AKG C414 XLS Review
Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
- For Voice, Instruments, Drums & Cabs
- Nine Selectable Polar Patterns
- 1" Capsule Maintains C414 B-ULS Sound
- 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 12,669 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the AKG C414 XLS. 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 XLS. For example, 93% of 3,381 users who have commented on the Value for money of the AKG C414 XLS have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 46 Reviews
Excellent Microphone
AKG C414 XLS Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by James Michael S. on Guitar Center
I just recently purchased this microphone with a Presonus Tube Preamp and a TC Helicon Voiceworks Plus effects system. This microphone preceeds even the more expensive microphones on the market produced by other companies. Sound quality of vocals is something I strive for constantly. Now, that I have hooked this microphone up, I have found the clarity and quality I need. The greatest feature of this microphone is the selectable patterns. Even though the individual patterns are for different applications of recording instruments and vocals, I mainly use them for different singing styles. They even accomodate different singers. I intend to use this as a studio microphone for a recording business. For anyone looking for a quality all-around microphone for everything, this is for you. Keep in mind that even though the AKG 214 (I think thats the name) is highly recommended for vocals, it is not intended for other recording applications such as instrument or drums. If you purchase this microphone you will recieve a computer read-out test of YOUR microphone's frequencies performed by AKG. Also, keep in mind that the equipment behind this microphone will make a difference too. I recommend the Presonus Tube Channel Strip Preamp to power this Microphone and control its levels, along with its built in 3 band equalization. That, in itself, offers great possibilities for straight forward clear clean vocals and mic'ed intruments along with mic'ed amplifiers. Look into voice effects too, great investment. ... More
You'll pry this mic from my fingers at my wake!
AKG C414 XLS Multi-Pattern Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Joel on B&H Photo Video
Nah, that's probably a bit of false bravado-- also not alot of Irish traditions in my family, and to say that my admiration for this mic will extend to my dying day, that I will breathe my last breath holding onto it and capturing some musical performance-- a nice picture, but how realistic, really? I guess I just metaphorically, in a Clint Eastwood kinda way, want to impress on you that, if we were all cowboys, this mic would be the six-shooter that everyone longed to have-- lawman, outlaw, everyone in between. There's a reason it's a standard of the industry and you've heard its coolly accurate wondrous alive-sounding exceptional capture on a gabazillion records. It gets and gives you what's really there. The self noise is so low, 6 decibels, that there is no self noise. Everything comes through crisply and clearly. I will confess to you-- I've cobbled together a subsistence farming kind of audio life, recording singers and ensembles, and I've always made do with gear that checked in much lower on the food chain than this. So when the house tech at a classical quartet concert had a pair of these and set them up just basically at the front edge of the stage, and offered to feed them into my tape deck, I swooned. Back in the studio mixing that performance, the 414's were smooth and airy and cast a lovely perspective on the players. Okay, that's it, I am getting myself a pair! What did I hear when I set up a pair of these for the first time in front of a guitar player? Within the ringing density of the guitar sound, a whole rainbow of colors, a detailed picture down to the granular level. The dual capsule will give you any and every polar pattern, from omni to hypercardioid, with halfway settings in between each setting! Also, four versions of low-cut roll-off, and also three levels of volume pads. A finely crafted German-engineered shockmount, and double sided (the best kind!) pop filter to affix to a mic stand. And a windsock. There are going with me everywhere from now on. Although-- this overblown elaborate packaging with all this cut-out foam-- no, give me all-put-together-and-ready-to-go in the smallest space, please. (I attach a picture of the pair suited up and ready for the showdown.) ... More
Perfect
AKG C414 XLS/ST Matched Stereo Pair
Reviewed by Greg R. on Reverb
I went back and forth shopping between the AKG C414 XLS, XLII, and considering some SDCs and other LDCs, to use primarily as drum overheads and/or drum room mics. I decided on the XLS matched pair, and they are everything I was looking for and more. There are a ton of opinions about the older C414 models, like the BULS, etc., but I find the XLS are superb, solid, exceptional microphones. They sound excellent on many sources, including drums, electric guitar amps, acoustic guitar, and on vocals- even though the XLII is specifically geared towards vocals. I find that the XLS works wonderfully for certain vocals, to differentiate from other vocal microphone colors in the mix. These microphones are extremely versatile and can take eq and compression to tailor your sound. They are extremely solidly built, and the switches and functionality are flawless. There is a “lock mode” function that allows you to lock your polarity, pads, and high pass filter settings as they are, so that you don’t accidentally change them when handling and moving the mics around. Whatever negative reviews you might read about these microphones, ignore it, because these are absolutely phenomenal professional microphones. I highly recommend. ... More
One of the first mics you should buy for serious recording.
AKG C414 XLS Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Justin C. on Reverb
The C414 XLS is very flexible and it sounds great. Its relative, the C414 XLII, is stronger in the brilliance range which makes it more suitable for voice and some instruments -- particularly lead instruments. On the other hand, the XLS has a flatter frequency response and is generally better -suited for a broader range of instruments/applications -- particularly those which have strong lows. These mics have 9 polar patterns and are available in matched pairs. Works great on just about everything in the studio -- outside of a wild drummer's reach. Seriously consider the C414s for your first professional-grade large diaphragm condenser. Take it from a former studio owner. ... More
Underrated 414 variant
AKG C414 XLS Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Matt W. on Reverb
These post-2009 "414 XLS" mics sound more like the B-ULS than the previous generation "B-XLS" mics did. The previous gen had kind of a weird top octave, whereas the new XLS has a slightly darker/flatter sound, more reminiscent of the B-ULS. The off-axis response also seems a little bit improved here vs the B-XLS. Beats earlier variants with higher SPL handling (158dB!), more patterns, and the memory/recall feature. The noise spec is insane -- 6dBA! Love these on toms, drum overheads, room/ambience, bass cabs, acoustic guitar, and voiceover. I feel like I got the sound of the B-ULS but with modern features and dynamic range. ... More
Ads
Sounds pretty close to the B-ULS but better specs
AKG C414 B XLS/ST Matched Stereo Pair
Reviewed by Matt W. on Reverb
Pretty underrated as far as 414 variants go. These Hungarian-made "414 XLS" mics sound more like the B-ULS than the previous generation "B-XLS" mics did. The previous gen had kind of a weird top octave, whereas the new XLS has a slightly darker sound, more reminiscent of the B-ULS. The off-axis response also seems a little bit improved here vs the B-XLS. Beats earlier variants with higher SPL handling (158dB!), more patterns, and the memory/recall feature. The noise spec is insane -- 6dBA! Love these on toms, drum overheads, room/ambience, bass cabs, acoustic guitar, and voiceover. I feel like I got the sound of the B-ULS but with modern features and dynamic range. ... More
Greatest I've ever heard
AKG C414 XLS Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by TruFrequencyHQ on Guitar Center
Ever since I tested this bad boy out on display. I loved how my voice sound on this mic. I knew I must save up for this beautiful mic. You got to have this mic isolated in a booth you can't just record regular in a open space and non treated room. Definitely the best mic worth every dime.
fantastic all around mic
AKG C414 XLS Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by BeatleSam on Guitar Center
now i have two XLS mics & one XLII mic. the XLII mic is my "go-to" mic for vocals, with a crystal clear/transparent sound that needs little to no EQ, and the XLS mic is my "go-to" mic for electric guitar, bass guitar, and keyboard cabinets/amps, as well as being my best mic for mic'ing acoustic guitars. THANK YOU GUITAR CENTER for the AMAZING deal on my new C414 XLS!
Great Neutral Mic, Swiss Army Knife for any studio
AKG C414 XLS Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Alec D. on Reverb
Very neutral to my ears, plenty of gain with 48v phantom power and the 9 polar patterns are very handy. I previously owned the XL II version of this mic and at times the high end was just a bit much. The XLS solves that with a more neutral response. Great mic, I use it all the time for a natural uncolored representation of the sound source.
Most versatile mic I own.
AKG C414 XLS Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Steven H. on Reverb
I’ve used this mic in the studio for years but recently tried it on stage for lead vocals.. Loved it! I put it in supercardiod and it opened up the vocals so much in my In ear mix. I was also impressed how loud I could get it in the house before feedback. Don’t try it with a floor monitor obviously but with IEM’s it works fantastic. In SC it also rejects the other sounds on stage very well.
Pro product
AKG C414 XLS Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by chc on Guitar Center
If you can't get a good recording or live sound with this mic you need to improve your mic technique, room acoustics or signal path, or all the preceding. I've owned C414s since 1984. These are as good as any of my older versions.
Overhead Perfection
AKG C414 B XLS/ST Matched Stereo Pair
Reviewed by Anthony D. on Reverb
When it comes to drum overheads for rock, there is no other choice. These things sound HUGE. My pencil condensers used to be my go to, but after tracking with the C414s only once, the pencils were up for sale.
Glad I bought it
AKG C414 XLS Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Rexford H. on Reverb
I've always liked AKG products and the C414 XLS is no exception. With all the directional patterns available it is perfect for both studio and stage. A great high-end microphone but not priced as high as a lot of others. My only disappointment is that they are no longer made in Austria. They are made in Hungary which was at least a part of Austria at one time.
Great "Swiss Army Knife" microphone
AKG C414 XLS Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Michael S. on Reverb
I am pretty new to recording. I want to record mostly guitars, mandolins, Ukulele, and voice. Using with a Focusrite Scarlett USB interface. I have tried a couple of good mics from Blue an Rode and this one seems to be all I could ever want. Expensive but very versatile.
One of the best
AKG C414 XLS Multi-Pattern Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Gabriel on B&H Photo Video
My wife and I have both recorded audiobooks on the XLS for seven years. One of the reasons we like this mic is it works well with both of our voices. It's a work horse of a mic! The variable polar patterns as well as in mic low cut options are great perks to this classic mic.
Known For a Reason
AKG C414 XLS Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Blake B. on Reverb
This is probably the best microphone I own easily. It’s a workhorse in the studio and I love it on acoustic guitar especially compared to the C414 XLS II. This is a well known mic and there is a reason for it! Get one and you won’t be disappointed.
Awesome Mic!
AKG C414 XLS Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Reed R. on Reverb
Awesome mic! I had been thinking of purchasing this for awhile since I’ve used one at another studio, and finally came up on a great deal! Very crisp sounding for vocals, which I primarily use it for. Right now, it’s my go to mic!
Best for ORTF classical recording
AKG C414 XLS ST Multi-Pattern Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone (Matched Pair Stereo Set)
Reviewed by Peter on B&H Photo Video
I use these in an ORTF stereo setup to record a baroque orchestra and chorus. Medium sized church. Apogee Element interface with Logic Pro. These are extremely quiet. Very natural sounding microphones. No muss, no fuss. You can do worse. You can't do much better. No matter how much money you spend.
Literally Brand New! Works Perfectly!
AKG C414 XLS Large Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Gracie H. on Reverb
I received a BRAND NEW mic, with plastic wrap still in tact! Everything works in perfect order, and it sounds like a dream! Thanks Reverb! :) P.S. If you're looking for a versatile mic, this is the one for you! It sounds great with just one, and a stereo pair can make KILLER recordings as well! :)
Quite disappointed
AKG C414 XLS Multi-Pattern Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Cecilia on B&H Photo Video
I didn't try both at the same time until yesterday. I bought the pair recently. I have to say that I am quite disappointed. They didn't match at all. One of them is much darker and with less gain than the other. I don't understand why. I bought it as a pair for avoiding it. Very desalinated.
