AKG C414 XLS

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Large-diaphragm condenser microphone

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) 288 x 241 x 140 mm
Includes elastic shock mount (H85), windscreen (W414X), pop filter (PF80), and aluminium case

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Available since April 2010
Item number 240605
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Tube No
Switchable Polar Pattern Yes
Omnidirectional Yes
Cardioid Yes
Figure-8 Yes
Low Cut Yes
Pad Yes
shockmount included Yes
USB Microphone No

£855

All prices incl. VAT

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in Large Diaphragm Microphones

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AKG C414 XLS Stereo Bundle

£1,699

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starting from £1,699

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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 is currently available at a surprisingly low price tag that belies its exceptional quality and reputation.

Studio Microphone AKG C414 XLS, with pop filter and shock mount

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. AKG also hasn't skimped on the accessories here – a shock proof elastic mount, pop filter, windscreen, and an aluminium case are all included.

Studio Microphone AKG C414 XLS, capsule and controls

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.

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 stereo pair, 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).

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128 Customer ratings

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4.9 / 5

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76 Reviews

Exciting and versatile choices.

Gilo 891 29.06.2020

I am confining this review to intended, rather than, actual use as the unmatched pair I have was planned for a recording session of a small group of young children for which the session was cancelled due to the Covid 19 pandemic. Given that I had used the sister microphone that is the XLii as a mike for soloists I am sure that it will be perfect for the future task.
I would comment that the manual is particularly helpful in assisting the inexperienced user to know which application needs a C414 XLS or C414XLii. The intended purpose ( e.g. organ violin, backing vocal or speech etc. of the twenty-one listed) .) using either of them comes as “recommended” or “highly recommended” so the end choice is still a happy one. One can hardly complain when the choice is between the two good alternatives.

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José Assunção 28.02.2019

I bought my C414 XLS about a year ago, I love everything about it!

The pros:
Marvelous build quality;
Pristine sound;
The ability to choose a middle term between polar patterns;
The included hard case is very sturdy.

The cons:
I can think of one con and it comes from a pro. As the C414 has a very detailed sound and is very sensible, if you have any noise getting in the room, or if the room doesn't sound good you can very clearly hear it on your recordings.
The elastic mount that comes with the XLS isn't all that great either. Wouldn't trust it too much.

Conclusion:
This microphone is a great tool to have, you can throw anything at it whether it's an instrument, vocals, folley and so on, and it'll get the job done just right.

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Great but not for me

Brynte 15.11.2022

Very detailed sound, but didn't work for my purpose. Bought it to use on sitar specifically but turned out a combination of a C411 and an SM81 did the job better. Can't fault the 414 for this though.

The "clamp" dampens vibrations well but it is very plasticky and unsteady. Not up to par with the quality of the mic itself.

The case is nicely padded but the lid is too heavy so you can't leave it open without the whole box falling over. Dumb.

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A Swiss Army knife microphone

Anonymous 07.02.2022

It provides excellent sound quality for any instrument recording! It is a bright microphone but it provides a good representation of the low end of instruments. Not exactly perfect as a kick microphone if you are searching for a deep and boomie sound.

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AKG C414 XLS

Large-diaphragm condenser microphone