RECORDING March 2023 - 25

ultra-linear electronics, and in 1989, AKG said goodbye to the
output transformer with the C414B TL.
The C414 B/TLII was introduced in 1993, featuring the first
capsule change in almost 20 years, aiming to recapture the
original brass CK12 sparkle.
The 2000s
While some loved the brighter sound of the C414 B/TLII, others
found it too bright. The AKG solution was-why not both?
In 2004 the company released the sparkly C414B XLII and the
neutral C414B XLS.
Both mics featured updated, rounded, streamlined bodies
with digital controls offering five selectable patterns, a fourposition
bass cut, a four-position pad, improved sensitivity and
lower self-noise.
The Latest C414
The current C414 XLII and C414 XLS arrived in 2009 and are
sonically similar to the previous B incarnations. Like the original
C12, they once again feature nine selectable polar patterns.
The Other C Series Models
Various other microphones have worn the letter C (for
AKG C414 XLII & AKG C414 XLS; $1,279 (each)
The C414 XLII and C414 XLS are some of the most ubiquitous
workhorse mics in the modern studio world.
Beyond each mic's capsule voicing and color scheme, they
are the exact same mic.
These models measure 6.29 " T x 1.96 " W x 1.38 " D and
weigh 0.66 lbs. with a rounded all-metal body in a matching
dark gray finish. The C414 XLS sports a matte silver mesh grille
and matching lettering; and the C414 XLII is gold.
On the front of each, a digital pattern switch cycles through
Omni, Wide Cardioid, Cardioid, Hypercardioid and Fig. 8
patterns with steps in between. Similar controls step through the
pad (0, -6, -12 and -18) and highpass settings (0, 40, 80 and
160 Hz) on the back.
Inside
Both mics are a transformerless design with the same components,
except that each uses a different tailored current AKG
CK12 style capsule, with the C414 XLS being more neutral and
even, and the C414 XLII brighter and more open.
Accessories
Both come in a kit with an AKG H85 Universal Shock Mount,
a foam windscreen, a gooseneck pop filter, a cloth bag and a
'Soundtool' suitcase.
Frequencies
In cardioid mode, the C414 XLS starts with a smooth, neutral,
low-end and midrange up to 1 kHz, followed by a small (-2dB)
scoop between 1 and 2 kHz. There's a soft, broad 1.5dB peak
from 2 to 5 kHz, then another 6 to 7 kHz rise with a 4.5dB
peak centering on 15 kHz before rounding off.
The C414 XLII is much more lively throughout. It has a slight
RECORDING March 2023 25
condenser mic) throughout the past 60+ years. Today you will
find a selection of C series handheld vocal mics, miniature
mics, drum mics, a shotgun mic and others.
The Current C Series Classics
Our focus here will be the current large diaphragm C series,
which includes the C12 VR, the C414 XLII, the C414 XLS, the
C214 and the C314. We will also take a look at the current,
yet equally classic C451 B pencil condenser.
Recording History
Reviewers Marty Peters and Martin Klingmeyer gave us a
look at the then-new C451 B 21 years ago in our July 2002
issue. Next was Paul Stamler's look at the C 414B XLS and C
414B XLII in November 2004. Darwin Grosse introduced us
to the C214 in February 2009, followed by my look at the
C314 in November 2015. Finally, I revisited the C414 XLS in
October 2020.
This leaves the C12 VR and the C414 XLII getting their first
official RECORDING look today.
*I will use cardioid mode to illustrate each microphone's
overall tonality and performance.
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