AKG C414 XLII Review

Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

18,109 reviews
akg.com
AKG
  • For Voice, Instruments, Drums & Cabs
  • Nine Selectable Polar Patterns
  • Voicing Similar to Legendary C12 Mic
  • Completely Immune to EMI and ESI
  • Highly Reliable in Humid Conditions
  • Switchable Pad at -6, -12, or -18 dB
  • Low-Cut Filter at 40, 80, or 160 Hz
  • Shockmount Inhibits Vibration Noise
  • Windscreen, Pop Filter, and Metal Case
  • Operates on 48V Phantom Power

Introduction

In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 18,109 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the AKG C414 XLII. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.

Ratings Based on Features

These results are a summary of user reviews of the AKG C414 XLII. For example, 92% of 3,590 users who have commented on the Value for money of the AKG C414 XLII have given positive feedback.

92%
Value for money
92% of users are satisfied, based on 3,590 reviews
95%
Sound quality
95% of users are satisfied, based on 3,590 reviews
82%
Quality of material
82% of users are satisfied, based on 1,164 reviews
90%
Sheerness
90% of users are satisfied, based on 1,164 reviews
96%
Versatility
96% of users are satisfied, based on 1,164 reviews
98%
Accuracy
98% of users are satisfied, based on 1,093 reviews
Average Rating (18,109 ratings)
93%
Amazon.com ( 2,325 ratings )
92%
Amazon.sa ( 2,212 ratings )
94%
Amazon.ae ( 2,212 ratings )
94%
Amazon.co.uk ( 1,143 ratings )
94%
Amazon.it ( 1,125 ratings )
94%
Amazon.nl ( 1,119 ratings )
94%
Amazon.com.au ( 1,107 ratings )
94%
Amazon.sg ( 1,106 ratings )
94%
Amazon.de ( 1,096 ratings )
92%
Amazon.fr ( 1,095 ratings )
94%
Amazon.ca ( 584 ratings )
92%
Amazon.cn ( 438 ratings )
94%
Amazon.es ( 390 ratings )
92%
Amazon.com.mx ( 307 ratings )
92%
Amazon.pl ( 304 ratings )
90%
Amazon.in ( 211 ratings )
92%
Amazon.eg ( 211 ratings )
92%
Amazon.co.jp ( 210 ratings )
92%
Amazon.com.tr ( 207 ratings )
92%
Amazon.se ( 207 ratings )
92%
Amazon.com.br ( 205 ratings )
92%
Thomann ( 135 ratings )
98%
B&H Photo Video ( 56 ratings )
100%
SweetWater ( 48 ratings )
100%
Reverb ( 24 ratings )
97%
Guitar Center ( 18 ratings )
91%
Musicians Friend ( 12 ratings )
100%
Zzounds ( 2 ratings )
100%
Show more

Highlighted Customer Reviews

Showing 21 to 40 of 55 Reviews

Wonderful on vocals

AKG C414 XLII Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone Review

AKG C414 XLII Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

Jun 1, 2022

Reviewed by Jared on Guitar Center

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.

QUALITY INSTRUMENTS!

AKG C414 XLII Multi-Pattern Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Review

AKG C414 XLII Multi-Pattern Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Dec 21, 2015

Reviewed by GEORGE SULSER on B&H Photo Video

I HAVE A HOME STUDIO AND THE AKG C414 XLII SETS AN EXAMPLE FOR RECORDING VOICES. IT HAS A BRIGHT END NOT SUITABLE FOR ALL INSTRUMENT RECORDINGS BUT IF YOU PLAN TO USE THIS MIC FOR VOCALS, BE SURE YOU HAVE CHOSEN THE BEST. THE APOLLO TWIN DUO PROVIDES ULTRA LOW LATENCY AND IN ADDITION TO THE UAD PLUGINS IT WORKS REALLY NICE.

Great mic, not for everyone

AKG C414 XLII Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone Review

AKG C414 XLII Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone

Jul 19, 2019

Reviewed by Rowan M. on Reverb

Got this mic for pop and indie vocals. The sound just wasn't for me. The presence / brightness boost makes it uncomfortable to EQ at times. Can be perfect for some voices just not for mine. Great mic, just not for everyone.

Great, Intimate Microphones

AKG C414 XLII Multi-Pattern Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Review

AKG C414 XLII Multi-Pattern Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Apr 26, 2014

Reviewed by Curtis on B&H Photo Video

AKG 414's are so versatile. The XL II's are very intimate, perfect for small room recordings and up-close & personal instrumental sounds. I love using them in Mid/Side for stereo recordings. They sound super clean and airy, and I'm especially enjoing them on singer-songwriter stuff.

BREASTT

AKG C414 XLII Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone Review

AKG C414 XLII Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

Jun 7, 2010

Reviewed by Joel Murphy on Guitar Center

I don't own this mic but we use it at my church we have choir risers that go 12feet deep 5 feet high and you can here the person in the back just as well as the person in the front.. everything's level and balanced.. a little price for some but totally worth it

Ads

AKG C414 XLII Multi-Pattern Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
$1099
B&H Photo Video
AKG C414 XLII Multi-Pattern Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
AKG C414 XLII ST Multi-Pattern Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone (Matched Pair Stereo Set)
$2499
B&H Photo Video
AKG C414 XLII ST Multi-Pattern Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone (Matched Pair Stereo Set)
AKG C414 XLII Microphone and Universal Audio LA-610 Recording Kit
$2499
B&H Photo Video
AKG C414 XLII Microphone and Universal Audio LA-610 Recording Kit
AKG C414 XLII Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
$1279
SweetWater
AKG C414 XLII Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
AKG C414 XLII/ST Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Matched Pair
$2739
SweetWater
AKG C414 XLII/ST Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Matched Pair
AKG C414 XLII and Apollo Twin X QUAD Heritage Edition Vocal Recording Bundle
$2555
SweetWater
AKG C414 XLII and Apollo Twin X QUAD Heritage Edition Vocal Recording Bundle
AKG C414 XLII and Apollo Twin MKII DUO Vocal Recording Bundle
$2199
SweetWater
AKG C414 XLII and Apollo Twin MKII DUO Vocal Recording Bundle
AKG C414 XLII and Apollo Twin X DUO Heritage Edition Vocal Recording Bundle
$2169
SweetWater
AKG C414 XLII and Apollo Twin X DUO Heritage Edition Vocal Recording Bundle
AKG C414 XLII and Apollo x4 Heritage Edition Vocal Recording Bundle
$3125
SweetWater
AKG C414 XLII and Apollo x4 Heritage Edition Vocal Recording Bundle
AKG C414 XLII and Apollo Twin MKII DUO Heritage Edition Vocal Recording Bundle
$2069
SweetWater
AKG C414 XLII and Apollo Twin MKII DUO Heritage Edition Vocal Recording Bundle
AKG C414 XLII + ISA One Recording Package
$1855
SweetWater
AKG C414 XLII + ISA One Recording Package
AKG C414 XLII and Apollo Twin USB DUO Heritage Edition Vocal Recording Bundle
$2125
SweetWater
AKG C414 XLII and Apollo Twin USB DUO Heritage Edition Vocal Recording Bundle
AKG C414 XLII
799€
Thomann
AKG C414 XLII
AKG C414 XLII Stereo Set
1695€
Thomann
AKG C414 XLII Stereo Set
AKG C414 XLII/ST Matched Pair with Stands and Cables
$2989
SweetWater
AKG C414 XLII/ST Matched Pair with Stands and Cables
AKG C414 XLII Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone with Stand and Cable
$1379
SweetWater
AKG C414 XLII Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone with Stand and Cable
AKG C414 XLII and Apollo Twin USB DUO Vocal Recording Bundle
$2249
SweetWater
AKG C414 XLII and Apollo Twin USB DUO Vocal Recording Bundle
AKG C414 XLII Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
$1319
Guitar Center
AKG C414 XLII Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
AKG C414 XLII/ST Matched Pair Microphone
$2825
Guitar Center
AKG C414 XLII/ST Matched Pair Microphone
AKG Acoustics C414 XLII Matched Pair Studio Condenser Microphone, Set of 2
$2739
Adorama
AKG Acoustics C414 XLII Matched Pair Studio Condenser Microphone, Set of 2
AKG Acoustics AKG C414 XL II Large Diaphragm Microphone
$1279
Adorama
AKG Acoustics AKG C414 XL II Large Diaphragm Microphone
AKG C414 XLII Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
$1279
Musicians Friend
AKG C414 XLII Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
AKG C414 XLII/ST Matched Pair Microphone
$2739
Musicians Friend
AKG C414 XLII/ST Matched Pair Microphone
AKG C414 XLII Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
$764.08
Reverb
AKG C414 XLII Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
AKG C414 XLII/ST Stereo Matched Pair
$1713.14
Reverb
AKG C414 XLII/ST Stereo Matched Pair
AKG C 414 XL II 9-Pattern Condenser Microphone
$1279
Zzounds
AKG C 414 XL II 9-Pattern Condenser Microphone
AKG C414 XL II ST Large-Diaphragm 9-Pattern Condenser Microphones, Stereo Matched Pair
$2739
Zzounds
AKG C414 XL II ST Large-Diaphragm 9-Pattern Condenser Microphones, Stereo Matched Pair

Great All Around

AKG C414 XLII Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone Review

AKG C414 XLII Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

Jun 6, 2010

Reviewed by Nick Patronella on Guitar Center

This mic is a great all around mic with switchable polar patterns which always comes in handy. they sound great as drum overheads, and drum room mics. They always are good with acoustic guitars as well. Stereo pairs are affordable, and reliable. A great standard in the recording world.

Classic, but only sounds ok.

AKG C414 XLII Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone Review

AKG C414 XLII Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

Aug 11, 2012

Reviewed by Benjamin Mell on Guitar Center

I am tempted to rate this lower than three stars because I don't like the way it sounds... The only thing stopping me is that I know it's a classic mic and I've heard it sound especially good on one person's voice. If you have a bunch of mics already and just want to broaden your palate, I can comfortably say this is a decent mic to pick up. But if you are looking for one great vocal mic, or even a pair of overheads for drums, I would go a different direction. I have used the AKG 414 as a vocal mic and a pair of them as overheads. On vocals, they lack some sparkle on top. Similarly, when putting them on overheads, it just doesn't impress me. As far as overheads are concerned, I've moved to a pair of Shure Beta 57As and that sounds great. Those also sound good on vocals, which is what they were designed for, I think. They're only $500 for a pair. ... More

Quality and Clarity!

AKG C414 XLII Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone Review

AKG C414 XLII Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

Jun 6, 2010

Reviewed by Mike on Guitar Center

The AKG 414 is my choice foe so many applications. I would put it in the same class as a U87. Great for vocals, acoustic guitar, strings etc. I have used the 414 since the 1980's. You will love it!

Excellent setup for recording professional vocals at home

AKG C414 XLII Multi-Pattern Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Review

AKG C414 XLII Multi-Pattern Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Jun 15, 2016

Reviewed by Hamilton on B&H Photo Video

I've been using it to record vocals and direct keyboards and guitar. The Unison pre-amp that comes along with the Apollo sounds great and allows me to get professional sounding vocals without all the expensive studio gear. Also great for recording stereo keyboards with a bit of analog crunch or completely clean pre-amps.

Cristilline and classic

AKG C414 XLII Multi-Pattern Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Review

AKG C414 XLII Multi-Pattern Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Dec 19, 2010

Reviewed by Gravelhair Studios on B&H Photo Video

The 414 has earned its place as a classic microphone. I had been using Rodes as overhead mics for drums in my studio, but I had never been satisfied, they just couldn't bring out the details and the delicate nature of the cymbals. The 414s do that, while retaining oomph in the toms.

Top-notch mic

AKG C414 XLII Multi-Pattern Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Review

AKG C414 XLII Multi-Pattern Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Mar 28, 2016

Reviewed by the artist on B&H Photo Video

I love this mic. Coming from a sub$ mic to this, the difference is insane. Excellent sounding recordings without adding any mixing to it yet.

AKG C414

AKG C414 XLII Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone Review

AKG C414 XLII Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone

Mar 29, 2019

Reviewed by Joseph E. on Reverb

I absolutley love this Mic! My voice sometimes hits some frequencies that on other mics would really bother me. This mic somehow eliminates that. One of the best mics at the price point in my opinion.

Well Dayum Shun!!

AKG C414 XLII Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone Review

AKG C414 XLII Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone

Mar 16, 2019

Reviewed by Chancellor D. on Reverb

Plugged it in and INSTANTLY noticed a big improvement in head room vs. The scarlett mic I was using from focusrite. This mic is a must for those who want vocals to sit well in a mix with minimal effort! Vocals sound lush and professional

Awesome mic

AKG C414 XLII Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone Review

AKG C414 XLII Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

Apr 16, 2016

Reviewed by Tyler on Guitar Center

Upgraded from the 214 and absolutely love it

Careful when buying used. Expected better quality.

AKG C414 XLII Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone Review

AKG C414 XLII Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

Nov 8, 2022

Reviewed by Terry on Guitar Center

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!

Finest quality for recording

AKG C414 XLII Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone Review

AKG C414 XLII Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

Nov 3, 2016

Reviewed by Mega on Guitar Center

Great mic for its price

AKG C414 XLII/ST Stereo Matched Pair Review

AKG C414 XLII/ST Stereo Matched Pair

Apr 15, 2020

Reviewed by Fernando L. on Reverb

Great pair of mics, they create the perfect overhead image for drums, and are exceptional on guitars and vocals

AKG C414 XLII Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone Review

AKG C414 XLII Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone

Nov 11, 2017

Reviewed by Joseph B. on Reverb

j ai du le renvoyer. frais de douane trop chère je n ai toujours pas récupéré mon argent j attend des nouvelles.

Mic Works Great

AKG C414 XLII Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone Review

AKG C414 XLII Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone

Jun 5, 2018

Reviewed by Blake C. on Reverb

I love this mic and all the different patterns it can do. Sounds great raw so you mixes sound even better!

Great Reference Mic!

AKG C414 XLII Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone Review

AKG C414 XLII Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone

Dec 20, 2018

Reviewed by Case F. on Reverb

I use a pair of these mics as drum overheads and they work great! They are very clear and clean, making the mixing process much easier.

Showing 21 to 40 of 55 Reviews