Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (37)
$279.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$279.00
Reverb
5.0 (9)
$314.38 New
$150.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$279.00
Thomann
4.3 (12)
$311.00 $309.00 $2.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£318.50
Vintage King
5.0 (1)
$279.00

Average Price: $272

Budget/Beginner

$499

$1500+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Avantone CR-14". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Introducing the Avantone CR-14, a retro-inspired ribbon microphone that blends classic aesthetic allure with modern engineering finesse. This microphone is a testament to Avantone's commitment to crafting high-quality studio gear without the hefty price tag. The CR-14 is engineered with dual low-mass ribbon elements, delivering a smooth and warm sound that captures the nuances of vocals, guitar amps, and a diverse array of acoustic instruments. Its figure-8 polar pattern offers extended sweet spots, making it an excellent choice for both studio and live applications.

With a robust build featuring a polished nickel trim and a Cabernet Wine-Red finish, the CR-14 not only sounds great but also looks stunning. It handles high sound pressure levels up to 145dB, ensuring clarity without distortion even in loud environments. The lack of internal active electronics means no need for a power supply, reducing the risk of distortion and maintaining signal integrity. The package comes complete with a custom retro shockmount, a wooden box, and a metal case, ensuring your microphone is both protected and elegantly displayed.

Key Features:

  • Dual low-mass ribbon elements for smooth sound
  • High SPL handling up to 145dB
  • Figure-8 pickup pattern with extended sweet spots
  • No power supply required; no internal active electronics
  • Frequency Response: 30Hz-15kHz +/-3dB
  • Output Impedance: ≤600 ohms
  • Sensitivity: -52 dBv +/- 2dB Re.
  • Included accessories: Wooden box, shockmount, metal case
  • Stylish design with polished nickel trim and metallic wine red finish

Product specs

Microphone Type Ribbon
Ribbon Type 2-micron Aluminum (Dual Ribbon) (5mm x 35mm)
Mono/Stereo Mono
Polar Pattern Figure-8
Frequency Response 30Hz-15kHz
Max SPL 145dB
Output Impedance 600 ohms
Signal to Noise Ratio 72dB
Connector XLR
Weight 1 lb.
Included Accessories Shock Mount, Wood Box, Aluminum Flight Case

FAQs

What is the polar pattern of the Avantone CR-14 and how does it affect recording?

The Avantone CR-14 features a figure-8 polar pattern, which captures sound equally from the front and back while rejecting sound from the sides. This makes it ideal for recording in environments where you want to capture room ambiance or multiple sources.

Is the Avantone CR-14 suitable for high sound pressure levels?

Yes, the Avantone CR-14 can handle a maximum sound pressure level of 145dB, making it suitable for recording loud sources such as drums or guitar amplifiers without distortion.

What are the key sound characteristics of the Avantone CR-14 ribbon microphone?

The Avantone CR-14 provides a smooth, warm sound typical of ribbon microphones, with a frequency response from 30Hz to 15kHz. This makes it excellent for capturing vocals and instruments with a natural, vintage tone.

Does the Avantone CR-14 require phantom power?

No, the Avantone CR-14 does not require phantom power. In fact, applying phantom power can damage ribbon microphones, so it should be avoided.

What accessories are included with the Avantone CR-14?

The Avantone CR-14 comes with a shock mount, a wood box for storage, and an aluminum flight case for transport, providing protection and convenience for studio or on-the-go use.

Easy Music Center

Easy Music Center

Avantone CR-14 reviewed for EMC

Video thumbnail for Avantone CR-14 reviewed for EMC by Easy Music Center

Avantone CR-14 reviewed for EMC

Easy Music Center

Easy Music Center

Video thumbnail for Avantone CR-14, CK-7, and CK-1 Demo by Easy Music Center

Avantone CR-14, CK-7, and CK-1 Demo

Easy Music Center

Easy Music Center

Video thumbnail for Avantone CR-14 Dual Ribbon Microphone by The Low Action by TheLowAction

Avantone CR-14 Dual Ribbon Microphone by The Low Action

TheLowAction

TheLowAction

Video thumbnail for Avantone CR14 Unboxing by Blupoint Music

Avantone CR14 Unboxing

Blupoint Music

Blupoint Music

Video thumbnail for TOP 6: Best Ribbon Microphone 2022 - Best For Voiceovers! by wiredtech

TOP 6: Best Ribbon Microphone 2022 - Best For Voiceovers!

wiredtech

wiredtech

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers a rich, warm sound with good low-end reproduction

  • Excellent build quality with a solid feel

  • Includes quality accessories like shockmount and case

  • Versatile across multiple sources (vocals, guitar cabinets, upright bass)

  • Minimal to no self noise; handles high SPLs well

  • Provides a vintage tone, especially effective on drums and guitar cabinets

  • Good value for the price; considered a solid workhorse

  • Figure 8 pattern captures room sounds well, offering natural reverb

  • Works well in stereo setups for room miking

  • Suitable for both soft and loud vocals, with a smooth sound for baritone voices

CONS

  • Figure 8 pattern limits its use in isolating sound sources

  • Soft singing might not be as well captured as louder vocals

  • Requires careful handling due to sensitivity

  • Suspension system can be difficult to operate; may feel overly heavy-duty

  • Might need additional gear (like a cloud lifter) for optimal performance

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Avantone CR-14.

Use cases and applications

  • The CR-14 excels at taming harsh high mids, making it particularly effective for recording brass instruments like horns.

    Source
  • The microphone may not suit users seeking a brighter guitar cab sound, as its natural tone leans toward the darker side.

    Source
  • While ribbon mics can be used on acoustic guitars, large diaphragm condensers are generally recommended for highlighting the instrument's sound, especially for fingerpicking styles.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the CR-14 for its smooth, warm tone, especially when used in recording environments with a naturally pleasing acoustical quality.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The CR-14 is praised for its lack of fussiness during setup, indicating it is user-friendly and adaptable in various recording situations.

    Source
  • The AEA N22 ribbon mic is designed for close proximity recording without risking ribbon damage, making it suitable for vocals and instruments.

    Source

Comparisons

  • It's suggested that the Beyerdynamic M160 can offer a tonal quality similar to the Royer 121, making it worth considering for versatile applications.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The Apex 205 can be enhanced with a Lundahl transformer for improved sound quality, costing around $165 total for the mic and mod.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Proper mic distance is crucial when using ribbon mics for fingerpicking styles to manage sensitivity and capture the optimal sound.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Avantone CR-14 Review | Decibel Peak

decibelpeak.com

The Avantone CR-14 is a diamond in the rough of ribbon microphones, boasting a surprisingly rich sound profile that rivals more expensive models. Its dual-ribbon design enhances sensitivity, making it a versatile choice for diverse recording situations. However, it’s not an all-rounder; the mic's darker tone with smaller ribbon elements isn't ideal for vocals but shines on instruments like guitars. While its durability is commendable, with robust construction and high SPL tolerance, users should be cautious of its unbalanced front/rear axis, limiting its use in certain applications. Overall, for its price, the CR-14 offers tremendous value, especially with its generous accessory bundle. If you're seeking an affordable entry into ribbon microphones for specific instrumental applications, this is a solid pick.

positive

Avantone CR-14 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Avantone CR-14 is a robust ribbon mic that offers great value for musicians seeking that classic ribbon sound without breaking the bank. Its unique dual ribbon design enhances sensitivity, though it sacrifices some high-end detail. This results in a darker tonal character, making it ideal for specific applications like guitar amps or drum overheads. Visually, it stands out with a retro aesthetic and includes practical features like a suspension cradle for reducing noise. While it lacks some high-end sparkle, it compensates with versatility and ease of use, making it a solid choice for expanding your mic collection.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Avantone Ribbon Microphones

Royer R-121

$1,499.00 - $1,599.00

# 2

Rank

John Frusciante Billie Joe Armstrong Mac DeMarco
50 artists using
AEA R84

$1,199.00 - $1,399.00

# 5

Rank

Jack White Yannis Philippakis Justin Meldal-Johnsen
9 artists using
AEA R88

$2,297.34 - $2,599.00

# 9

Rank

Jacob Collier John Osborne Butch Walker
6 artists using
Royer R-10

$625.00 - $1,298.00

# 11

Rank

Masaru Teramae
1 artist using
AEA R44CE

$2,589.00 - $4,299.00

# 21

Rank

Álvaro Henriquez Bibio Lizzo
3 artists using
Shure KSM353

$2,771.00 - $3,079.00

# 35

Rank

Ray Toro
1 artist using
AEA KU-4

$5,757.90 - $6,799.00

# 37

Rank

Benson Boone Ali Shaheed Muhammad Mario Jose
3 artists using
Royer SF-24V

$5,599.00 - $6,999.00

# 41

Rank

Neeraj Khajanchi
1 artist using

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides