AKG C414 XLII
our rating
5.0
(out of 5)
Specs
- Frequency Response – 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Polar Patterns – Omni, Cardioid, Hypercardioid, Bidirectional, Wide Cardioid (and in-between settings for each polar pattern)
- Sensitivity – 23 mV/Pa
- Self-noise – 6 dB (A)
- Max SPL– 200 dB
- Impedance – 200 Ohms
- Weight – 300 g
- Attenuation Pad – -6, -12, and -18 dB
- Onboard Filter – High-pass Filter (12 dB @ 40 Hz , 12 dB @ 80 Hz , and 6 dB @ 160 Hz)
Pros
- A ubiquitous legend with modern sound and incredible high-end clarity
- Great on vocals, drum overheads, guitars and any application you throw at it
- 9 polar patterns
Cons
- Presence boost around 5kHz provides less neutral results than flat response mics
- Some don’t like the LED lights
Bottom Line:
A ubiquitous legend with modern sound and incredible high-end clarity. Handles vocals, guitars, and anything you throw at it with aplomb.
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Introducing the AKG C414 XLII
The AKG XLII is the flagship, high-end, large-diaphragm condenser mic for the company. It is the latest, slightly brighter-sounding iteration of this mic with roots reaching back to the C12 of the 1950s.
For this review, we put this mic through its paces to see how it would hold up to the competition. Spoiler alert – we were very pleased with the results.
Who is this mic for?
The AKG C414 XLII is designed for professionals who need versatile, high-quality sound capture for vocals, acoustic instruments, and complex recordings.
Its nine polar patterns, adjustable attenuation, and bass-cut filters allow it to handle diverse recording needs with precision, making it ideal for studio settings where controlled acoustics prevent unwanted background noise.
Due to its advanced features, it’s best suited to experienced users who can leverage its flexibility for optimal sound, rather than beginners who might find it overly complex.
Recommended Applications
The AKG C414 XLII is recommended for the following applications:
- Lead Vocals
- Spoken Word
- Acoustic Guitar
- Piano
- Strings
- Room and Ambient Recording
- Ensembles and Orchestras
- Guitar Amps
Alternatives to the AKG C414 XLII
Neumann U87
The tried-and-tested gold-standard for large-diaphragm condenser mics
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Audio-Technica AT4050
The hidden champion. A versatile, silky condenser mic that has become a go-to for vocals and drum overheads.
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A chunky wedge-shaped version of the famous U87 microphone at one-third the cost.
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Who is this mic NOT for?
The AKG C414 XLII is not suited to those on a tight budget or recording beginners. It is not recommended for untreated, noisy rooms. Also, due to its presence boost, it does not handle cymbals as effectively as other mics.
Check out our gear category page for more on microphones and audio gear.
What’s in the box?
The AKG C414 XLII box arrived with the following:
- shockmount
- foam windscreen
- pop filter
- aluminum flight case
Why Choose a large-diaphragm condenser Microphone?
The AKG C414 XLII is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone.
For most vocal tracks, acoustic guitars, ensembles, drum overheads, and ambient room miking, large diaphragm condenser microphones are often the go-to option. Their versatility extends to electric and bass guitar amps, brass, and nearly any other sound source, making them a favorite in studio environments.
Large-diaphragm condensers are prized for their quick transient response and wide frequency range, which enables them to capture delicate details, and be effective with close-up, intimate sound sources.
Build / Design
The AKG C414 XLII is the company’s flagship, multi-pattern large-diaphragm condenser mic built with the famous, gold-sputtered CK12 capsule and FET-Transformerless circuit.
The mic offers five main polar patterns (Omni, wide cardioid, cardioid, hyper-cardioid, and figure-8) as well as four in-between patterns. It also has an onboard attenuation pad with three settings (-6, -12, and -18 dB) and a high-pass filter with three settings (40, 80, and 160 Hz).
With a max SPL of 134 dBA and a self-noise of 6 dBA, the dynamic range is outstanding.
Available as a single mic or as a matched pair, the C414 ships with high-quality accessories: a shockmount, a foam windscreen, a pop filter, and an aluminum flight case.
AKG C414 XLII Test Drive – Audio Clips
We used a Universal Audio Apollo Solo Interface recorded with Logic Pro X. There is no EQ or compression applied to any of the audio clips here. We adjusted the gain from the audio interface to taste. As a reminder, we test everything on this site ourselves.
Full disclosure: We fully acknowledge that there is no one way to use a microphone. Mic placement, how you play or sing, not to mention EQ, compression, Impedance, and preamp settings can all have dramatic effects on the final result.
Spoken Vocals Tests
AKG C414 XLII
Sung Vocals Test
AKG C414 XLII
Acoustic Guitar Test
AKG C414 XLII
AKG C414 XLII Frequency Response Diagram
Conclusions about the sound: AKG C414 XLII
As you can see in the frequency response diagram above, the C414 XLII has a tailored, bright response. As you can hear in our tests above, the 6 dB boost around 5 kHz makes it very much like the beloved response of the vintage AKG C12, tailored for lead vocals and solo instruments. This response also allows recordists to capture instruments from a distance without losing so much of the high end.
If you would like a flatter response, consider the AKG C414 XLS, which is engineered for maximum neutrality.
Final Thoughts: Is the AKG C414 XLII Worth It?
This is a fantastic mic in every way. And, compared with the flagship models of other companies, the price is very reasonable. You won’t be disappointed.
AKG C414 XLII
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Questions or Comments?
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FAQ
How does the AKG C214 compare to the AKG C414?
The AKG C214 (see here for our complete review of the AKG C214) serves as a more affordable option compared to the premium C414 series. Although it utilizes the same one-inch diaphragm capsule as the C414, the C214 is limited to a single cardioid polar pattern, unlike the multiple pattern options offered by the C414. This makes the C214 ideal for those seeking excellent sound quality without the versatility of multiple polar patterns.
However, the two microphones produce noticeably different sounds, largely due to their unique capsule designs. The C214 isn’t simply a fixed cardioid version of the C414; it’s a distinct microphone with a back-electret capsule design.
What sets the AKG C414 XLII apart from other microphones in the C414 series?
The AKG C414 XLII is recognized for its subtle emphasis in the upper frequencies and its ability to capture depth in sound, a quality reminiscent of the classic AKG C12 microphone. This particular characteristic makes it an excellent choice for capturing lead vocals and solo instruments, delivering a distinctive audio profile that differentiates it from other models within the C414 lineup.
How Do large-diaphragm condenser Microphones Work?
At the heart of a condenser mic is a capsule containing an extremely thin metal diaphragm attached to a solid metal backplate.This pairing is known as a ‘capacitor’. (Brits often call condenser mics ‘capacitor mics’)
As sound waves hit the capsule, the diaphragm moves slightly in relation to the backplate. This shift is measured and transformed into an electrical signal. To capture this movement accurately, condenser mics require an electrostatic charge, which comes from a power source.
The overall tone of a condenser mic is shaped by its capsule and internal circuit. While the capsule is the primary factor influencing sound, the circuit adds harmonic coloration.
The diaphragm size affects its response to various frequencies; large-diaphragm condensers, with enhanced mids and lows, are typically favored for vocals, drum overheads, and guitar amps. They also tend to have lower self-noise than their small-diaphragm counterparts.
For a deeper dive on how large-diaphragm condenser microphones work, see our guide 3 Types of Microphones and How They Work.
