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AKG Acoustics C 414 B-XL II

Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

The C 414 B-XL II is a transformerless multipattern FET condenser microphone. It is a descendant of AKG’s classic C 414 microphone, but has little in common with the original beyond the name.

The design of the 414 series of mics has changed significantly over the years. AKG has attempted to maintain the sound of the mic, but purists fairly unanimously agree that the new mics don’t sound like the old ones. To name just one example, the newer glued-together “teflon” CK12 capsule, while less expensive to manufacture, just doesn’t sound the same as the original screwed-together “brass” capsule.

Features of the C 414 B-XL II include:

• High sensitivity and extremely low self noise
• Five switchable polar patterns for placement and application flexibility
• Two-color LEDs provide quick visual indication of selected polar pattern and output overload
• Elastic capsule suspension greatly minimizes structurally-transmitted noise from chassis vibration
• H 85 professional shock mount/stand adapter, PF 80 external pop filter and W 414 X external windscreen.

Additional features:

• High sound pressure level capability and wide dynamic range
• Completely immune to electrostatic and electromagnetic interference from digital gear, computer monitors, etc. thanks to solid metal housing and transformerless output stage
• Three switchable bass cut filters and three pre-attenuation pads with LEDs for quick visual indication
• All switchable components operate in low impedance circuits for ultra-high reliability even in extremely humid conditions
• Optional R 414 remote control unit (under development) offers full control of all switchable parameters via standard microphone cable and 3-pin XLR-type connectors

How does the C 414B XL-II differ from the C 414B-XLS?

The two modern versions of the 414 mic differ in their application. The XL-II is tuned for vocal use, whereas the XLS has a flatter response, intended for instrument reproduction.

Contrary to some reports, both mics are transformerless, and in fact share all the same pads, filters, patterns, and parts (with few exceptions). The specific differences we can discern are:

1. The grille is gold on the XL-II and silver on the XLS.
2. The capsules are different. While both are descendants of the CK12 capsule, and both use the newer snap-and-glue, Teflon-ring construction technique, the part numbers differ: 2072Z0022 for the XLS, and 2072Z0023 for the XL-II. More importantly, the frequency response of the two mics is very different. The XL-II is significantly brighter between 4kHz and 10kHz.

The C414 ships with a foam windscreen, elastic shockmount, and a pop filter in a metal flightcase.
Also available as a matched stereo pair; p/n C 414 B-XL II/ST.

The AKG Acoustics C 414 B-XL II is also known as: C414B-XLII, C 414 B-XL II.

Specifications

Frequency Response - OmnidirectionalClick Graph to Compare!
Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare!
Frequency Response - HypercardioidClick Graph to Compare!
Frequency Response - BidirectionalClick Graph to Compare!
Frequency Response - Wide CardioidClick Graph to Compare!

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Omnidirectional (23 mV/Pa; 20 to 20,000 Hz) Cardioid (23 mV/Pa; 20 to 20,000 Hz) Hypercardioid (23 mV/Pa; 20 to 20,000 Hz) Bidirectional (23 mV/Pa; 20 to 20,000 Hz) Wide Cardioid (23 mV/Pa; 20 to 20,000 Hz)	Pad: -6 dB pad (Via Switch) Pad: -12 dB pad (Via Switch) Pad: -18 dB pad (Via Switch) Filter: 12 dB/octave at 40 Hz (Via Switch) Filter: 12 dB/octave at 80 Hz (Via Switch) Filter: 6 dB/octave at 160 Hz (Via Switch)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 24mm	200 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 200 dB Self-noise: 6.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
300g (10.58oz)	160mm (6.30'')	n/a	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications
Requires phantom power Phantom voltage: 48v

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