AKG C 414 XL II 9-Pattern Condenser Microphone

AKG C 414 XL II 9-Pattern Condenser Microphone, Single, Package

Get that classic AKG C 414 sound with this legendary condenser, updated with 9 polar patterns and a hi-mids boost that adds "air" to vocals and instruments.

Overview

Since the release of the legendary C 414 microphone in 1971, AKG has ushered in a wealth of technical performance improvements to maximize headroom, sensitivity, and linearity -- all while maintaining the classic "414 sound" best described as a flattering, gentle low-mids frequency dip that can tame an instrument or singer's harsh edges. With the release of the C 414 B-TL II in the early 1990s, AKG delivered a presence boost reminiscent of the CK-12 capsule, well-suited to lead vocal and solo instrument recording.

Today, the C 414 XL II succeeds the TL II with improved detail between 4 kHz and 10 kHz. In plain English, this mic adds high-end presence and "air" to whatever it's capturing. The XL II also shines in distance mic applications, banishing muddy, boxy sound and bringing clarity and spatial reproduction to rooms and ensembles. Reaffirming the must-have status of this classic mic, the AKG C 414 XL II rises to any occasion with an incredible nine pickup patterns.

Yes, Nine Pickup Patterns

Sonically and physically, the C 414 XL II resembles its famous predecessor. But as soon as you plug in phantom power and touch the rocking switch to cycle through omni, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, and bidirectional figure-8, you'll find that LEDs illuminate to reveal four intermediate settings between these five patterns for a grand total of nine polar patterns. Dial in an exact pattern to match any instrument or performer, and lock your choice of pickup pattern by… read more holding the switch for 3 seconds. The XL II is so advanced, it "remembers" its pickup pattern setting. So if you've got an orchestral setup or a big drum kit with mics hanging everywhere and your phantom power is momentarily interrupted, your C 414 XL II mics will come right back to the settings where you left them when power is restored.

Four-Position High-Pass Filter

If you're recording a vocalist who's also playing acoustic guitar, you may try using figure-8 mode to get a tighter sound on the vocal while rejecting the guitar in the null point of the figure-8 pattern. On the other side of the C 414 XL II, you'll find a four-position bass-cut filter, adjustable to 40 Hz, 80 Hz, or 160 Hz. Select 160 Hz to offset the bass-boost that goes along with the proximity effect inherent to a figure-8 pattern, and there you have it: a tight vocal sound with a minimum of cranking around on an EQ. LEDs illuminate your choice of high-pass frequency for quick visual confirmation from the rear of the mic. (And speaking of quick visual confirmation, the front grill of the XL II is bright gold, while the back is black. It's an unmistakable update to a classic design.)

Incredible Dynamic Range

Go ahead and use it on screaming guitar amps, thrashing drums, a bagpipe ensemble, or a cathedral organ: the C 414 XL II's multi-position pad can attenuate its input down -6, -12, or -18 dB. When it's time to mic up the cannon that the United States Marine Corps Band uses on the 1812 Overture, the 414 can handle an earwax-melting 158 dB SPL with its -18 dB pad switched in. If even a millisecond of distortion occurs from clipping at the microphone, red LEDs will illuminate for about 2 seconds, so you'll know when it's time to engage the pad (or maybe back off the mic a bit from your source) But if you do happen to be recording a very quiet source, the XL II's electronics are even quieter, with an extremely low 6 dB-A self-noise. Long story short, with a dynamic range of 152 dB, there's not a lot you can't record with the C 414 XL II.

Get an overview of the AKG C 414 XL II Condenser Microphone in this video demo:

Features:

- Modern version of the classic C 414 with a presence boost well-suited to vocals and lead instruments
- Capsule based on the legendary CK 12 delivers spatial detail useful for distance-mic applications like drum rooms or classical ensembles
- Nine switchable pickup patterns, three bass-cut filters and three pad levels to suit any sound source
- Lock mode disables controls for installations and live situations
- Peak Hold LEDs illuminate to display overload peaks
- Low noise floor and 152 dB dynamic range
- Comes with AKG's PF 80 pop filter, foam windscreen, spider-suspension shock mount, and foam-lined aluminum flight case

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.p65Warnings.ca.gov.

Specs

- Polar pattern: Omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure eight and 4 intermediate settings
- Frequency range: 20 to 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 20 mV/Pa (-34 dBV) +/- 0.5 dB
- Max. SPL: 200/400/800/1600 Pa = 140/146/152/158 dB (0/-6/-12/-18 dB) for 0.5% THD
- Equivalent noise level: 6 dB-A (0 dB preattenuation) (IEC 60268-4)
- Signal/noise ratio (A-weighted): 88 dB
- Preattenuation pad: 0 dB, -6 dB, -12 dB, -18 dB, switchable
- Bass cut filter slope: 12 dB/octave at 40 Hz and 80 Hz; 6 dB/octave at 160 Hz
- Impedance: <=200 ohms
- Recommended load impedance: >= 2,200 ohms
- Supply voltage: 48 V phantom power to DIN/IEC
- Powering: approximately 4 mA
- Connector: 3-pin XLR to IEC
- Finish: dark grey/gold
- Dimensions: 2.0 x 1.5 x 6.3"
- Net weight: 300 g (10.6 oz.)

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Single: Shipping Weight: 4.25 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 12 x 9 x 6 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): 3059X00060

Documents and Manuals

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 818-920-3212

Brochure

Manual

Specifications Sheet

AKG's Description

AKG C 414 XL II Condenser Microphone

The C414 XL II is the successor of the famous C414 B-TL II. It shows the unique sonic signature of the highly sought after AKG C12 which enables lead vocals and solo instruments to be placed even in a dense mix. The unrivaled up-front sound is also well-known for distant miking applications like classic music recording or drum ambiance miking.

The XL II version differs from the XLS version in one major respect - the capsule. Both, the slight presence boost and the impressive spatial reproduction is similar to the legendary C12 microphones.

Features

- AKG C 414 - A legend since 1971
- Nine selectable pickup patterns enables to choose the perfect setting for every application
- Lock Mode: all controls can be disabled easily for trouble-free use
- Peak Hold LED even detects shortest overload peaks
- Incredible Dynamic Range of 152 dB
- Three switchable different bass cut filters and three pre-attenuation levels
- Leading-edge technology and state-of-the-art components ensure shortest signal path and extra protection against moisture
- Designed, Engineered and Built in Vienna, Austria

For over 60 years, leading musicians and engineers have used legendary AKG microphones to capture their sound so their audience hears every nuance. The C414 family has been one of the world's most widely-used and respected studio and stage microphones in audio history. AKG has continually set benchmarks for useful features, improved technical specifications and ease of use to answer requests from ever-demanding recording studios, broadcast stations and audio engineers.

The models C414 XLS and C414 XLII offer nine pickup patterns which enable to choose the perfect setting for every application. For live-sound applications and permanent installations all controls can be disabled easily for trouble-free use. A Peak Hold LED displays even shortest overload peaks.

The C414 comes complete with carrying case, pop filter, windscreen, and spider-type shock mount.

Reviews

(20 ratings)

Submitted July 25, 2012 by Gabriel R in Baytown, TX

"AKG C414 XL2"

Overall:

(see rating details)

Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

Killer mic!! Period.

Sound

I love options and this mic has 'em!! I record flamenco guitar and an occassional percussive instrument. I will definitely be getting another one in the near future. This mic is also great for mid/side recordings!!

Features

The multiple patterns are worth having as options. Its like have a couple of mics in one!

Ease of Use

This microphone and a nice preamp can get you an awesome sound! I use a FMR RNP preamp with this mic and a SM 81 for stereo or m/s recordings.

Quality

Seems like a sturdy mic as far as quality, since I dont plan on banging it against something anytime soon, but it seems like it can hold its ground.

Value

Definitely worth it! Will be getting another one soon!

Manufacturer Support

Havent had to use 'em.

The Wow Factor

Wow factor-the way it captures my sound, enough said! Just get one..