Karaoke Store USA

AKG C414 B XLS 5 Pattern Condenser Microphone

With the introduction of the NeXt Generation C 414 B XL models, AKG sets new benchmarks for useful features, improved technical specifications, ease of use and available accessories. All of these improvements are answers to requests from ever demanding recording studios, broadcast stations and concert engineers, but with the basic sonic character of the legendary C 414 unaltered. Feature:
The shockmount could be better. The pop filter supplied with thse mics seem pretty decent. The case is sturdy.

Quality:
The only thing I am not too sure about is the switch which selects polar patterns as it could easily be accidentally changed.

Value:
Great value as I've said this mic is a workhorse.

Desirability:
Yeah, they look cool, have that classic 414 vibe

Sound:
We bought these Mics to use as overheads on a large drum set. The kit was aimed at a hardwood wall and the Mics spaced out about 3 feet above the kit and three feet apart aimed at the wall instead of down on the kit. WOW! Explosive sound. They are beautiful on acoustic guitar as they are on most sources we've tried them on. A true workhorse and quiet is not the word for these mics, and that is sweet as well. They can be a little bright, which is nice for overheads and some acoustic guitar applications. Background vocals especially female ones seem to love these mics. Live I have not tried them but can imagine as overheads they'd be awesome.

Support:
No opinion, I've never had to call for support. Maybe this is the best answer. The Mics are sturdy and durable and very well made.

Overall:
Yeah, we have other options in our mic locker but, these Mics get pulled out an awful lot. I like everything about the Mics, except I feel the shockmount could be of better construction, I like the older one AKG had much better.