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OmnidirectionalCardioidHypercardioidBidirectionalWide CardioidAKG Acoustics C 414 LTD

Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

The C 414 LTD was a limited-edition version of AKG’s C414, released in 2007 to celebrate the mic’s 60-year anniversary.

It is essentially the same microphone as the C 414 B-XLS; so far as we can discern, the LTD differed from the B-XLS in the following ways:

  • The LDT is described as using “hand-selected components for optimum sonic performance and minimum tolerances.” Nonetheless, we have found no evidence that the LTD did not also share the surface-mount PCB of the B-XLS.
  • The LTD body has a nickel finish with brass grille. The B-XLS is black, with a silver grille.
  • The LTD included “luxury” versions of the standard accessories (shockmount, pop filter, case).

The published frequency graphs and polar graphs of the LTD match those of the B-XLS. The stated sensitivity, SPL, and self-noise figures are identical.

The mic provides 5 polar patterns, selectable via an electronic pushbutton control on the front of the microphone body: Omni, Wide Cardioid, Cardioid, Hypercardioid, and Figure-eight. A green LED indicates the currently selected pattern.

The same LED provides a clipping indicator; if the input signal level peaks to within 2dB of overload, the green LED turns red for 0.3 seconds.

Like its predecessors, the C414 LTD used the “nylon” version of the CK-12 capsule, a large-diaphragm design with a snap-on tensioning ring and edge- rather than center termination.

C 414 LTD, Rear ViewThe rear of the microphone provides two more electronic pushbutton controls. One enables a pad, which attenuates the mic’s signal by 6dB, 12dB, or 18dB (or 0dB/disabled). The second switch controls the high-pass filter:

  • no rolloff (disabled)
  • -12 dB/octave @ 40Hz
  • -12 dB/octave @ 80Hz
  • -6dB/octave @ 160Hz

The C414 LTD shipped with a shockmount (AKG p/n H 85 LTD), a pop screen (PF 80), a foam windscreen (W 414 LTD), an individual frequency-response graph with serial number and “production date code,” a certificate of authenticity, and a carrying case.

Permalink: AKG Acoustics C-414-LTD

The mic was released in 2007.

Specifications

Frequency Response - OmnidirectionalClick Graph to Compare!
C 414 LTD Omnidirectional Frequency Response Chart
Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare!
C 414 LTD Cardioid Frequency Response Chart
Frequency Response - HypercardioidClick Graph to Compare!
C 414 LTD Hypercardioid Frequency Response Chart
Frequency Response - BidirectionalClick Graph to Compare!
C 414 LTD Bidirectional Frequency Response Chart
Frequency Response - Wide CardioidClick Graph to Compare!
C 414 LTD Wide Cardioid Frequency Response Chart
Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Omnidirectional (23 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
Cardioid (23 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
Hypercardioid (23 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
Bidirectional (23 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
Wide Cardioid (23 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
  • Pad: -6dB (Via Switch)
  • Pad: -12dB (Via Switch)
  • Pad: -18dB (Via Switch)
  • Filter: -12 dB/octave @ 40 Hz (Via Switch)
  • Filter: -12 dB/octave @ 80 Hz (Via Switch)
  • Filter: -6 dB/octave @160 Hz (Via Switch)
Capsule Dimensions Impedance SPL/Noise
Diameter n/a
200 Ohms (Low) Max SPL: 158 dB
Self-noise: 6.0 dB(A)
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
300g (10.58oz) 160mm (6.30'') n/a
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires phantom power

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