Whether you're a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic amateur, the AKG C214 condenser microphone is an excellent choice for your audio recording arsenal. The microphone features a built-in low cut filter to minimise unwanted low frequency noise, and switchable frequencies to tailor the sound to your specific recording needs.
If you are looking for a one size fits all large diaphragm condensor mic then you will not go far wrong with the AKG C214. It is great on vocals, great on instruments, brilliant as drum overheads and you name it, it can handle it. It is not one of those classic mics that lends some form of magic mojo to the sound, it simply reproduces well across the board. I have a piar and they are an indespensible part of my mic locker!
The thinking behind this design is that there's no point paying for a C414 if you're going to use it in cardioid all the time, so this is a single-diaphragm version.
I don't have a C414 for direct comparison, but I've used them in the past. I tried a pair of C214s as overhead drum mics, and the clarity and realism was just what I was expecting.
I don't know of anything better at the price.