AKG C414 XLS Stereo Set
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)
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Available since May 2010
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Item number 240606
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
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Tube No
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Switchable Polar Pattern Yes
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Omnidirectional Yes
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Cardioid Yes
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Figure-8 Yes
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Low Cut Yes
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Pad Yes
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shockmount included Yes
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USB Microphone No
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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
