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AKG C414 XLS Stereo Set B-Stock

4.0 out of 5 stars from 1 customer ratings
B-Stock with Full Warranty
Return that may have slight traces of use.

Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Stereo set consisting of two matched C414 XLS large-diaphragm condenser microphones

  • Successor to the C414B XLS
  • Now with 9 switchable directional characteristics (cardioid, wide-cardioid, hypercardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8 + 4 intermediate positions)
  • Frequency range: 20 - 20,000 Hz
  • Dynamic range: 140 dB(SPL) max
  • Lock mode to save the settings
  • Peak-Hold display
  • Status LEDs
  • 3-way switchable low-cut filter (40, 80, 160 Hz)
  • 3 preattenuation pads (-6, -12, -18 dB)
  • Transformerless XLR output (FET)
  • Dimensions: (W x D x H) 395 x 315 x 105 mm
  • Includes 2 elastic shock mounts (H85), 2 windscreens (W414X), 2 stand adapters (SA60), a stereo bar (H50), and an aluminium case
  • Further accessories available: Pop filter (PF80)
  • Available since May 2010
  • Item number 319721
  • Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Also available as brand new product $1,799
$1,666
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The latest edition of a vintage classic

One of the main reasons for buying an AKG C414 XLS is simply that it is an AKG C414. The XLS here is one reincarnation of the original from 1971, based specifically on the C414 ULS, a popular iteration from the 1980s. The AKG C414 has long been an industry standard – it's the "desert island" microphone for countless sound engineers. With nine different polar patterns, this large-diaphragm condenser microphone can capture any source in any setting, at reference-level audio quality. Moreover, the AKG C414 XLS Stereo Set here is currently available at a surprisingly low price tag that belies its exceptional quality and reputation.

AKG C414 XLS, large-diaphragm condenser microphone with accessories

A whole host of recording options

Compared to the more expensive XLII, the AKG C414 XLS has a slightly darker timbre, and in general the core sound is rather more relaxed. Both models provide a myriad of options for use in a wide variety of recording situations, however. The C414 XLS has nine polar patterns ranging from omnidirectional to figure-of-eight and everything in between, and users can also activate one of three bass roll-offs (at 40Hz, 80Hz, and 160Hz, respectively) and three attenuation pads (at 6dB, 12dB, and 18dB). It has a lock mode to prevent unintentional changes to the control settings, as well as several status LEDs which display information on current settings and, if necessary, any overload peaks. And in rounding out this stereo set, AKG hasn't skimped on the accessories either: There's a shock proof elastic mount and windscreen for each mic, as well as an AKG stereo bar for full-stereo recordings – and a high-end aluminium case to keep it all in.

AKG C414 XLS, large-diaphragm condenser microphone, capsule

Genuinely versatile

The AKG C414 XLS is a good fit for any music creators who are looking for a large-diaphragm condenser microphone that can be used in any situation. The integrated transducer delivers high-quality results with almost every conceivable source, such as the recording of vocals, piano, acoustic and electric guitars, or wind instruments, and performs exceptionally well in terms of dynamics and impulse fidelity. With its high sound pressure tolerance of up to 158dB SPL (when the pad is activated), the AKG C414 XLS is also perfect on loud, close-miked sources such as snare drums.

AKG C414 XLS, large-diaphragm condenser microphone in aluminium case

About AKG

AKG was founded in Vienna, in 1947, by Dr. Rudolf Goerike and Ernst Pless. After only a few months, the first AKG microphones were already being used for the first time in radio stations and theatres. AKG's big breakthrough occurred during the early 1950s, with some very sophisticated innovations that were unique in their field. One example is the D12, the first large-diaphragm condenser microphone with remote-controlled, switchable polar patterns – the first client to acquire them was the BBC in London. AKG is today a world-renowned brand in many different fields. With countless high-class products in its range, such as the well-known C414, the name AKG has always been synonymous with quality and outstanding sound.

A classic choice for studio or stage

Thanks to its sturdy construction, the AKG C414 XLS is not only an excellent choice for use in the studio, but also for the rigours of live performance. Despite its versatility, the microphone is still most at home in front of trumpets, saxophones, acoustic guitars, and, better still, in stereo miking setups. As a matched stereo pair like the set sold here, the C414 is most frequently used for recording grand pianos and as an overhead on drums; as mentioned above, it also performs extremely well as a close mic on snare drums (often placed under the resonant head).

1 Customer ratings

4 / 5

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1 Review

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RK
Guter Allrounder
Riko K. 06.08.2013
Pro:
- Sehr klares, transparentes Klangbild, lässt die Sprache warm, erden, simpel klingen, ohne unangenehm zu färben (für Stimmen wie die von Chris Martin von Coldplay bestens geeignet, nicht umsonst wurde das C414 auf dem Viva la Vida Album von ihm benutzt)
- Die Richtcharakteristiken sind brauchbar, hauen einen aber auch nicht aus den Socken
- Insgesamt ein gutes Gesangsmikrofon mit allen nötigen Featues (db-Absenkung für close-up Vocals, Low-Cut-Filter) und einem guten Pop-Schutz

Contra:
- Gerade die Aufnahme von Akustikgitarren hat mich zwar anfangs umgehauen (im Vergleich zu einem Rode NT1000 aber kein Wunder, das klingt jetzt einfach nur noch schwammig nachdem ich das C414 hatte), im Nachhinein überzeugt mich das C414 aber gerade hier nicht. Meine Taylor kommt ziemlich kalt rüber, egal bei welcher Einstellung lässt das C414 hier irgendwie an Wärme vermissen.
- Der Shock-Mount ist zu klapprig konstruiert, meine Intuition sagt mir, dass das Teil garantiert nach einiger Zeit den Geist aufgeben wird.
- Der Preis! Sind wir mal ehrlich: Die wenigsten verdienen ihr Brot mit der Musik, so dass sie davon leben können, und 1000 Euro sind schon eine Stange, für ein Mikro, was in die Zielgruppe Alleskönner fällt, aber doch einige Schwächen aufweist.

Fazit:
Prinzipiell kann ich meine Empfehlung aussprechen. Allerdings klingt das C414 wie jedes Mikro nicht bei jeder Stimme gut, zu meiner passte es. Generell habe ich das Gefühl, dass es bei tieferen Stimmen besser klingt. Ich werde auf Empfehlung von einigen Bekannten jetzt das Violet Design Amethyst Vintage und das Gefell M930 testen, mal schauen, ob diese sich besser schlage, falls nein, bleibe ich beim C414.
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