AKG C414 XLII – Multipattern Condenser Microphone for Vocals & Solo Instruments
The AKG C414 XLII is a premium condenser microphone engineered to provide enhanced vocal presence and natural emphasis on solo instruments. Inspired by the character of the legendary AKG C12, it delivers smooth brilliance and detailed high frequencies while retaining the extreme versatility of the C414 series.
Equipped with nine selectable polar patterns, the C414 XLII adapts effortlessly to any recording scenario: lead vocals, solo instruments, ambience capture, ensemble recording, percussion, acoustic sessions and more. Its extended 20 Hz–20 kHz frequency response and very low 6 dB-A self-noise make it ideal for capturing subtle performance details with exceptional precision.
The microphone offers three attenuation pads (-6 / -12 / -18 dB) to manage high-output sources up to 158 dB SPL, along with three bass-cut filters (40 / 80 / 160 Hz) to reduce rumble, mechanical noise and proximity effect. The peak-hold overload LED highlights even the shortest overloads for accurate signal monitoring.
Thanks to its brilliant and expressive sonic signature, the C414 XLII is a top choice among engineers for lead vocals, solo piano, acoustic guitar, strings, brass, and any source that needs to stand out in the mix.
Specifications:
- Type: large-diaphragm multipattern condenser microphone
- Polar patterns: 9 modes — cardioid, wide cardioid, hypercardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8 and intermediates
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Self-noise: 6 dB-A
- Sensitivity: 23 mV/Pa
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 88 dB(A)
- Attenuation pads: -6 / -12 / -18 dB
- Bass-cut filters: 40 / 80 / 160 Hz (12 dB/octave)
- Max SPL: up to 158 dB SPL
- Electrical impedance: 200 ohms
- Recommended load impedance: ≥ 2,200 ohms
- Powering: 44–52 V, 4.5 mA
- Connector: balanced 3-pin XLR
- Dimensions: 38 × 50 × 160 mm
- Weight: 300 g
- Applications: lead vocals, solo piano, strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, overheads, ambience, pro studio, broadcast
- Suitable instruments: vocals, pianos, violins, acoustic guitar, brass, woodwinds, percussion, harp, solo instruments
- Included accessories: H85 shock mount, PF80 pop filter, W414 windscreen, metal carrying case
Key Features:
- XLII signature inspired by the C12: brilliant, expressive presence for vocals and solo instruments.
- 9 selectable polar patterns: maximum flexibility for any recording setup.
- Ultra-low noise: only 6 dB-A for highly detailed recordings.
- 3 attenuation pads: -6 / -12 / -18 dB for extremely loud sources.
- 3 bass-cut filters: effective control of rumble and proximity effect.
- Peak-hold LED: visual monitoring of even the shortest overloads.
