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.
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.
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.
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.
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).