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AKG C414 XLII Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone | Product Overview

AKG C414 XLII Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone | Product Overview

AKG

Description

The AKG C414 XLII is a multi-pattern condenser microphone renowned for its pristine audio quality and versatility. The successor to AKG's legendary C414 B-TL II, the C414 XLII provides nine polar patterns to choose from for unparalleled control. Its impressive 134dB dynamic range captures even the subtlest nuances. Three bass-cut filters and four pre-attenuation levels allow for fine-tuning in any situation. A peak hold LED alerts users to overload peaks in an instant. Whether tracking vocals, miking an orchestra or amplifying a kick drum, the C414 XLII delivers professional results for live sound and recording applications alike.

Nine Polar Patterns Provide Sonic Versatility

With nine switchable polar patterns including cardioid, omni and figure-eight, the C414 XLII is equipped for any application. Its patterns provide varying levels of sensitivity and background noise rejection, allowing users to hone in on or capture the ambient environment. A lock mode disables all controls for trouble-free live and installation use. No matter the pickup pattern, the C414 XLII's condenser capsule ensures optimal transparency and realism.

Unmatched Dynamic Range and Frequency Response

The C414 XLII's incredible 134dB dynamic range captures every nuance, from the subtlest sounds to the loudest peaks. Its wide 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range reproduces the full audible spectrum. Three bass-cut filters—including 12dB/octave cuts at 40Hz and 80Hz and a 6dB/octave cut at 160Hz—provide low-end roll-off when needed. Four preattenuation levels (0dB, –6dB, –12dB, –18dB) allow for adjustment to suit the audio source.

Alerts Provide Instant Overload Feedback

A peak hold LED detects and displays overload peaks instantly, enabling adjustment to levels before distortion occurs. This useful feature helps users achieve optimal gain structure for clean, transparent results free of clipping. With the C414 XLII, you're in full control of your sound.

Premium Components and Timeless Design

Handcrafted in Austria to AKG's legendary standards of quality, the C414 XLII pairs a roadworthy metal body with premium electronic components for years of flawless performance. Its iconic design is a modern take on AKG's seminal C12, a mic that shaped the sound of popular music for decades. Like its forebear, the C414 XLII is built to stand the test of time.

AKG C414 XLII Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
AKG C414 XLII Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
AKG C414 XLII Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

Features

  • Sonic character of the famous AKG C12
  • Nine selectable polar patterns
  • Three attenuation levels (–6, –12, –18dB)
  • Three switchable different bass-cut filters
  • Overload warning with audio peak hold LED
warning

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Specs

Audio
  • Analog or digital: Analog
  • Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz
  • Max SPL: 134dB
  • Connectivity: XLR
Pattern and Type
  • Capsule: Condenser
  • Polar pattern: Multi-pattern
  • Type: Mounted
  • Switches: Pad, filter
  • Phantom power required: Yes
Size and Weight
  • Diameter: 1.7"
  • Length: 6.3"
  • Weight: 10.2 oz.
Included Accessories
  • Case: Yes
  • Clip: Yes
  • Shockmount: Yes
  • Power supply: N/A
  • Cable: No
  • Stand: No

Warranty

AKG Acoustics, U.S. Limited Warranty

Amended July 19, 2005

AKG Acoustics warrants AKG products against defects in material or workmanship for a period of two years from the date of original purchase, and agrees to repair or, at our option replace any defective unit without charge for either parts or labor. AKG grants a three-year warranty covering selected products (C 12 VR, C 414 B-ULS, C 414 B-TLII, C 414 B-XLS, C 414 B-XLII, C 426 B, C 451 B, C 480 B, C 391 B, C 1000 B, C 2000 S, C 3000 B, C 4000 B, C 4500 B, SolidTube) against defects in material and workmanship.

Warranty is valid for AKG products purchased and delivered within the United States for the original purchaser only. The purchaser's Bill of Sale will serve as proof of sale and warranty validity in the U.S. Shipment of defective items to AKG for repair will be at the customer's own risk and expense. AKG will assume the return shipping cost for all items repaired under warranty.

IMPORTANT: This warranty does not cover damage resulting from accident, misuse or abuse, lack of reasonable care, the affixing of any attachment not provided with the product, loss of parts, or connecting the product to any receptacle other than specified.

This warranty is void unless AKG Acoustics, U.S.'s service center performs the repair. No responsibility is assumed for any special, incidental or consequential damages caused by the consumer. However, the limitation of any right or remedy shall not be effective where law prohibits such.

Featured Articles

Reviews

4.61

18 Reviews

75%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

4

Sill harsh in the high end

There are good things and bad things about the original 414's. The good things are this: they have a very even signal response; and you can place them far away from the source and *still* get that even signal response. That even response is a pretty amazing feat for any microphone. 414's are great when set way back like in a mid/side pair for room mic's, for example. The bad thing though is that, in spite of the even response, there is a harshness in the high end, which gets in the way of capturing a more dynamic, ensemble performance. (Like, these aren't the best general room mic's.) I was hoping that, because AKG says these are more like if the 414 had a baby with a C12 -- one of the cleanest mic's ever made -- that they'd lose that harshness. But they sound almost exactly the same as the old 414! They just look fancier.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

2

Careful when buying used. Expected better quality.

Not sure I even received the right mic. The box was not for this product. No owners manual or any mfg.'s materials included and the box was for a different mic. Overall mic condition was good at best!

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Home Studio4
  2. Professional Recording4
  3. Amateur Recording2
  4. Performances1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced2
  2. Professional Musician2
Pros
  1. Good Audio5
  2. Durable4
  3. Lightweight3
  4. Easy To Use2
  5. Versatile2

Reviewed by 18 customers

  • Owned for 8 Years Now

    4

    submitted8 months ago

    byChameleon

    fromOklahoma City

    Up until recently, the nicest mic i've owned. It is bright, but I don't think it's "harsh" like I've read in reviews over the years. Good for acoustic instruments, sound design, some vocals and room mics on drums.

  • Careful when buying used. Expected better quality.

    2

    submitted3 years ago

    byTerry

    fromKnoxville, TN

    Not sure I even received the right mic. The box was not for this product. No owners manual or any mfg.'s materials included and the box was for a different mic. Overall mic condition was good at best!

  • Wonderful on vocals

    5

    submitted4 years ago

    byJared

    fromMiami, FL

    This microphone is fantastic for recording vocals. It picks up everything in the room clearly including the air conditioner. This is no problem as the mic has a built in filter that can get rid of the noise from the air conditioner. The included manual has a description for all of the different pickup patterns and their uses. The manual also says the C414 XLII is recommended for vocals, whereas the C414 XLS is recommended for overheads.

  • Finest quality for recording

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted9 years ago

    byMega

    fromBronx

    Great mic for its price

  • AKG C414 XLII

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted10 years ago

    bywaydetheblade

    fromAuburn, WA.

    I'll keep this brief: I've read, overall, many good to great things about this microphone, and I agree with most of what I heard about it. I was very impressed by the clear sound it had. This will be my go to mic for most things I record, but especially vocals. Many features to use and get used to, so it's well worth the money and effort to learn and experiment with.

  • Awesome mic

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted10 years ago

    byTyler

    fromGreenville SC

    Upgraded from the 214 and absolutely love it

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Q&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byevil roy

    frommt. hood , oregon

    IS THE 414 AKG A DUAL ADFRES CAPSULE. ( CAN YOU RECORD FROM THE FRONT AND BACK SIMULTANEOUSLY?)

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    No, the V414 is a single capsule. It is a "multi pattern" design. It will probably work, I don't know your situation or studio. There are better ways to do it.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byTb

    fromKnoxville, TN

    How do I file a review? No manual included! Doesn't seem to work well! Was bought used but….

    Open Reply - Thomas
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