AKG C 414 B-XLS

Dolphin ID: 4220

Manufacturer SKU: C 414 B-XLS
Take It Away

Web Price: £ 525.00 inc VAT

  • SRP: £ 999.99
  • Save £ 474.99 (47%)

Availability: 3 in stock

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  • Product Description
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With the introduction of the NeXt Generation C 414 B-XLS models, AKG sets new benchmarks for useful features, improved technical specifications, ease of use and available accessories. All of these improvements are answers to requests from ever-demanding recording studios, broadcast stations and concert engineers, but with the basic sonic character of the legendary C 414 unaltered.

Features

  • High sensitivity and extremely low self noise
  • Five switchable polar patterns for placement and application flexibility
  • Two-color LEDs provide quick visual indication of selected polar pattern and output overload
  • Elastic capsule suspension greatly minimizes structurally-transmitted noise from chassis vibration
  • H 85 professional shock mount/stand adapter, PF 80 external pop filter and W 414 X external windscreen.

Additional features:

  • High sound pressure level capability and wide dynamic range
  • Completely immune to electrostatic and electro-magnetic interference from digital gear, computer monitors, etc. thanks to solid metal housing and transformerless output stage
  • Three switchable bass cut filters and three pre-attenuation pads with LEDs for quick visual indication
  • All switchable components operate in low impedance circuits for ultra-high reliability even in extremely humid conditions
  • Optional R 414 remote control unit (available by the end of 2004) offers full control of all switchable parameters via standard microphone cable and 3-pin XLR-type connectors
  • Also available in stereo pair.
  • The matched pairs consist of two microphones that come closest to each other in sensitivity and frequency response when used in the cardioid mode. The kit includes all the standard accessories of the deluxe package (excluding the PF 80) along with a stereo bar and proof of performance charts. 

Specifications

  • Type - 1-inch large-diaphragm pressure gradient microphone
  • Polar pattern - Omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure eight
  • Frequency range - 20 to 20,000 Hz (see frequency response traces)
  • Sensitivity -  23 mV/Pa (-33 dBV) ± 0.5 dB
  • Max. SPL - 200/400/800/1600 Pa = 140/146/152/158 dB SPL (0/-6/-12/-18 dB) (for 0.5% THD)
  • Equivalent noise level (CCIR 468-2) - 20 dB (0 dB preattenuation)
  • Equivalent noise level -  6 dB-A (0 dB preattenuation) (DIN 45 412, A-weighted)
  • Signal/noise ratio - 88 dB
  • Preattenuation pad -  -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
  • Current consumption - approximately 4.5 mA
  • Dynamic range - 134 dB minimum
  • Environment - Temperature range: -10° C to +60° C (14° F to 140° F) - Relative humidity: 95% (+20° C/68° F), 85% (+60° C/140° F)
  • Connector - 3-pin XLR to IEC
  • Dimensions - 50 x 38 x 160 mm (2.0 x 1.5 x 6.3 in.)
  • Net weight - 300 g (10.6 oz.)
  • Patent(s) - AT 395.225, DE 4.103.784, JP 2.815.488

AKG 414 b-xls

Owen Carter
November 21, 2006

Rating: 10/10

There is little more that can be said about the AKG 414 microphone. It’s been around for years, and it’s probably the most recognizable mic in the world. A tried and tested, reliable and durable workhorse capable of recording practically anything.

My favourite microphone for recording close, intimate vocals; in my opinion it beats the Neumann’s U87 and other leading mics of 3 times the price because of its versatility and solid build. The new version has electronic switches, with LEDs showing current settings. Enough to transform an amateur demo into a professional recording; this really is the mutt's nuts.

Sound great on everything (a bold statement but true)

joe cleere
October 4, 2006

Rating: 9/10

I first came across the mic in chilli studios dublin (Brian Mcfadden studio) and then bought one of my own!
Some might question how i could give a mic a score of 9 out of 10!, high by any standards. Its simple:

Sound:

The shear sonic quality of the akg 414 xls b is excellent, its detailed, crisp, natural, transperant, yet smooth and never harsh.

What can i use it on?:

Its biggest attribute sonically is that it sounds good on everything, I put it in front of my acoustic guitar where the neck meets the body position, and found excellent results, a full bodied yet crisp acoustic sound.
I use it instead of an sm57 in a close micing setup(about 2inches of the cone, with a little off axis) on my guitar amp, in cooperation with a rode nt5(also a great mic) at 1metre back.

I have used it on a snare drum with excellent results, greenday have one on their snare on there live dvd bullet in a bible, check it out!

On violin it sounds excellent capturing every detail yet keeping the sound smooth.

And last but not least vocals! Although akg recommend the gold version for lead vocal i can tell you that this mic is great for vocals. I have used it on both female and male vocals with equaly great results,although I do recommend a good tube preamp to warm up the signal (reason why i dropped a point)not that the mic isn\'t warm but if you want a little more colour in your sound use a tube pre.(from dear to cheap: avalon, Tl audio ivory2, DBX 376, behringer ultragain 1953 ect.)

To here the mic in action check out my song

\"No Raindrop\" at http://www.jcleere.com/Music.htm

It was recorded in chilli studios dublin and everything you hear is the akg 414 xls b, vocal, violins, guitar you name it.

Technical stuff:

The mic has an extremely low noise floor. This is actually vital for capturing quiet or delicate sounds, I used it to capture a glass bottle breaking for a film, and silence meant silence!

The mic is also full of handy gadgets like variable pad switches (on the back of the mic) this allows loud sources to be recorded without clipping like my amp or the snare!

The low cut is also handy to dispel any unwanted rumble.

The variable patterns offer a great many sonic options, although i mainly use it on carboid for everything!

Package

When i bought mine Im not sure what packege is on offer here but there was a shockmount,pop shield and a windscreen included in a classy silver case.

Price

Mine cost about €900, pricey I know but its in the same league as the nueman u87(€2200) in fact some prefer the akg, they compete side by side in top studios across the world. Although if you are very limited on budget then SE or Akg perception would be fine, not the same though!

Overall: A great mic for everything, easy to use, sturdy, excellent sound, reasonably priced, professional, just use a tube pre and youre sorted for almost every application!

Competition - Have your say

Have your say and submit your own product review on the AKG C 414 B-XLS
Please let us know what you think of the AKG C 414 B-XLS or any other product on our site. The best review chosen from all that are submitted this month will win a fantastic pair of M-Audio IE-30 - High-Definition Professional Reference Earphones with Dual-Driver Technology worth £189.00 M-Audio IE-30
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