Nordic Audio Labs NU-314K Large Diaphragm Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone
The Nordic Audio Labs NU-314K is a unique large diaphragm omnidirectional condenser microphone designed for openness, honesty, transient detail and natural high-frequency focus. Built around a true pressure transducer design, the NU-314K takes the large diaphragm condenser concept back to the roots of microphone design while offering a highly original approach for modern studio recording.
Unlike typical large diaphragm condenser microphones, the NU-314K is a pure omnidirectional microphone with a special capsule construction that Nordic Audio Labs describes as one of a kind. The result is a microphone with remarkable realism, low self-noise, wide dynamic range and an organic high-frequency lift that makes it especially powerful for stereo recording, Decca Tree arrays, classical recording, acoustic instruments, vocals and detailed studio capture.
A true large diaphragm omni microphone
The NU-314K explores the natural properties of a large diaphragm capsule as a true pressure transducer. This gives it the openness and honesty expected from a pure omni microphone, while still retaining the character, scale and sensitivity of a large diaphragm design.
Its polar pattern is described as omni with high-frequency focus, giving the microphone a highly musical sense of detail and air. Instead of sounding hyped or artificial, the NU-314K delivers a natural high-frequency boost that helps recordings feel clear, focused and alive.
Exceptional transient detail and organic high-frequency focus
One of the key strengths of the NU-314K is its ability to capture transients and fine detail with outstanding precision. Nordic Audio Labs states that this performance can even put many small diaphragm condenser microphones to shame, making the NU-314K particularly interesting for engineers who want the openness of an omni microphone with the detail and speed often associated with smaller capsule designs.
This makes the NU-314K an excellent choice for acoustic music, orchestral recording, piano, percussion, strings, room capture and any source where natural timing, space and detail are critical.
Designed for stereo, Decca Tree and matched microphone arrays
The NU-314K is an obvious choice for stereo recording and Decca Tree setups, where consistency, low noise, musicality and resolution are essential. Its pure omni design, wide dynamic range and low self-noise make it well suited for capturing natural acoustic spaces and detailed ensemble performances.
The microphone is available as a single microphone, a carefully selected pair, a Decca Tree triplet or, in special cases, as sets of five or six microphones. These sets use super-matched capsules for consistency across multi-microphone arrays.
Handmade capsule work by Martin Kantola
Each capsule for the NU-314K is machined, built and tuned personally by Martin Kantola. This level of individual capsule work is central to the microphone’s identity, especially for matched stereo pairs, Decca Tree triplets and larger multi-microphone sets where consistency between microphones is critical.
The NU-314K belongs to Nordic Audio Labs’ Signature series and is designed for engineers who need a precise, open and highly musical omnidirectional microphone for demanding recording applications.
Low noise and wide dynamic range
The NU-314K combines a large diaphragm design with high polarisation voltage, resulting in a low noise floor and wide dynamic range. With a self-noise rating of 13.6 dBA and a maximum SPL of 135 dBA at 10k load, it can capture both quiet sources and dynamic performances with confidence.
Its sensitivity of 53.4 mV/Pa makes it a high-output microphone, while the 22 Ohm output impedance helps it integrate well into professional recording chains.
Key Features
- Large diaphragm omnidirectional condenser microphone
- True pressure transducer design
- Pure omni character with high-frequency focus
- Signature series Nordic Audio Labs microphone
- Unique capsule construction
- Organic high-frequency lift and focus
- Exceptional transient and fine-detail capture
- Low self-noise and wide dynamic range
- Excellent choice for stereo recording and Decca Tree setups
- Suitable for vocals, acoustic instruments and close-miking
- Available as single microphone, selected pair, Decca Tree triplet or larger matched sets
- Super-matched capsules available for multi-mic consistency
- Capsules machined, built and tuned personally by Martin Kantola
- Includes shock mount and hard case
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Nordic Audio Labs NU-314K |
|---|---|
| Microphone type | Large diaphragm true omni condenser |
| Series | Signature |
| Polar pattern | Omni with high-frequency focus |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +1/-2 dB |
| Sensitivity | 53.4 mV/Pa |
| Self noise | 13.6 dBA |
| Max SPL 1% THD | 135 dBA at 10k load |
| Power requirement | +48V phantom power at 5.2 mA |
| Output impedance | 22 Ohms |
| Weight | 395 g |
| Length | 192.5 mm |
| Diameter | 38 mm |
| Accessories included | Shock mount and hard case |
Who is the Nordic Audio Labs NU-314K for?
The NU-314K is designed for recording engineers, classical engineers, studio owners and producers who need a high-resolution omnidirectional microphone with natural openness and exceptional detail. It is especially well suited for stereo arrays, Decca Tree recording, acoustic ensembles, orchestral work, room capture and other applications where realism, low noise and consistent imaging matter.
At the same time, the NU-314K is not limited to distant or classical recording. Its detailed, open and musical character also makes it compelling for close-miked vocals and instruments, where the combination of large diaphragm scale and true omni honesty can produce a very natural and spacious result.
FAQ
What is the Nordic Audio Labs NU-314K?
The NU-314K is a large diaphragm omnidirectional condenser microphone from Nordic Audio Labs. It is designed as a true pressure transducer with an omni polar pattern and high-frequency focus.
Is the NU-314K a true omni microphone?
Yes. The NU-314K is described as a pure omnidirectional microphone. Its polar pattern is listed as omni with high-frequency focus.
What is the NU-314K best used for?
The NU-314K is especially suitable for stereo recording, Decca Tree setups, classical recording, acoustic instruments, room capture, vocals and other sources where openness, transient detail and low noise are important.
Can the NU-314K be used for Decca Tree recording?
Yes. The NU-314K is specifically described as an obvious choice for Decca Tree setups. It is available as a Decca Tree triplet with super-matched capsules for consistency.
Is the NU-314K available as a stereo pair?
Yes. The NU-314K is available as a single microphone, selected pair, Decca Tree triplet or, in special cases, sets of five or six microphones.
Who builds the NU-314K capsule?
Each capsule for the NU-314K is machined, built and tuned personally by Martin Kantola.
Does the NU-314K need phantom power?
Yes. The NU-314K runs on +48V phantom power at 5.2 mA.
What accessories are included with the NU-314K?
The NU-314K includes a shock mount and hard case.
