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AKG C 414 XLS 9-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Accurately capture any source with AKG's most neutral C 414 model. The C 414 XLS updates a legendary large-diaphragm condenser with 9 pickup patterns.
$1,319.00
- 18 x
- 12 x$109.92
- 8 x$164.88
AKG C414 B-XLS 5-Pattern Condenser Microphone
No longer available at zZounds
High sensitivity. 5 switchable polar patterns. 3 switchable bass cut filters. 3 pre-attenuation pads.
Overview
Reference-quality microphone especially used for accurate, beautifully-detailed pickup of any acoustic instrument
With the introduction of the NeXt Generation C 414 B-XL 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
5 switchable polar patterns for placement and application flexibility
2-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.
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 transformer-less output stage
3 switchable bass cut filters and 3 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… read more via standard microphone cable and 3-pin XLR-type connectors
Absolute Reliability
The solid metal housing and transformer-less output stage combine to make the C 414 B-XL microphones immune to electrical interference from digital equipment, video monitors or from rf from wireless microphone or other communications systems.
5 Polar Patterns
The twin-diaphragm system gives you a choice of five different polar patterns (omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, and figure eight). The diaphragm is made from a special gold-sputtered plastic foil and the gold layer is deposited on the diaphragm only on the outer sides to prevent short circuiting to the back plate if strong blasts of air are applied.
Elastic Capsule Suspension
Structurally transmitted vibrations that interfere and color the sound are almost completely eliminated thanks to a new elastic capsule suspension system.
3 Switchable Pre-Attenuation Levels
Pre-attenuation levels are controlled by changes in the polarization voltage of the capsule and permit increases of 6, 12 or 18 dB in the maximum sound pressure level for close-up recording or for use on high-output sources.
3 switchable Bass Filters
The switchable bass-cut filters reduce sonic coloration and the risk of low frequency distortion. The slope of the 40 and 80 Hz filters is more than 12 dB-per-octave and these are especially useful in combating wind noise or vibrations from stage floors. The 160 Hz filter has a gentler 6 dB-per-octave slope useful in minimizing proximity effect.
Predictable Performance Even in Humid Conditions
To minimize the negative effects of humidity, all switching circuits are located in a sealed low-impedance section to prevent problems. To test the stability of our microphones' performance, they are tested in simulated climatic conditions between -25° C (-13° F) and +65° C (+149° F) as well as relative humidity as high as 99% (immediately below point of condensation) above +20° C (+68° F). The new C 414 B models can handle temperature extremes anywhere and still deliver perfect performance. read less
With the introduction of the NeXt Generation C 414 B-XL 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
5 switchable polar patterns for placement and application flexibility
2-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.
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 transformer-less output stage
3 switchable bass cut filters and 3 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… read more via standard microphone cable and 3-pin XLR-type connectors
Absolute Reliability
The solid metal housing and transformer-less output stage combine to make the C 414 B-XL microphones immune to electrical interference from digital equipment, video monitors or from rf from wireless microphone or other communications systems.
5 Polar Patterns
The twin-diaphragm system gives you a choice of five different polar patterns (omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, and figure eight). The diaphragm is made from a special gold-sputtered plastic foil and the gold layer is deposited on the diaphragm only on the outer sides to prevent short circuiting to the back plate if strong blasts of air are applied.
Elastic Capsule Suspension
Structurally transmitted vibrations that interfere and color the sound are almost completely eliminated thanks to a new elastic capsule suspension system.
3 Switchable Pre-Attenuation Levels
Pre-attenuation levels are controlled by changes in the polarization voltage of the capsule and permit increases of 6, 12 or 18 dB in the maximum sound pressure level for close-up recording or for use on high-output sources.
3 switchable Bass Filters
The switchable bass-cut filters reduce sonic coloration and the risk of low frequency distortion. The slope of the 40 and 80 Hz filters is more than 12 dB-per-octave and these are especially useful in combating wind noise or vibrations from stage floors. The 160 Hz filter has a gentler 6 dB-per-octave slope useful in minimizing proximity effect.
Predictable Performance Even in Humid Conditions
To minimize the negative effects of humidity, all switching circuits are located in a sealed low-impedance section to prevent problems. To test the stability of our microphones' performance, they are tested in simulated climatic conditions between -25° C (-13° F) and +65° C (+149° F) as well as relative humidity as high as 99% (immediately below point of condensation) above +20° C (+68° F). The new C 414 B models can handle temperature extremes anywhere and still deliver perfect performance. read less
Specs
Type: 1 in. 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
Standard Accessories: H 85, Sound Tool Case, PF 80, W 414 X
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
Standard Accessories: H 85, Sound Tool Case, PF 80, W 414 X
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
(18 ratings)
Submitted December 26, 2009 by a customer from gmail.com
"A versatile mic for both male & female vocals."
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Sound
I actually got a chance to compare the C414 with the Studio Projects C1, Neuman TLM-103, and an MXL V69, all hooked up to a Studio Projects VTB-1 pre-amp in my home studio. The C1 sounded weak and more high-colored than I would like, the C414 sounded flat but natural, the TLM 103 sounded terrible with both my voice & my girlfriend's voice as there was no warm and too much high color, the V69 sounded great with my girlfriend's voice but was a little dull with my voice (I have decently-warm voice, while she has high voice, we both are performing singers).
I sold all the other mics and kept the C414. Not quite sure what happened with the Neuman, cuz it was supposed to be the most expensive. I'm quite happy with my choice, and have stopped upgrading my mic since then. It is a versatile mic and sound good on different type of vocals.
Value
It is a little more expensive than most people like to spend for their home studio.
Manufacturer Support
Have not needed support
Musical Background:
Singer/Songwriter
Musical Style:
Vocal/Pop
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