... so better investment.
its something like this cloud.akg.com/bestquestions/media/db/7868/c214_stereo.png ? probably its matched. here in my country I will force to buy 2 mics in single version. I dont know if will be next to your sound, specially at overheads. I prefer your AKGs, large diaphragms. but the rode sounds great too!
Gutes Video. Ich votiere für NT-5, die sind mir unten herum aufgeräumterund konturierter. 214er schlichtweg zu teuer. Nix Fisch nix Fleisch. Dann gleichdie 414er....Schöner Raum übrigens. Carpe Diem und Grüsse aus Berlin
Yep, the NT5 sounds harsh, fake, unbalanced, cheap. That's the first time I hear the 214's and confess I'm surprised. Was expecting something really worse, but it's natural and honest.
I respectfully disagree. The C214s sound dull and lifeless, while the NT5s capture what a drum kit really sounds like. I've used C214s as overheads several times in the past and I've never been happy with the sound. For me, as a drummer, the choice is simple here. Not to mention, the NT5 is about half the price!
nuynobi Actually I've just experienced myself a recording session using a pair of NT5 on two ride cymbals, left/right, in a jazz kit (a bit closer than a regular OH placement), inside a neutral room. I confess they sounded great. I'm impressed. Paired with Neve preamps and Avid converters, they sounded crispy and open without being harsh. Detailed, clean. Really impressed. (Btw, it's relevant to comment that my results were quite different [better] than what I've listened here in this video, what, once more, makes me re-think the kind of judgement by someone else's experience. It's amazing nowadays having access to these videos and people sharing experiences, but also we have to consider that what works for someone, may not work for you, and vice-versa. Just so many things to regard. Well, just a thought).
Too true. Mic placement is as important as mic choice, which is something to keep in mind with all these youtube shootouts/demos/tutorials/etc. Cymbals project different overtones in different directions, so poor placement with any mic can result in harshness. Fancy and expensive mics are worthless if you don't know how to use them. "Crispness" (like biting into fresh iceberg lettuce) is a good word to describe what the AKGs lack. With the NT5s, if it's too much for the mix you can dial it back with EQ. But with the AKGs, you can't dial in what's not there to begin with. (The AKGs sound wilted.)
The real cymbal sound doesn't come through with the AKGs. What are you listening through? I have Adam A7s as speakers and I use Sennheiser HD25 Mkll or HD580 phones running through a tube headphone amp. I'd suggest your speakers/phones are inferior.
This seems like a very odd comparison; NT5's and C214's are completely different microphones- one being large-diaphragm, and the other being small diaphragm.
from my speakers, it all sounds the same to me. it will be much more useful if you give your thoughts since you know how it sounds like without the youtube compression. otherwise, this video is useless
C214 has a fuller body and maybe not the natural sounding highs. They are a bit colored. Th NT5 sounds more natural because of the smaller diaphragm. It also sound a bit sharper in the high frequencies. If you want to order some of the mics first invest in better speakers or a good pair of headphones.
youre lack of recording experience and education shows,,,,,,why would you use a LARGE diaphragm condenser (AKG) that are known for their WARM sound on drums?If we did this at the studio's Ive worked in we'd get fired
+Jamez Blackjack Then it's worth getting fired from that place. People use LDCs on drums everywhere. Here's and example: www.soundtech.co.uk/akg/news/drummer-gavin-harrison-c414-d12vr-c12vr
stupid people with NO education,,,condenser mics are extremely sensitive,,,when ya mic a kit with them the one you have on the "ride" ,,will also pick up,,the snare,the hats,the toms and a squirrel on your front lawn,,dynamics on the other hand are less sensitive and very directional.Trying to do a GOOD drum mix you would have to have 15 fingers just to ride the faders.Dumb,dumb,dumb,,,dumb,dumb dumb
+Jamez Blackjack AKG's most expensive Drum Mic Bundle has 2x214s for Overheads. These aren't 414's. Which I have also Personally seen and heard 414's used as Overheads as well for Drums, Piano & Brass Sections, in huge Multimillion Dollar Studios. A mic is a tool to use however you can utilize it, you just have to understand how to work with each one in different ways.
![Best Small Diaphragm Condenser Mics: Ultimate Shootout [Updated Audio]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YRuC3s7VzVI/mqdefault.jpg)
Those AKG’s sound brilliant even just as overheads they were beautiful. NT5 are not too bad for the price, but there is a certain ‘thin’ sound to them.
For this specific test, specific room, specific kit, I prefer the NT5s. There was a bit of presence and depth added every time the NT5s came on. Every studio, room, kit and set up will be different but this is a great shoot out. Thanks for sharing. George.
NS345 Thanks. You are right. Every room sounds different and you have to choose the right mics and so on :)
The 214 has a big membrane, which explains the huge difference in freq response. Mixed in with the others, both mixes are very much based on the OH's (so also in the mix the AKG's mix tend to sound nicer to me). Still, very interesting video. Good speed, nice length, good sound and setup. Thanks for uploading!
Great comparison. Thanks for this! I was really leaning towards the C214s but the NT5's capture a bit more tone opposed to the boominess from the C214s
Super Video, ich wünschte genauso schnörkellos und informativ würden alle ihre Vergleichsvideos für Mikrofone und Musikequipment gestalten. Mach weiter so 👍
C214 has more body, but I like how the NT5 pick (and enhance) those high-pitch harmonics of the cymbals and the snare, pretty clean.
Great video and interesting result. For half the AKG price, the Rode ones would convince me more, clearer and more precise definition to my ears (so subjective), at least in this very room and with this very kit. Great playing too.
GREAT!!!! I LOVE 214 MORE,,, NT5 IS TOO BRIGHT AND HRASH~
Both the NT5's and AKG 's have their unique qualities.
I use the NT5's and M5's as well as half a dozen NT1's (new version) all are excellent.
I'd use a combo of both on this kit. Its easy to hear the strength of each design so placement shouldn't cause you any issues.
AKG's sound like they have a little more compression built on. This is better, saves some work, the NT5's have like a more raw feeling to them, you might need to work a little more with EQ and compression on the mix. but it can be fixed. great video tho!
Genau so wünscht man sich ein solches Video. :) Hast Du sehr geil gemacht, dankeschön!
Regardless of the mic, damn those Sabians sound amazing
Great comparison! Excellent drumming too!
in the highs and high mids they are very similar, but on the lows and mids the akg is definately much more capable! Im not saying thats better, but definately a difference! good job!
James Cassidy exactly! i fi have to choose a pair of them and have no other mics i would choose the akg. the snare sound much better on the akg.
Rode were a bit too bright and thin whereas the Akg were a bit more warm and musical. The Rode also seemed to change the pitch of the snare.
Yeah it seemed to bring out the overtones and pitch
thanks for this cool comparsion. well done. very helpful!
Nice Work! Thank You for the Help!
The AKG sound smoother and not scooped... the Rode have some scoopness to them... but are the AKG three times better than the Rode? Depends on ones' budget!
AKG wins!
I always confuse Australia with Austria, so I buy RODE & AKG and combined sound great with my guitars.
In this situation, and listening with earpods, I liked NT5 best.
the NT5's for me. sounded much more detailed. beautiful clear top end. just what I want with a room mic.
I prefer the AKGs. That room looks amazing by the way, haha. Is it in a studio or a home?
It's a room in the house where I live. It was a holiday apartment until a year ago. :)
AKG C214 are far more refined but of course pricier. Rode NT-1 or NT-2A sounds way better than NT5 on overhead. And they can be used for kick, toms, snare... so better investment.
lot of hardwork for making this video..
AKGs have a round and fuller sound, but talking about overheads, I prefer the crisp and punch of the Rode ones
if it was just the overheads id say akg's but with the other mics filling out the low end more the nt5s
Both sound great. I'd like to hear them both on stereo rooms
Not a massive difference on the crash cymbals, but the snare and hi hat both sounded much better with the AKG mics.
That'll be my thohghts, too.
Well said/perceived
I hear a difference but I think it is almost the same. so I would choose between these with what is practical for me to own.
NT5s sound pre-eqd. Good for if you want overheads mainly for cymbals. For well-balanced, pleasant sound the 214s are way better.
Its a matched pair? Im looking for differences between matched and non matched pair of akg c214. Thank you! By the way, great video, great sound!
Luiz Orta its the stereo kit. i dont know if they are matched.
its something like this cloud.akg.com/bestquestions/media/db/7868/c214_stereo.png ?
probably its matched. here in my country I will force to buy 2 mics in single version. I dont know if will be next to your sound, specially at overheads. I prefer your AKGs, large diaphragms. but the rode sounds great too!
The C214 sounds very good :)
For me, the Rode NT5s are clearly superior.
The snare goes wild boing with the Rhode. Not sure why that would be.
Hi, have you tried AKGC212 in Toms or Snare??? it could be cool to see for me!!!
Great vid. Thx
Gutes Video. Ich votiere für NT-5, die sind mir unten herum aufgeräumterund konturierter. 214er schlichtweg zu teuer. Nix Fisch nix Fleisch. Dann gleichdie 414er....Schöner Raum übrigens. Carpe Diem und Grüsse aus Berlin
AKG WIN😬🔥👌🏾
NT5’s
that snare could use some moongel. The AKG is more natural.
Rodes NT5 for me because it sound more Natural and fuller
Logo. Die NT5 sind Kleinmembran-Kondensatormics und die C214'er Großmembran Kondensatormics. Hört man sofort. :)
Please... is there any doubt? AKG all the way.
Yep, the NT5 sounds harsh, fake, unbalanced, cheap.
That's the first time I hear the 214's and confess I'm surprised.
Was expecting something really worse, but it's natural and honest.
I respectfully disagree. The C214s sound dull and lifeless, while the NT5s capture what a drum kit really sounds like. I've used C214s as overheads several times in the past and I've never been happy with the sound. For me, as a drummer, the choice is simple here. Not to mention, the NT5 is about half the price!
nuynobi Actually I've just experienced myself a recording session using a pair of NT5 on two ride cymbals, left/right, in a jazz kit (a bit closer than a regular OH placement), inside a neutral room.
I confess they sounded great. I'm impressed. Paired with Neve preamps and Avid converters, they sounded crispy and open without being harsh. Detailed, clean. Really impressed. (Btw, it's relevant to comment that my results were quite different [better] than what I've listened here in this video, what, once more, makes me re-think the kind of judgement by someone else's experience. It's amazing nowadays having access to these videos and people sharing experiences, but also we have to consider that what works for someone, may not work for you, and vice-versa. Just so many things to regard. Well, just a thought).
Too true. Mic placement is as important as mic choice, which is something to keep in mind with all these youtube shootouts/demos/tutorials/etc. Cymbals project different overtones in different directions, so poor placement with any mic can result in harshness. Fancy and expensive mics are worthless if you don't know how to use them.
"Crispness" (like biting into fresh iceberg lettuce) is a good word to describe what the AKGs lack. With the NT5s, if it's too much for the mix you can dial it back with EQ. But with the AKGs, you can't dial in what's not there to begin with. (The AKGs sound wilted.)
The real cymbal sound doesn't come through with the AKGs. What are you listening through? I have Adam A7s as speakers and I use Sennheiser HD25 Mkll or HD580 phones running through a tube headphone amp. I'd suggest your speakers/phones are inferior.
C214!!
nt5's seem to be brighter and crispier. If that's a good thing.
+Ronalds Svarups yeah, thats right. But I personally prefer the sound of the AKG's. The Snare sound much better with the AKG's as overheads.
C214 for a bigger wider sound imo
NT5 sounds fuller
fuller than a sandpaper
I prefer the NT5 sound though... AKG is good too
Akg
Not fair. NT5 is small, C214 is large dia.
No one said that its a comparison between two small or two large dia mics :)
This seems like a very odd comparison; NT5's and C214's are completely different microphones- one being large-diaphragm, and the other being small diaphragm.
It's a great comparison. LDC vs SDC is a big question for recording drums and cymbals.
from my speakers, it all sounds the same to me. it will be much more useful if you give your thoughts since you know how it sounds like without the youtube compression. otherwise, this video is useless
C214 has a fuller body and maybe not the natural sounding highs. They are a bit colored. Th NT5 sounds more natural because of the smaller diaphragm. It also sound a bit sharper in the high frequencies. If you want to order some of the mics first invest in better speakers or a good pair of headphones.
youre lack of recording experience and education shows,,,,,,why would you use a LARGE diaphragm condenser (AKG) that are known for their WARM sound on drums?If we did this at the studio's Ive worked in we'd get fired
+Jamez Blackjack Then it's worth getting fired from that place.
People use LDCs on drums everywhere.
Here's and example:
www.soundtech.co.uk/akg/news/drummer-gavin-harrison-c414-d12vr-c12vr
stupid people with NO education,,,condenser mics are extremely sensitive,,,when ya mic a kit with them the one you have on the "ride" ,,will also pick up,,the snare,the hats,the toms and a squirrel on your front lawn,,dynamics on the other hand are less sensitive and very directional.Trying to do a GOOD drum mix you would have to have 15 fingers just to ride the faders.Dumb,dumb,dumb,,,dumb,dumb dumb
+Jamez Blackjack ???????????????
+Jamez Blackjack AKG's most expensive Drum Mic Bundle has 2x214s for Overheads. These aren't 414's. Which I have also Personally seen and heard 414's used as Overheads as well for Drums, Piano & Brass Sections, in huge Multimillion Dollar Studios. A mic is a tool to use however you can utilize it, you just have to understand how to work with each one in different ways.
Jamez... your joke made me laugh. Good one!
Rode is better