I am very old. I had not heard of PewDiePie before seeing this video even though a pal of mine (another very old guy) is from Gothenburg. So I looked PewDiePie up. I don't get it. At all... DEVO? I'm that old. At least. Be that as it may, the AKG C414 was the first mic I sang into in a real recording studio sometime in the early 80s. I think models with all the letters after the numbers came later. I made $$$ on the recording. Thanks AKG. I also played trumpet and some flute into it at the same session and the percussionist in the band I was in at the time played bongoes and congas into a pair of C414s used as stereo overheads. The keyboard player played a Fender Rhodes 73 and had a C414 mic on his Roland Jazz Chorus amplifier. Work horse? The only other mics used on that session that I can remember were a Sennheiser 441 and a few Shure 57s and honestly, the Sennheiser was only used because the studio guy (only) had 4 C414s and we used them all at once. Life is simpler now. Still a pro muso, I have some of my hair, a few of my teeth, far less money, a wife who loves me (and has a job!), lowly aspirations and a Rode NT1a microphone that Mister Rode gave me. Life is good and I like the Rode mic a lot but if I was younger and had to get any one microphone to live with forever, it would be the AKG C414. As an old pro with way too much milage behind him, I want to thank Podcastage for all the hard work. You're a pro mate. Constantly taking the piss out of yourself can get tiresome but your dedication to craft is admirable. PewDiePie? WTF??
Great review!! i´m from Brazil, can you help me? I was looking to buy AT2020, but it´s impossible find here in Brazil!! Can you please help me, what condensers you think great ? cust like AT2020 for home studio.. tks a lot.
@@darrylahill8764 so you don't use it for electric guitar? Why is that? I'm looking for a great all-around mic for vox/acoustic/electric guitar/string instruments, etc.
I know you’re joking, but for a while that actually wasn’t too far off from the truth. When he first got that microphone, he was disappointed by how muffled and low quality the microphone sounded. Until he was advised to flip the microphone around and actually talk into the right side of the microphone.
@Secret_Armor it's so much worse when they try to give audio advice. Jayz2cents tried to do that with a shure sm7b and had to reupload a new video with all of the stuff he got wrong in the first
In the USA it's not a very good deal. We usually pay a lot more for electronics in Europe, but this mic is 630 euro+VAT in Greece. The instrument version (XLS) is 530+VAT. The difference is just an EQ. It's not important in a world of 24bit digital recordings where preamps have an EIN so low that they are not really adding noise even to this low noise mic.
Late last year I heard an in-studio vocal comparison between AKG C12, Neumann U87 and a Rode NT1a sung by an experienced capable singer recorded by a pro engineer. The Rode finished third but not by as much as the price tags may suggest. There wasn't much between the mics in the test. All present were amazed and impressed. The U87 track went on the record but I went home pretty happy with my Rode mic.
I love my AKG 414xlii. I also own the 87ai but will always go back to my 414 because I love how it sounds on vocals. Because of the top end, some people will choose the xls over it. However I like to top end sweetness that it delivers. Also, I pair it with an Avalon vt737 so I can smooth it out a bit as well. Thanks for the review!
I've been waiting for this review for a long time. This is a great mic. In terms of your comparisons I thought the TLM 103 sounded best (great clarity) and the Rode NT1 held its own.
Geez, Pewdiepie is literally moving mic after mic, I mean, I can't blame him if he wants to improve his equipment but like not even kidding xD I saw him with a Rode NT1, recently a shotgun microphone, Podmic, Blue Spark, Neumann TLM 102 and so on- guess he's a mic enthusiast too who watches Bandrew's vids, or not...unless?
Great review. Over 20 years ago I recorded a whole slew of instruments and vocals with this mics predecessor. It's a workhorse alright. Pewdipie probably picked this because it matches his voice, but it's actually just one of the most flexible packages out there that is well crafted in every detail. If I needed a mic for all occasions and could only buy one, this is a likely candiate. Great balance of options, raw recording tone and features. For budget-minded folks it's already too expensive, but it's way more useful than just one Neumann large condenser could be for example.
I have two C414s and I love them to death. Still meticulously crafted in Europe and still individually tested and signed in Vienna. The 9 polar patterns make it a Swiss Army knife in the studio. They are my babies.
Btw there is the Akg c414 XLS which is the same than c414 xlii without the high boost. Less agressive, more Flat, less colored.. for voices, Akg recommends the xlii, but if you find it aggressive, the xls is also superb, less tiring. Even if the xlii high boost helps understanding ...
Excellent review. Very thorough. You're pretty good at this!! Thanks. Only thing missing maybe is a quick explanation of common scenarios where you'd want to use the various pads and High Pass filters that this mic provides.
The Austrian Audio sounds noticeably more forward without sacrificing smoothness at the upper frequencies. Terrific review as always, Bandrew. Stay safe!
NT1 for sure when everything is considered. Like say the u87 might be slightly better but not that much better, especially not $2800 better. I have the NT1 and the 103 and they have the same character, in a mix they are no discernible difference.
It's an interesting mic, and the Austrian Audio also sounds like an interesting mic. I've noticed that a lot of AKG mics tend to have a little sibilance. That must be something they go for when designing a mic. From this roundup I think I preferred the sound of the TLM103.
@@metal571 That theory doesn't hold up, though, if you consider that Sennheiser's HD580/600 (long-time studio references), HD650/660S are the total opposite of that - and Sennheiser's the owner of Neumann. ;)
@@keplers_dog whoops yeah, 100 percent correct there. It's just pre-Samsung AKG and beyerdynamic to this day that were/are still trying to achieve the antiquated diffuse field target with their headphones
Wow..excellent review..I have AKG 414 XLS..And experimenting with My instrument Santoor..similar the the Hammered Dulcimer..Your suggestions would be of great Help to me..Am currently using the omnidirectional position..with no other filters..My Goal would be to achieve to a warmer and smoother tone..Please help🙏😊Thank you😊
So I am thinking of getting the c414 xlii, along with a focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB and a Mogami gold Studio-10 XLR cable along with a sE Electronics RF Pro isolation shield plus either a Rose PS1 + or an Ultimate Support Pro R-T-T boom arm. I want to know how good this setup would be for this particular microphone (not concerning price) for just mainly speaking into it and occasionally shouting, and using it for UA-cam, since it would definitely be best to have high-quality audio as the #1 priority for me.
The 414 came about by some engineers (on a certain street made famous on a Beatles album cover) goofing around with their C12A mics. AKG, back then, listened to its users. All mics have certain frequencies that they are more sensitive to. The 414's sensitivities (especially models that are blatantly based on the early C12 capsule response) go really well with Beatle-y sounding stuff where you need to pop a specific high-mid heavy instrument or voice out of a mix in a way that an EQ just can't do (EQs don't give increased sensitivity to anything, only mics do that). Sensitivity is something that can't be fully measured, and - no, it's not response; the mic is just hyper active (think resolution) in specific areas for reasons unknowable unless you are a molecular physicist and even then it's rather pointless to even ask for an explanation because it will just nose dive into an acid trip convo about resonance of all things to 4.xxhz and how said physicist really wanted to be a go go dancer but their rich parents were paying so why not. The U87 stuff is neat on its own but start trying to mix them in with anything today and be prepared to cry. The 818 is a fcking ruler, as in flat. I think of it as the modern No-Beatle-y-Vibe-Required mic, give me 20 of those and I will take over the world. For the money - go with the 818, don't play around with the nostalgia crap unless that's literally your job to do that thing - likely in some tourist trap like Branson, Missouri or you're tied to a label in Nashville selling 'hits' to retired people on late-night tv.
I have an Audient iD22 on the way to replace my Scarlett 6i6 2nd gen, and I can’t wait to get it. I was originally opting for one of Universal Audio’s interfaces for the plugins but since my PC doesn’t have Thunderbolt connection, that wasn’t in the cards. So Audient is definitely the next best brand to buy from in the world of audio interfaces.
Thanks for your demos. I am a classical musician but I have a lot of trouble hearing subtle differences in mics. I have a C414B XLS ((P48) that I bought a long time ago. I want to get a second C414 to use with it as an outrigger. Would the mismatch be obvious? I can barely hear any diff in mics. The Neumann TLM103 sounded a lot different/deeper than all the others. Should I try to find a used C414 XLS or just buy a new one. I am leery of buying a possibly damaged mic.
pewdiepie has used a looooot of mics. i hope there's a document on the internet somewhere that has a link for every known mic he used and also have dates attached ;-;
When you switched to the U87 the difference was dramatic. I'm not sure how to describe what I heard (in my headphones). Less bass, for sure. Just more mid-range and very clear and articulate. Is that what we call "flat"? I have no idea if that makes it better than the others. Interesting review!
I think I hear some room echo and combing in the omni and wide-cardioid patterns. IMO you basically need a fully treated vocal booth to get the most out of an omni mic of this quality.
I think the Newman's sounded a bit better, but it seems the other microphones are pretty close in comparison. I think among them I would go for the NT1, Se 4400a or the Austrian Audio OC18 (don't need all the polar pattern of the OC818). Maybe all of them 🤪 (manically laughing)
He'll love the bluetooth control of the OC818, and it's way tamer on the high frequencies compared to this 414... I'd love to get one of these, but just spent my duckets on a used soyuz 017Fet!! -- he should test the tube version of this one---
I think Pewds is pretty smart for using it. Like you said it's a workhorse and it's extremely versatile. He's doing well enough to afford a microphone that he can just depend on to give him a studio quality sound.
I have an XLS and have been trying to decide if the XLII would have been the way too go. My ears hear a bit more sizzle on the high end and not in a good way on the II in the videos I have been watching.
I really hope I can get some help or insight with this question I have regarding the C414XLII. I've been recording vocals for nearly 20 years. Up until purchasing the C414XLII I've been using the SHURE KSM27. I've easily recorded hundreds of different songs over the last 15+ years with the SHURE KSM27. I'm been using a Focusrite 2i2 audio interface for the majority of my career. I first started with an MBOX 2 but have been using the Focusrite for the last 8 years or so. With that said.. FOR SOME REASON when I record vocals with my AKG C414XLII, there is a very noticeable unwanted effect when I'm recording with the microphone while I'm actively recording. The microphone will sound almost like I'm recording on more than one vocal track at the same time, even when I'm only recording on ONE vocal track. Even weirder is, it ONLY has this weird sound when I'm actively recording.. meaning.. as soon as I STOP recording and playback that vocal, it sounds perfectly FINE! It's only when I'm recording that it has this weird (almost doubling kind of effect) and it's driving me absolutely MAD! In fact, I sent the first C414XLII back to sweetwater (where I purchased it..) thinking there was something wrong with the first C414XLII that I purchased. But I'm having the exact same issue with the other C414XLII that was shipped, which proves it's not a microphone that was perhaps broken upon shipment etc. I do not have this issue at all with my older SHURE KSM27. Any clue what the hell is going on? It also does this regardless of which setting I use on the microphone. I can go through all of it's different built in settings and it STILL has this problem! It's incredibly distracting and has prevented me from getting any new projects done! I'm almost at the point where I'm thinking maybe the C414XLII just doesn't get along with my Focusrite 2i2? I'm thinking about purchasing an upgraded audio interface but I don't want to waste the money on a new audio interface just to find out the same issue is still present! Again.. after I stop recording and I playback the vocal track, it sounds perfectly fine! This issue only presents itself as the track is armed for recording! I've been desperately trying to find an answer ever since! And sadly.. I've now owned the C414XLII for too long to send it back in for a full refund. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated! I use a Windows PC and Pro Tools to record my vocals. Not that those details should matter, because again.. this only happens with the C414XLII and NOT with my SHURE KSM27!
I don't know why it only happens with the AKG. I recently started encountering this while recording anything in Logic Pro. I have zero latency on, and then when I arm a track (Even if I have the DAW monitoring disengaged) I hear the audio routed through computer which causes double tracking and latency. My solution is to arm the track in my DAW so that it is recording, but mute it so it doesn't play back. That's how I've dealt with this. Hope it helps. If it's something else, I don't know because it makes no sense that you only encounter it with one mic.
Thanks for the reply. Yeah it's weird. I also have a very BEASTY PC and have had no issues with two other microphones. But it's almost exactly what you described. It sounds like a double, or that I have some kind of effect on my voice or something. Again.. it's super distracting! Hearing myself with the track recording makes me think "damn.. I sound terrible.. this isn't going to work!" But once I stop the track and play it back I sound perfect. Again.. this kills all inspiration! Especially when I'm trying out things like AutoTune for the first time. AutoTune doesn't do this for my other microphones though and this issue happens even when I have no effects setup. @@Podcastage
It sounds like you're experiencing an issue with your AKG C414XLII microphone when recording vocals. Despite trying different settings on the microphone and using your Focusrite 2i2 interface, you're still getting a strange doubling effect while actively recording, which doesn't occur when you playback the recorded vocals. This issue doesn't happen with your previous SHURE KSM27 microphone. You've already exchanged the C414XLII once, but the problem persists with the replacement, ruling out a defective microphone. You're wondering if the issue might be compatibility between the C414XLII and your Focusrite interface, but you're hesitant to invest in a new interface without certainty. You're seeking advice or insight to resolve this frustrating issue and get back to your recording projects.
Wow! My take away is the XLII is simply amazing. On my list now. Always wondered about that and the XLS, but this confirms it for me. And another take away, the NT1 sounds excellent too. I liked the XLII (and maybe even the NT1) better than both Neumanns on your voice.
UA-cam compression is unfortunate, but hearing past that, the cardioid pattern test was quite valuable, both in the variable settings, and the rotation of the mic . IT really showed the many tones available on this mic... Thanks for the demo.
If you check the description there's a link to higher quality audio on my site. It's not lossless because I don't have the bandwidth for that, but it doesn't have the same compression as UA-cam.
I like the sound of this mic. It reminds me of the sound of the MKH 416, I went back to watching that video again. In that video, with the windscreen on, or about 10 inches away while booming from the top, I hear a lot of similarities between both mics.
Loving the reviews, keep up the good work. I do have a request, if you do requests, I'm interested in the LyxPro SDPC2 or the Neewer NW-410 matched pair microphone set, they appear to be the same, and it would be great if you could investigate them for us. They both seem like amazing value for the money options. Thank you.
When I was learning audio engineering 32 years ago, we had an AKG 414 in the studio and it was the prized possession! That thing did everything and really well! Of course we had Sennheisser 57s and a variety of others but the 414 was the golden egg and likely still is.
how is it that pewdiepie has a £1,000 mic but his audio is still crap, using this mic and a lav mic and his audio is the same, crazy. honestly, i feel like these mics are made for music and iv no idea why gamers are spending so much money on condenser mics, omg buy a dynamic lol
Have watched a lot of your videos but can I say, I REALLY appreciate you making this one - your choice to compare against mics I own (NT1) and other high end mics I’ve considered - TLM plus comparing it to the XLS. I’ll be coming back to this video quite a few times I think! Keep up the great work bro 👍
Note: This is a review of the mic he was using before he upgraded to a lavalier microphone clipped onto his Razer headset microphone. 😒
"upgraded"
I can feel the pain in this comment
That's sarcasm at its best.
Its evolving, just backwards
unique setup
I am very old. I had not heard of PewDiePie before seeing this video even though a pal of mine (another very old guy) is from Gothenburg. So I looked PewDiePie up. I don't get it. At all...
DEVO? I'm that old. At least.
Be that as it may, the AKG C414 was the first mic I sang into in a real recording studio sometime in the early 80s. I think models with all the letters after the numbers came later. I made $$$ on the recording. Thanks AKG. I also played trumpet and some flute into it at the same session and the percussionist in the band I was in at the time played bongoes and congas into a pair of C414s used as stereo overheads. The keyboard player played a Fender Rhodes 73 and had a C414 mic on his Roland Jazz Chorus amplifier. Work horse? The only other mics used on that session that I can remember were a Sennheiser 441 and a few Shure 57s and honestly, the Sennheiser was only used because the studio guy (only) had 4 C414s and we used them all at once.
Life is simpler now. Still a pro muso, I have some of my hair, a few of my teeth, far less money, a wife who loves me (and has a job!), lowly aspirations and a Rode NT1a microphone that Mister Rode gave me. Life is good and I like the Rode mic a lot but if I was younger and had to get any one microphone to live with forever, it would be the AKG C414.
As an old pro with way too much milage behind him, I want to thank Podcastage for all the hard work. You're a pro mate. Constantly taking the piss out of yourself can get tiresome but your dedication to craft is admirable.
PewDiePie? WTF??
WTF. I've been wathching your videos for quite some time. Only now I noticed that I hadn't subscribed yet. Keep up with the good work!
Great review!! i´m from Brazil, can you help me? I was looking to buy AT2020, but it´s impossible find here in Brazil!!
Can you please help me, what condensers you think great ? cust like AT2020 for home studio.. tks a lot.
Incredible coverage, as always! This thing is a workhorse for good reason.
For all it's great performance. I draw the line putting in front of guitar amp..)
@@darrylahill8764 so you don't use it for electric guitar? Why is that? I'm looking for a great all-around mic for vox/acoustic/electric guitar/string instruments, etc.
It sounds amazing but one thing I don't get is why it sound garbage when Pewdiepie uses it
I'm joking, great review by the way
I know you’re joking, but for a while that actually wasn’t too far off from the truth. When he first got that microphone, he was disappointed by how muffled and low quality the microphone sounded. Until he was advised to flip the microphone around and actually talk into the right side of the microphone.
Noah Waterman which interface did he first run it into?
@Secret_Armor it's so much worse when they try to give audio advice. Jayz2cents tried to do that with a shure sm7b and had to reupload a new video with all of the stuff he got wrong in the first
Nah he’s not joking fuk that bootypie
$1,100 - Where's the sticker!!!
In the USA it's not a very good deal. We usually pay a lot more for electronics in Europe, but this mic is 630 euro+VAT in Greece. The instrument version (XLS) is 530+VAT. The difference is just an EQ. It's not important in a world of 24bit digital recordings where preamps have an EIN so low that they are not really adding noise even to this low noise mic.
My takeaway from this video is that I like that Austrian Audio and I want to hear a lot more of it.
Carole killed her husband and that’s a fact !
Check out Lewitt aswell for some more "Austrian Audio" in the literal meaning. I absolutely love their stuff.
Oooooh, I wanna try this
Can we just talk about how the Nt1 hold up to the other more expensive microphones ?
Drôle de Talbot Absolutely it hits above it’s weight class. Really great microphone.
Nonono, let's just talk about how the at 2020 is the best sound $ for $ in 2020.
@@dh66 Hell no, that honour goes to the 3U Audio CM1 models
Late last year I heard an in-studio vocal comparison between AKG C12, Neumann U87 and a Rode NT1a sung by an experienced capable singer recorded by a pro engineer. The Rode finished third but not by as much as the price tags may suggest. There wasn't much between the mics in the test. All present were amazed and impressed. The U87 track went on the record but I went home pretty happy with my Rode mic.
@@theflyingsloth what about the SM48?
I love my AKG 414xlii. I also own the 87ai but will always go back to my 414 because I love how it sounds on vocals. Because of the top end, some people will choose the xls over it. However I like to top end sweetness that it delivers. Also, I pair it with an Avalon vt737 so I can smooth it out a bit as well. Thanks for the review!
But you prefer the Neumann 87ai though correct ? or no ?
@@ItzrealMusic I actually prefer the xlii
@@CLEANMUDVIDEOS I appreciate your response brother
This might be the single most informative video i've ever watched. Incredible work.
*Bandrew for meme review* 👏👏
That would be the most unfunniest videos ever.
@@Podcastage we disagree :
Can't wait let's go
I've been waiting for this review for a long time. This is a great mic. In terms of your comparisons I thought the TLM 103 sounded best (great clarity) and the Rode NT1 held its own.
My exact same thoughts. I was also surprised by the impact of the different interfaces though. I knew that, I guess, but it was still suprising :-)
TLM 103 sounds nasaly to me compared to XLII.
I agree, it did sound nasaly. Of all the mics the XLII sounded the best on his voice. The 818 wasn't too bad either. @@WaitButHow
Geez, Pewdiepie is literally moving mic after mic, I mean, I can't blame him if he wants to improve his equipment but like not even kidding xD
I saw him with a Rode NT1, recently a shotgun microphone, Podmic, Blue Spark, Neumann TLM 102 and so on-
guess he's a mic enthusiast too who watches Bandrew's vids, or not...unless?
I'm guessing they all pay him like 20 grand + free microphone just to use it on his show once.
@@akeeba6347 That makes sense
Great review. Over 20 years ago I recorded a whole slew of instruments and vocals with this mics predecessor. It's a workhorse alright. Pewdipie probably picked this because it matches his voice, but it's actually just one of the most flexible packages out there that is well crafted in every detail. If I needed a mic for all occasions and could only buy one, this is a likely candiate. Great balance of options, raw recording tone and features. For budget-minded folks it's already too expensive, but it's way more useful than just one Neumann large condenser could be for example.
It’s literally a must have for my mic locker. Probably still the only mic I’d use given a large selection.
@Club Soda Doubt it...
Doesn't get boomy with proximity effect...you just get a smooth, rich bass response.
I have two C414s and I love them to death. Still meticulously crafted in Europe and still individually tested and signed in Vienna. The 9 polar patterns make it a Swiss Army knife in the studio. They are my babies.
414's have been made in china since 20 years
This is yet another microphone that's _waaaay_ smaller than what you'd expect when you actually get it. It's tiny.
90%: PEWDIEPIE ORMAYGODER
10%: NICE REVIEW
Btw there is the Akg c414 XLS which is the same than c414 xlii without the high boost. Less agressive, more Flat, less colored.. for voices, Akg recommends the xlii, but if you find it aggressive, the xls is also superb, less tiring. Even if the xlii high boost helps understanding ...
I have this, the Lewitt 440, the NT1 and the Rode Procaster, all lovely mic's but I do love the versatility of this one.
Wow the neve preamp really smothed out the topend!
Austrian audio sounds pretty darn good!!
Apparently the Germans don't like stickers. None from Neumann or AKG.
Best video on reviewing AKG C414 I had ever seen!
Can you help me ?
Akg c414 XL II vs Se electronics 2300
For hip hop, rnb , dance hall, pop.
Thx a lot ! 💯💯💯
The xlii seems smoother on your voice than the tlm 103. Even the u87 seems slightly muffled compared to the xlii
Who the hell is the thumbs down....show yourself
I swear it wasn't me I just want to be noticed that's all 😁
You've been noticed Kazite. =)
I thumbs downed that shit Kazite
@@Podcastage thank you kind sir 👌
Excellent review. Very thorough. You're pretty good at this!! Thanks. Only thing missing maybe is a quick explanation of common scenarios where you'd want to use the various pads and High Pass filters that this mic provides.
It's:
*clap* Mic
Re
*clap* View
The Austrian Audio sounds noticeably more forward without sacrificing smoothness at the upper frequencies. Terrific review as always, Bandrew. Stay safe!
It really is incredible at the price especially since you can get the cardioid only model for around the same price as the TLM102!
bro my friend won one for free im so jealous.
Would love to see how this stacks up against a Sennheiser MK8, and compare the polar patterns.
For a smoother top end, the AKG C414 XLS would foot the bill. Same mic without the boosted hi-freqs.
🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷👏🏻, AKG C414 sounds better! Amazing!
NT1 for sure when everything is considered. Like say the u87 might be slightly better but not that much better, especially not $2800 better. I have the NT1 and the 103 and they have the same character, in a mix they are no discernible difference.
I love the way the TLM103 gives the perfect body to the voice, personally I like more than the AKG C414 XLII
Hey plz tell me universal audio uad apollo twin x same sound quality other universal audio interface
It's an interesting mic, and the Austrian Audio also sounds like an interesting mic. I've noticed that a lot of AKG mics tend to have a little sibilance. That must be something they go for when designing a mic. From this roundup I think I preferred the sound of the TLM103.
I definitely have noticed that a lot of the German / Austrian mics have a bit more of that treble and air to it compared to others.
Lol their headphones tend to have that coloration as well, K7XX series and DT770/880/990
@@metal571 That theory doesn't hold up, though, if you consider that Sennheiser's HD580/600 (long-time studio references), HD650/660S are the total opposite of that - and Sennheiser's the owner of Neumann. ;)
@@keplers_dog whoops yeah, 100 percent correct there. It's just pre-Samsung AKG and beyerdynamic to this day that were/are still trying to achieve the antiquated diffuse field target with their headphones
The Portico 5017 is a great little unit. I use mine with a TLM102 at home and it's glorious!
Debating getting AKG C414XLII vs XLS for a studio workhorse mic.
You should do a VS series between the AKG C414 XLII, C414 XLS, and C214
You need a Cheryl box that you can throw as a replacement when situations like this arise.
This is a BRILLIANT idea!
Wow..excellent review..I have AKG 414 XLS..And experimenting with My instrument Santoor..similar the the Hammered Dulcimer..Your suggestions would be of great Help to me..Am currently using the omnidirectional position..with no other filters..My Goal would be to achieve to a warmer and smoother tone..Please help🙏😊Thank you😊
the reviews on this channel are SO GOOD
very good sound.Ｉlike this !
excuse me sir but since when do you own a u87?? you gotta pay the bills
I’ve had it for maybe 3-4 months now. Been really trying to get a firm understanding of it before reviewing it.
@@Podcastage congratulations. eagerly awaiting that video now. I hope you campare it to the most popular mics.
wow 16 mins passed.... i didn't know.... love your videos
Thanks for amazing comparison. I was suprsised that cheaper XLS has more natural sound.
I'm so glad that you tried the mic trough the same Neve pre that I have. Now I know how this mic will sound trough it.
This is amazing and super thorough..I can only imagine the amount of work that went into making it. Thank you so much!!
So I am thinking of getting the c414 xlii, along with a focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB and a Mogami gold Studio-10 XLR cable along with a sE Electronics RF Pro isolation shield plus either a Rose PS1 + or an Ultimate Support Pro R-T-T boom arm. I want to know how good this setup would be for this particular microphone (not concerning price) for just mainly speaking into it and occasionally shouting, and using it for UA-cam, since it would definitely be best to have high-quality audio as the #1 priority for me.
The 414 came about by some engineers (on a certain street made famous on a Beatles album cover) goofing around with their C12A mics. AKG, back then, listened to its users. All mics have certain frequencies that they are more sensitive to. The 414's sensitivities (especially models that are blatantly based on the early C12 capsule response) go really well with Beatle-y sounding stuff where you need to pop a specific high-mid heavy instrument or voice out of a mix in a way that an EQ just can't do (EQs don't give increased sensitivity to anything, only mics do that). Sensitivity is something that can't be fully measured, and - no, it's not response; the mic is just hyper active (think resolution) in specific areas for reasons unknowable unless you are a molecular physicist and even then it's rather pointless to even ask for an explanation because it will just nose dive into an acid trip convo about resonance of all things to 4.xxhz and how said physicist really wanted to be a go go dancer but their rich parents were paying so why not. The U87 stuff is neat on its own but start trying to mix them in with anything today and be prepared to cry. The 818 is a fcking ruler, as in flat. I think of it as the modern No-Beatle-y-Vibe-Required mic, give me 20 of those and I will take over the world. For the money - go with the 818, don't play around with the nostalgia crap unless that's literally your job to do that thing - likely in some tourist trap like Branson, Missouri or you're tied to a label in Nashville selling 'hits' to retired people on late-night tv.
I’m still waiting on that U87 review Bandrew. It will be a legendary microphone review without question.
I've been using this mic with pop vocalists for about 3 months now and I really really love this mic!! sounds great on every vocalist so far
This mic is very sensitive at -33 dB. And with a self noise of only 6 dB, I found that to be very impressive.
after awhile they all sound the same, pre processing I imagine.. :) I'll stick with the tlm 103
103 sounds better
My main takeaway from this video is that I need to upgrade from Scarlett preamps. It changed so much when you moved to the Neve / UAudio
You can get Audient interfaces in the same price range and they already sound way better.
I have an Audient iD22 on the way to replace my Scarlett 6i6 2nd gen, and I can’t wait to get it. I was originally opting for one of Universal Audio’s interfaces for the plugins but since my PC doesn’t have Thunderbolt connection, that wasn’t in the cards. So Audient is definitely the next best brand to buy from in the world of audio interfaces.
@@ArtVandelay592 have you tried a PCIe card for a windows computer audio interface, they are more expensive but sound great with no latency problems.
Did you get rid of the dbx 286 s in between this video and the video before? I can't see it in the videos anymore :o @podcastage
2:09, I wonder if you can make an episode explaining all these Mic Specs terms :)
Thanks for your demos. I am a classical musician but I have a lot of trouble hearing subtle differences in mics. I have a C414B XLS ((P48) that I bought a long time ago. I want to get a second C414 to use with it as an outrigger. Would the mismatch be obvious? I can barely hear any diff in mics. The Neumann TLM103 sounded a lot different/deeper than all the others. Should I try to find a used C414 XLS or just buy a new one. I am leery of buying a possibly damaged mic.
pewdiepie has used a looooot of mics. i hope there's a document on the internet somewhere that has a link for every known mic he used and also have dates attached ;-;
When you switched to the U87 the difference was dramatic. I'm not sure how to describe what I heard (in my headphones). Less bass, for sure. Just more mid-range and very clear and articulate. Is that what we call "flat"? I have no idea if that makes it better than the others. Interesting review!
I think this microphone is a bright boy, which would be good for my voice. Not for my bank account, though.
I'm a fan of that Austrian Audio Mic, however when you added the Portico mic pre--- made a huge diff on taming the high frequencies on the C414---
I noticed exactly the same thing when switching to the Portico. Tamed the higher end and added a bit more to the low end.
I think I hear some room echo and combing in the omni and wide-cardioid patterns. IMO you basically need a fully treated vocal booth to get the most out of an omni mic of this quality.
You can damage a mic with plosives?
I think the Newman's sounded a bit better, but it seems the other microphones are pretty close in comparison. I think among them I would go for the NT1, Se 4400a or the Austrian Audio OC18 (don't need all the polar pattern of the OC818). Maybe all of them 🤪 (manically laughing)
He'll love the bluetooth control of the OC818, and it's way tamer on the high frequencies compared to this 414... I'd love to get one of these, but just spent my duckets on a used soyuz 017Fet!! -- he should test the tube version of this one---
I think Pewds is pretty smart for using it. Like you said it's a workhorse and it's extremely versatile. He's doing well enough to afford a microphone that he can just depend on to give him a studio quality sound.
I actually think the C414XLS sounded better with your voice taking just enough off the highs
I have an XLS and have been trying to decide if the XLII would have been the way too go. My ears hear a bit more sizzle on the high end and not in a good way on the II in the videos I have been watching.
Man, that OC818 though.....
I actually heard the beauty of the u87 this time. It was phenomenal smooth and natural and that preamp with that mic would be just right.
I really hope I can get some help or insight with this question I have regarding the C414XLII. I've been recording vocals for nearly 20 years.
Up until purchasing the C414XLII I've been using the SHURE KSM27. I've easily recorded hundreds of different songs over the last 15+ years
with the SHURE KSM27. I'm been using a Focusrite 2i2 audio interface for the majority of my career. I first started with an MBOX 2 but have
been using the Focusrite for the last 8 years or so. With that said.. FOR SOME REASON when I record vocals with my AKG C414XLII, there is
a very noticeable unwanted effect when I'm recording with the microphone while I'm actively recording. The microphone will sound almost
like I'm recording on more than one vocal track at the same time, even when I'm only recording on ONE vocal track. Even weirder is, it ONLY
has this weird sound when I'm actively recording.. meaning.. as soon as I STOP recording and playback that vocal, it sounds perfectly FINE!
It's only when I'm recording that it has this weird (almost doubling kind of effect) and it's driving me absolutely MAD! In fact, I sent the first
C414XLII back to sweetwater (where I purchased it..) thinking there was something wrong with the first C414XLII that I purchased. But I'm
having the exact same issue with the other C414XLII that was shipped, which proves it's not a microphone that was perhaps broken upon
shipment etc. I do not have this issue at all with my older SHURE KSM27. Any clue what the hell is going on? It also does this regardless
of which setting I use on the microphone. I can go through all of it's different built in settings and it STILL has this problem! It's incredibly
distracting and has prevented me from getting any new projects done! I'm almost at the point where I'm thinking maybe the C414XLII just
doesn't get along with my Focusrite 2i2? I'm thinking about purchasing an upgraded audio interface but I don't want to waste the money on
a new audio interface just to find out the same issue is still present! Again.. after I stop recording and I playback the vocal track, it sounds
perfectly fine! This issue only presents itself as the track is armed for recording! I've been desperately trying to find an answer ever since!
And sadly.. I've now owned the C414XLII for too long to send it back in for a full refund. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!
I use a Windows PC and Pro Tools to record my vocals. Not that those details should matter, because again.. this only happens with the
C414XLII and NOT with my SHURE KSM27!
I don't know why it only happens with the AKG. I recently started encountering this while recording anything in Logic Pro. I have zero latency on, and then when I arm a track (Even if I have the DAW monitoring disengaged) I hear the audio routed through computer which causes double tracking and latency. My solution is to arm the track in my DAW so that it is recording, but mute it so it doesn't play back. That's how I've dealt with this. Hope it helps. If it's something else, I don't know because it makes no sense that you only encounter it with one mic.
Thanks for the reply. Yeah it's weird. I also have a very BEASTY PC and have had no issues with two other microphones. But it's almost exactly what you described. It sounds like a double, or that I have some kind of effect on my voice or something. Again.. it's super distracting! Hearing myself with the track recording makes me think "damn.. I sound terrible.. this isn't going to work!" But once I stop the track and play it back I sound perfect. Again.. this kills all inspiration! Especially when I'm trying out things like AutoTune for the first time. AutoTune doesn't do this for my other microphones though and this issue happens even when I have no effects setup. @@Podcastage
It sounds like you're experiencing an issue with your AKG C414XLII microphone when recording vocals. Despite trying different settings on the microphone and using your Focusrite 2i2 interface, you're still getting a strange doubling effect while actively recording, which doesn't occur when you playback the recorded vocals. This issue doesn't happen with your previous SHURE KSM27 microphone. You've already exchanged the C414XLII once, but the problem persists with the replacement, ruling out a defective microphone. You're wondering if the issue might be compatibility between the C414XLII and your Focusrite interface, but you're hesitant to invest in a new interface without certainty. You're seeking advice or insight to resolve this frustrating issue and get back to your recording projects.
Wow! My take away is the XLII is simply amazing. On my list now. Always wondered about that and the XLS, but this confirms it for me. And another take away, the NT1 sounds excellent too. I liked the XLII (and maybe even the NT1) better than both Neumanns on your voice.
What a comprehensive review! Thank you.
6 views wtf i'm early
Bro i wanna buy this microphone but i buy cheap not expensive
Please do the austrian audio oc818 review next!
When you sang the mic song that made the video for me. Harmonies and all. Instant like at that point.
Very Fancy Box
😍😋 1:05
NT1 is just incredible value.
UA-cam compression is unfortunate, but hearing past that, the cardioid pattern test was quite valuable, both in the variable settings, and the rotation of the mic . IT really showed the many tones available on this mic... Thanks for the demo.
If you check the description there's a link to higher quality audio on my site. It's not lossless because I don't have the bandwidth for that, but it doesn't have the same compression as UA-cam.
Really fun video. All of them are but this one was special! . I appreciate your videos Thank you. For the wealth of information. And entertainment.
I like the sound of this mic. It reminds me of the sound of the MKH 416, I went back to watching that video again. In that video, with the windscreen on, or about 10 inches away while booming from the top, I hear a lot of similarities between both mics.
Lol I mean… the 416 kinda sounds like junk in comparison to me - totally different thing
Loving the reviews, keep up the good work.
I do have a request, if you do requests, I'm interested in the LyxPro SDPC2 or the Neewer NW-410 matched pair microphone set, they appear to be the same, and it would be great if you could investigate them for us. They both seem like amazing value for the money options.
Thank you.
Damn the TLM-103 is unmatched
When I was learning audio engineering 32 years ago, we had an AKG 414 in the studio and it was the prized possession! That thing did everything and really well! Of course we had Sennheisser 57s and a variety of others but the 414 was the golden egg and likely still is.
This dude has the greatest audio reviews on UA-cam
how is it that pewdiepie has a £1,000 mic but his audio is still crap, using this mic and a lav mic and his audio is the same, crazy.
honestly, i feel like these mics are made for music and iv no idea why gamers are spending so much money on condenser mics, omg buy a dynamic lol
It also works very well as a drum overhead!
Too bad the 18i20 preamps are garbage and we can't hear distinctive differences between the mics. Great work tho
why that many Polar Patterns, isnt Cardioid, Figure 8, and omni enough??? what the fuck will i use them for
tHIS MIC IS CURRENTLY SELLING ABOUT THE PRICE OF TLM102 , WHAT SHOULD I BUY THIS ONE OR TLM102
Ironic how i found the NT1 and u87 sounding the best...
neumann thanks you for probably unwanted promoting the u87 in the upper right corner most of the time 😜
Have watched a lot of your videos but can I say, I REALLY appreciate you making this one - your choice to compare against mics I own (NT1) and other high end mics I’ve considered - TLM plus comparing it to the XLS. I’ll be coming back to this video quite a few times I think! Keep up the great work bro 👍
What No Blue Yeti comparison? What a Bummer 😉I kid I kid already.
Could have called this the Conan O'brien microphone instead and you wouldn't have died a little inside.
C414XLS or TLM103 ? xD I dont need versatility
I'm gonna stick with my black yeti XD