AKG C414 XLII

159

Condenser Large Diaphragm Microphone

Successor to the C 414B-TLII
Now with 9 switchable polar patterns (cardioid, wide-cardioid, hypercardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8 + 4 intermediate positions)
Frequency range: 20 - 20,000 Hz
Dynamic range: 140 dB(SPL) max
Improved detail above 4kHz
Lock mode to save the settings
Peak-Hold display
Status LEDs
3-Way switchable bass cut filter (0/40/80/160 Hz)
3 Preattenuation pads (0/-6/-12/-18 dB)
Microphone capsule: CK12
Transformerless XLR Output (FET)
Incl. elastic mount (H85), pop filter (PF80), windshield (W414X) and aluminium case

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

3-Year Thomann Warranty

Available since February 2010

Item number 240602

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

£789

All prices incl. VAT

Delivery free of charge expected between Friday, 15.11. and Monday, 18.11.

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in Large Diaphragm Microphones

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The latest edition of a vintage classic

One of the main reasons for buying an AKG C414 XLII is simply that it is an AKG C414. The highly versatile C414, of which the XLII shown here is the latest incarnation, was launched in 1971 and has since become an industry standard and 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. Moreover, the AKG C414 XLII is currently available with a surprisingly low price tag that belies its exceptional quality and reputation.

A whole host of recording options

Unlike the lower-priced XLS, the AKG C414 XLII is based on the original C414 design, which has a slight presence boost and a subtle brightness that is particularly flattering on vocals. Both models provide a myriad of options for use in a wide variety of recording situations, however. The C414 XLII's nine polar patterns range from omnidirectional to figure-of-eight and everything in between, three bass roll-offs (at 40Hz, 80Hz, and 160Hz, respectively) and three attenuation pads (at 6dB, 12dB, and 18dB). It also 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, wind shield, and an aluminium case are all included.

Genuinely versatile

The AKG C414 XLII 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 in almost any conceivable situation, 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 XLII 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, due to specific and sophisticated innovations in their field. One example is the first large-diaphragm condenser microphone with remote-controlled, switchable polar pattern (D12) – 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 of quality and outstanding sound.

A classic choice for studio or stage

Thanks to its sturdy construction, the AKG C414 XLII 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. Alongside the above, the AKG C414 is most frequently used in pairs for stereo recordings of grand pianos and as an overhead on drums, and as mentioned above it also performs extremely well as a close mic on snare drums (often placed on the resonant head).

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159 Customer ratings

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4.9 / 5

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88 Reviews

A microphone with a good history

Gilo 891 29.06.2020

Given the well-earned reputation of this microphone, I can add little to what has already has been said. I looked at other mics in the field for vocalists in studio situations. The nine different polar patterns was a significant aspect for me as in due course I will purchase another and use them in a stereo pair formation with a wide a cardioid setting. Given that the manufacturing quality seems to be high suggests the tolerances may be such that two may be used together without being a matched pair.
My C414’s first application as a soloist microphone was in a sea shanty choir where each member of the group did a lead for a song they had chosen. Each member approached the microphone in different ways using a pop filter from the bundle AKG provide. Some sang close; other more distant but whatever the take they all sounded as good one might expect given its long history from the legendary C12 forward.

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Probably the best on the market

Xalyth 25.06.2020

To be honest, I've tried many microphones. I decided to go for a professional ones. This is by far one of, if not, the best microphone I ever tried. And I've tried quite the variety which are well known brands (USB and XLR).
The clarity of the sound is just unbelievable.
The packaging is unreal: Comes in a metal box with the essensials, mount-shock, air pop filter, foam, a small bag for the microphone and the mic itself.
All the options are there for any kind of professional use. It would be an overkill for youtube but I don't regret it. Not one bit.

Only con i'd associate to this Mic is that it is extremely fragile and you have to be really careful with it. Other than that, it's worth every Cent.

It's not cheap but if you ask for perfection, you have to pay for it.

Recommend it to any passionate about Music, youtube or singing.

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Sound good. Beware

Jibu 10.03.2018

Please bear in mind that the new batch of AKG C414 XLII is Made in Hungary and not Austria any more. Do not know, if there is any other difference in the product itself, because I have never used C414 before. Sounds good to my ears, compared to some other brands.

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I'm love it

Kupart 17.09.2020

I use it at the vocal (hip hop ) it sounds great, but be careful with the "s". Male voices may seem thin, but this is solved by post-processing

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AKG C414 XLII

Condenser Large Diaphragm Microphone