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OmnidirectionalCardioidHypercardioidBidirectionalWide CardioidAKG Acoustics C 414 B-XLS

  Street: $799 / MSRP: $1,080 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

AKG Acoustics C 414 B-XLS

Description

The C 414B-XLS is a transformerless multipattern FET condenser microphone. It is a descendant of AKG’s classic C 414 microphone, but has little in common with the original beyond the name. To confuse matters, it is nearly identical to the C 414B-XL-II, differing only in its capsule and frequency response.

The two modern versions of the 414 mic differ in their application. The XL-II has a presence peak suitable for vocal applications, whereas the XLS has a flatter response, more suitable for instrument reproduction.

C414B CircuitFeatures of the C 414 B-XLS include:

  • 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 electromagnetic 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 (under development) offers full control of all switchable parameters via standard microphone cable and 3-pin XLR-type connectors

C414B Frequency Response ComparisonHow does the C 414B XLS differ from the C 414B-XL-II?

As noted above, the XLS is the flatter-response version of the mic.

Contrary to some reports, both mics are transformerless, and in fact share all the same pads, filters, patterns, and parts (with few exceptions). The only differences we can discern are:

  1. The grille is silver on the XLS, and gold on the XL-II.
  2. The capsules are different. While both are descendants of the CK12 capsule, and both use the newer snap-and-glue, Teflon-ring construction technique, the part numbers differ: 2072Z0022 for the XLS, and 2072Z0023 for the XL-II. More importantly, the frequency response of the two mics is very different.

The C414 ships with a foam windscreen, elastic shockmount, and a pop filter in a metal flightcase.

Also available as a matched stereo pair; p/n C 414 B-XLS/ST.

The AKG Acoustics C 414 B-XLS is also known as: C414B-XLS, C 414 B-XLS.

Specifications

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Omnidirectional (23 mV/Pa; 20 to 20,000 Hz)
Cardioid (23 mV/Pa; 20 to 20,000 Hz)
Hypercardioid (23 mV/Pa; 20 to 20,000 Hz)
Bidirectional (23 mV/Pa; 20 to 20,000 Hz)
Wide Cardioid (23 mV/Pa; 20 to 20,000 Hz)
  • Pad: -6 dB pad (Via Switch)
  • Pad: -12 dB pad (Via Switch)
  • Pad: -18 dB pad (Via Switch)
  • Filter: 12 dB/octave at 40 Hz (Via Switch)
  • Filter: 12 dB/octave at 80 Hz (Via Switch)
  • Filter: 6 dB/octave at 160 Hz (Via Switch)
Capsule Dimensions Impedance SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 24mm
 200 Ohms (Low) Max SPL: 200 dB
Self-noise: 6.0 dB(A)
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
300g (10.58oz) 160mm (6.30'') 50mm (1.97'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires phantom power
  • Phantom voltage: 48v

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