AKG’s ultra-affordable C-Series – a bold new step for one of the industry’s most historic manufacturers

AKG has long been a name synonymous with quality in microphones, and their new C-Series — consisting of the C104, C114, and C151 — shows that the brand is serious about delivering professional sound without the professional price tag. With this line, AKG set out to challenge the notion that budget mics have to compromise on tone, usability, or build quality. As the company told MusicTech, “What’s currently out there isn’t good enough. I think we can do better”, and the results speak for themselves.

The series is designed for creators, musicians, and podcasters who need reliable performance in multiple situations. MusicRadar calls them “a perfect choice for podcasters, streamers and music users”, highlighting a combination of solid construction, intuitive design, and AKG’s signature sonic character. While these microphones don’t include low-cut filters or pads, this simplicity is part of their charm: they’re easy to use and get right to the sound that matters.

MusicRadar characterises the trio as “a perfect choice for podcasters, streamers and music users”, praising their combination of quality, value and build — with sustainable metal bodies and transformerless FET circuitry.  

C104: The Versatile All-Rounder

The C104 is the most approachable of the trio, a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser that excels in a variety of roles. MusicTech notes that it “could be happily used in a range of applications”, from vocals and speech to acoustic instruments, and praises its performance relative to its price: “For the price, I can think of no other microphone that performs this well.” It’s warm, articulate, and forgiving enough for home studios and project setups, making it ideal for creators who want a reliable workhorse without breaking the bank.

C114: The Standout Flagship

If the C104 is the friendly all-rounder, the C114 is the flexible flagship. Multi-pattern capabilities (cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8) allow it to adapt to almost any recording scenario, from close-miked vocals to ambient stereo recording. MusicTech was unequivocal: “I’m deeply impressed by the AKG C114 — you can’t buy a better mic for this price.” The mic’s smooth, uncoloured midrange and detailed treble make it a pro-level tool that belies its budget cost, and MusicRadar reinforces this, noting that the dual-diaphragm design and selectable patterns add versatility not often found in mics at this level. For studios that need a single microphone to handle multiple recording tasks, the C114 is a clear choice.

C151: A Pencil Mic with Precision

The C151 rounds out the series as a small-diaphragm condenser built for detail and clarity. It shines on acoustic instruments and nuanced vocals, offering “remarkably clean and detailed-sounding” recordings, according to MusicTech. Its bright top end and solid SPL handling make it a natural fit for close-miked applications or stereo pairs for instruments like acoustic guitars and percussion. MusicRadar agrees, describing the C151 as a mic that punches above its price class, combining precision with the accessibility that defines the C-Series.

Why the AKG C-Series Matters

Together, the C-Series demonstrates that budget microphones no longer need to compromise on tone, build, or versatility. They provide a thoughtful selection of tools for creators who want reliable sound straight out of the box. The C104 delivers dependable all-round performance, the C114 offers adaptability and transparency, and the C151 captures detail with precision — all wrapped in solid, sustainable construction.

In short, the AKG C-Series proves that high-quality microphones don’t have to come with a pro-level price. As MusicRadar puts it, these mics are simply “a perfect choice for podcasters, streamers and music users”, offering AKG’s signature sound, modern usability, and value that makes them impossible to ignore.

Pricing and availability 

• AKG C104 – £119 RRP inc VAT
• AKG C114 – £209 RRP inc VAT
• AKG C151 – £119 RRP inc VAT

All three models are available now.

AKG Professional by HARMAN is distributed in the UK and ROI by Sound Technology. For more information please call 020 8962 5080 or visit www.soundtech.co.uk/music-retail/akg