Bundle offer comprising
Condenser large diaphragm microphone
Transport Case
One of the main reasons to buy an AKG C414 XLS is simply that it is an AKG C414. The XLS here is one reincarnation of the original from 1971, based specifically on the C414 ULS, a popular iteration from the 1980s. The AKG C414 has long been an industry standard – it's 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, at reference-level audio quality. Moreover, this AKG C414 XLS Stereo Bundle – with a full complement of accessories and a very robust flight case to transport it all with – is currently available at a surprisingly low price tag that belies its exceptional quality and reputation.
Compared to the more expensive XLII, the AKG C414 XLS has a slightly darker timbre, and in general the core sound is rather more relaxed. Both models provide a myriad of options for use in a wide variety of recording situations, however. The C414 XLS has nine polar patterns ranging from omnidirectional to figure-of-eight and everything in between, and users can also activate one of three bass roll-offs (at 40Hz, 80Hz, and 160Hz, respectively) and three attenuation pads (at 6dB, 12dB, and 18dB). It 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 any overload peaks. This stereo bundle comes packed with useful accessories: There's a shock proof elastic mount and windscreen for each mic, as well as a pair of pop filters for vocal recordings – and jetsetting musicians also get a really robust, waterproof polypropylene flight case with a pressure valve and a fixed locking mechanism.
The AKG C414 XLS 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 with almost every conceivable source, 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 XLS is also perfect on loud, close-miked sources such as snare drums: Equally, this stereo set would be particularly effective as an overhead for a drumkit or a grand piano.
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 XLS 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. A mentioned above, a matched stereo pair of C414s like the set sold here is most frequently used for recording larger instruments like concert grands and drumkits; if used individually as close mics on drums, on the other hand, they're often placed right under the resonant head. The airtight case in this bundle is ideal not just for international transport, but also for long-term storage of these premium microphones.