Neumann TLM103 vs AKG C414 XLS - Lead Male Vocals (Versus Video) MMP: Ep 8
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- Опубліковано 16 лип 2024
- In this #versusvideo, Carl Moore Music explores the Neumann #TLM103 and the AKG #C414 XLS in response to a male vocalist. This is not a full review of both microphones but a short practical example of them in action. No post production processing has been added to the vocal takes, but output gain reduction was added to attempt perceived level matching.
Individual files can be provided if desired to review on your own personal system.
Song - “One Last Time” (LISTEN HERE: distrokid.com/hyperfollow/car...)
Lyrics: Al Tomlinson & Carl Moore
Music: #CarlMooreMusic
Drums: Michael Taylor Jr.
Bass: Kevuaghn Byers
Aux: Complexivetunes
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Website - www.carlmooremusic.com
Instagram - / carlmooremusic
Facebook - / carlmooremusic
UA-cam Link - / cmoore937
Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
0:26 - Mic Introductions
0:32 - Preamps Used
0:53 - Original Song Info
1:08- Social Media Info
1:20 - Mics w/Antelope Pres
2:50 - Mics w/SSL 2+ Pres
4:05 - Mics w/SSL 2+ Pres (4K Mode)
This was such a well produced video, thank you! Own the c414 xls and always wondered if it should have been the 103 or similar but so glad it's the 414! Is clean on everything. Thanks for the video this was such a clear vs and the song is absolute winner! Cracking dry vocals dude!! Keep it up #mostunderappreciatedyoutuber 🚀💜
Definitely appreciate the kind words and the support! I’ve had this xls since 2012 or 2013 and it’s been a goto mic for me on pretty much every source. I know other flavors are preferred but it’s utilitarian in nature to me and I’ve yet to be disappointed with the sources I’ve put in front of it. Good chain, good source, with this mic can get great results.
Part of the reason I started these reviews was to provide listening examples that were a little more palatable than what I’ve heard on the net lol. Glad to know it’s appreciated!
As always, I come for the reviews but stay for the tunes. What a voice my friend
Definitely appreciate the kind words! Thanks again for checking out the content!
The winner here is the vocalist! Also I think the 414 suits him and the song much better
Yooo! Thanks for checking out the video and commenting! I’m a BIG fan of the 414 xls. I really think it’s the wildcard that gets put on the shelf because other high end brands and mic models are more appealing in the market but I feel like it’s the best bang for the buck! Multiple polar patterns, pads and filters makes this thing a legit utilitarian piece.
I could go either way on the mics in this context though
414 is a weird animal 🦒 but in a good way. It’s in the same league as the other famous mics. One of the great things about it is that it’s light weight and won’t drag down a boom mic stand like the other heavy mics.
Great shoot out!!!
And the winner of this versus video iiiiss..... YOUR VOICE ... OMG!!
Thanks for watching the video and the kind words. Definitely means something when you know people appreciate your musicianship
Tlm103 has a little presence boost, but C414 has a flatter mid-top end. To my ears the c414 is warmer and the TLM is less natural, boasting clarity because of presence boost. C414 natural, TLM103 is tweaked for brightness. I prefer the C414 and admire the vocals sung here.
Much appreciation for sharing your perspective, stopping by the channel and the kind words!
I think describes it pretty well. I think the Neumann might be weaker in the lower mids. I feel the 414 pushing the cans towards my ears more. On the top end, a Neumann TLM49 should be more similar to the 414. Or a Microtech Gefell M930. Makes the 414 good value, as even second-hand TLM49s are much more expensive than a 414. For bargain hunters, in Europe especially, the Austrian Audio OC-16 is very good too, and almost half the price of the AKG 414 over here.
Love my OC16 ! @@compucorder64
Yep. fully agree with this. The top end on the 414 is rounder and nicer to my ears.
103 is warmer, 414 is clearer and “airier”. He’s also using the 414 XLS. I have the XLII with the gold face, and it’s even brighter/airier. If you’re looking for a mic specifically for vocals, I might go with the TLM103, but if you can only afford one Multi-purpose mic, I’d go with the 414. When I use my 414 XLII, I barely need to EQ anything. Even though the TLM has more depth, I often end up using a hi-pass filter to get the vocals to sit in a mix better anyway. Can’t go wrong with either. Buy both if you can afford it. If you can only afford one, go with the 414.
Oh my God, I was hoping for this.
🙌🏾🙌🏾 I definitely appreciate you for checking the video out and I’m glad it’s something you were searching for!
@@CarlMooreMusic I just bought a black TLM just like your bro! and I'm really excited! Good Job! -BRAZIL
@@rakneural good stuff! It’s a dope mic!!! Hope you make some dope music with it!
@@CarlMooreMusic Thank you bror, I wish you twice! I'll follow you on instagram, Jah Bless !!! 2021 is ours!
Thank you for posting this! I have the C414 and just got the SSL2+. I think you just saved me from buying a new mic!
Definitely appreciate the fact that the video was helpful. I’ll stand by the 414 and its versatility, utilitarian nature and overall relevance in completion with big budget microphones.
Thankful for the interaction because it really helps the channel to grow.
Great comparison the TLM sounds amazing nice and smooth and that C414 sounds just as amazing. You can’t do wrong with either. You can achieve either sound with EQ.
Each mic has been EQ so simply boost one or cut the other.
Wow Amigo que calidad de video, audio, música, voz, todo!!! Algún día tendré el Neumann TLM 103 es muy suave y natural el sonido. Me encanta!!! Saludos desde Perú bro!
¡Hombre! ¡Muchas gracias por ver el video y comentar! Definitivamente me gustan los dos micrófonos y los uso con frecuencia. Me alegro de que hayas venido a ver esto. ¡Realmente lo aprecio! ¡Mucho respeto!
Neuman, gana… son mejores, ahorra y lo conseguirás. Tenemos 4, dos Tlm 102, como este tlm 103 y u87.
Love that voice - can’t even decide which mic I like better. 2 diff versions my ears love. Love the song too btw… yes that funk and jazzzz
Also, fantastic song! I just followed you on Spotify. Cheers!
Much appreciation for the add on Spotify and checking out the video and commenting!
I want you to know I went C414 over 103 a few months back partly due to your shootout. I had previously owned an XLII and knew it didn’t suit my voice but the XLS is just about perfect. It takes a minute to find the proximity sweet spot but, man, once I do it’s detailed, clean, natural sounding…everything I was looking for.
Doesn’t hurt it has nine polar patterns, along with pad and hpf options. Bang for your buck! Thank you!
I love hearing/reading this!!! I feel like the 414 is the Swiss Army knife often times not known that it’s needed in a mic locker!
Also glad to hear this one of my videos contributed in a decision made. That’s always my goal just to be of help to someone else if possible!
Thanks for stopping by the channel, checking out the video, commenting and more importantly interacting with me.
Definitely means a lot!
414… that top end on your voice just rocks
Very great comprasion! Greetings from Turkey!
Thank you much!!! Appreciate you for checking out my content and the kind words!
Greetings from the North Pole.
U had 4k on with the ssl2? And amazing song
Thanks for checking out the video. And yes, if you check the time codes, you can get right to the portion where the 4K mode is engaged. I can’t remember the exact stamp
sorry for stupid question but can I use the tlm 103 for aggressive harsh vocals like metal?
Not a stupid question at all. I believe you’d be fine with utilizing the 103 although the 102 has a higher Max SPL than the 103. But you’d have to be singing high than 138dB and I don’t think that’s possible lol 😂😂😂😂.
@@CarlMooreMusic I'm not sure as to how much dB I am getting to...but my Akg C3000 spl's is 150 and it doesn't handle loud gain vocals very well! so it's very weird... do you think if I got the tlm 103 or maybe even the 102 the microphone would catch my powerful singing with no distortion, or I'd still get the same results? at this point I'm not even sure spl is the measure I should look at when answering the question the Sia guy asked, which I'm asking myself. maybe the C3000 is just a crap microphone and one like the tlm 103 would capture loud vocals much better!....?
and btw, the neumann u87's spl is 127, and there is no way the u87 can handle loud vocals worse than the tlm 103 for example...or is there? anyway, the Akg c3000 is higher than all the others in spl, and it performes terrible with loud gains.
@@bonbb3923 if you are loud you back up it is a common vocal technique used in live and studio performances. if holding the mic live you move it away during louder parts and in a studio, you move your head back or off to the side so it is not directly forced into the mic. If you watch any professional singer you will see them do this. I recorded death metal and punk for over 30 years btw
Sounds like Neyo this is amazing
What should I choose,Slate VMS or Neumann TLM 103 (keep in mind that I'll use the TLM 103 with a Focusrite 2i2 interface)?
Yo! Thanks for the checking out the video and posting your question. I honestly think with the various tonal possibilities of the VMS, you’d have more options. People will probably say it’s crap, but think the mic is useful. And I’ve gotten solid results out of it. But my question would be, what’s the main purpose of the mic? Just to track vocals? Or would you be tracking other sources?
@@CarlMooreMusic just to track my vocals bro
I think the VMS would naturally give you more tones, where the 103 has become a staple mic in the community for entry level higher quality/luxury. I like to pair all my mics with a solid external pre. The VMS has pre emulations that a pretty solid. In my opinion, they’re NOT equal to the preamps they emulate, but I feel like the tones are useful. I’d recommend getting the VMS one preamp with the ML-1 for optimal use
@@CarlMooreMusic yeah I'll definitely get the VMS One but do you think that the TLM 103 will have better quality sound or something like that?
were i can download these files? thanks! perfect comparisson
I’d have to send it directly to you. Send me your email address and I’ll get them over
cris.drum@gmail.com thank you! Good look on your projects!
Awesome!! However I found the comparison switching much too fast and completely confusing with the split screen. My head is spinning and I dont know what I just heard, just too fast for my taste, to many cuts. Other than that: Thanks!
Loving these videos Carl - great voice and the track sounds awesome...Musiq Soulchild vibes. I'm in the market for a new mic and was considering one of these two - the TLM 103 sounded much smoother and sat in the mix nicely. Would love to see you do a comparison with one of the mics from Telefunken Alchemy range - the TF11/TF29/TF47. They're a bit pricier but I've heard good things! Thanks for the mic shootouts so far... subbed!
Totally appreciate the sub and the kind words! It’s something about the 103 that makes it so utilitarian in nature.
I’m trying to get my hands on the TF series. All of these come from my own locker, and I don’t get these from manufactures or authorized resellers. But I should be come around the telefunken block pretty soon!
Thanks for the support!!!!
@@CarlMooreMusic I appreciate that man, keep making great music. It definitely helps that we can vibe to a decent song while listening to the mics!
@@RtothaO hahahaha thanks! This was another reason for these videos.... I watch ALOT of reviews that (subjectively) aren’t so easy to digest 😂😂😂
@@CarlMooreMusic hahaha honestly bro, some of those videos are hard to get through ...subjectively 😂
@@RtothaO Hahahaha
I got the TLM 103 but the 414 is an eye opener. 😲
I’ve had my 414 since around 2011 or 2012. It’s always been a workhorse for me. I haven’t found a source I’ve captured with it and I didn’t like the outcome.
Thanks for stopping by the channel, checking out the video and commenting.
could you upload the files in wav format? thank you carl
You can shoot me your email address and I’ll email them to you
Snehil.w@gmail.com. Can you please send it to me as well
the song fireeee. do the AKG P220 vs the AT2020
What is your opinion about the Antelope preamps compared to the SSL? Thanks.
Firstly, thanks for checking out the video and commenting.
In my opinion, Antelope’s pres are more transparent than the SSL 2+. There was open clarity across the frequency spectrum to me. They accurately translate what goes into them.
@@CarlMooreMusic thank you for the reply.
Are you using the FPGA effects with the Antelope? Are them any good?
No worries at all.
I definitely track and mix with them. I like them, and have adapted them to my workflow.
La cuestión con el 414 es que sirve para practicamente todo en el estudio. Podés grabar cualquier cosa con ese mic. Tal vez en esta voz en particular el Tlm103 suene un poquito mejor... poquito. Si el objetivo es poder grabar de todo, el AKG 414 me parece casi imbatible. Si sólo grabas voces, tal vez el Tlm103 sea mejor.
Muy buen video!
Sólo hay una cuestión en la edición: en una parte hay cambios de cámara bastante rapidos que no coinciden con el cambio de micrófono.. me mareé un poco tratando de ver cuál estaba escuchando mirando el texto y no dejandome arrastrar por el cambio de imagen XD
Gracias!
El 414 XLS lo encuentro excelente para gabinetes de guitarra, sin embargo no me gusta para guitarra acústica, suena muy normalito. Que otros usos le das? Gracias y saludos.
@@oscarmorales-cn3hz no he tenido la suerte de usarlo en persona. Sí, de trabajar con cosas grabadas, además de tenerlo escuchado de conciertos y discos, live sessions y demases. Es como el u87... no lo conozco como usuario, pero lo conozco de tantas veces que lo escuché en tantos y tantos estudios.
Hay un concierto de Esperanza Spalding donde el contrabajo está tomado por un 414 por ejemplo, Juan Falú lo usó en varios conciertos a los que asistí, un grupo amigo lo usaba en la vocalista en grabaciones home, en un foro de hispasonic hace unos 10 años había un usuario que subía grabaciones de su guitarra clásica hechas con 2 414... en fin, lo tengo muy escuchado, en mucha diversidad. Me sorprende como siempre me suena maravilloso.
Lo que no podría, es distinguir entre los submodelos.
Ojalá algún día pueda yo tener uno. Abrazo
@@lucas_ferrarini Es un muy buen dato lo de la captación con guitarra clásica y lo demás que me comentas, hay justo una oferta que la estoy pensando porque es un dinero considerable y no me quiero arrepentir con tantas alternativas, Agradecido hermano.
@@oscarmorales-cn3hz Te dejo un video que hice sobre cómo conviene microfonear la guitarra clásica. Si gustas, echale un vistazo ua-cam.com/video/sZMYh6o2wUw/v-deo.html
Help me out here Tlm 103 at $999 cad with shockmount or tlm 102 at $750 cad with shockmount, which do I get?
Is this going to be a main vocal mic?
Really great performance, and great production talent as well. Love your channel bro! You did great in the contrast, now let's talk post-prod. I read that the AKG has better signal-to-noise ratio. I read the Neumann has a flatter response. Now tell me, in getting your final sound, have you noticed this? And if yes, did you find it harder to shape your sound dealing with the additional noise from the Neumann, or the colored response of the AKG?
Totally appreciate you for checking out the video and commenting! I can’t totally say that I’ve heard a great deal of noise from the 103 that negatively impacted the source I was capturing. As well, I can’t say that “color” from the 414 wasn’t desired. I think they’re both solid mics. One could concluded that for the 103 to lack the features the 414 offers and still be similarly priced, the 103 should be superior but I feel like I’ve never got bad end results from using either mic. I think they both take processing well, and couple with the proper source and a solid chain, they’re great tools. Hope this answers your question
@@CarlMooreMusic most definitely! Thanks again for your great talent and professionalism. I think I'll opt for the AKG stereo matched pair for their versatility and acoustic instrument recording x-y with different polar patterns.
@@Alvarism Good stuff! I’ve ALWAYS been a fan of 414s and they’re work horse mics. You put them on anything and they can get the job done! Let us hear whatever you create with them, if possible.
That's unfair man. No matter what you sing through it's going to be great sounding you know. ;) Great performance
Much appreciation for the kind words! Hahaha that’s legit that you appreciate the musicianship!
The C414 is so clean 🔥
So clean!!! Thanks for checking out the video and commenting!
The 414 has certainly more presence than TLM 103, BUT there is something slightly annoying going on in the lower mids with the 414, and it is something I hear in every single demo I´ve heard with this mic
Muddiness ?
Thank you for this comparison of these 2 mics but honestly you should have stayed a little bit longer on each Mic. Thx
Thank you for commenting and checking out the video
He tenido los dos y muy buenos microfonos pero tú voz y tu talento es soul saludos bro 🙏
¡Hombre! mucho agradecimiento por ver el video y comentar. También me siento honrado por las amables palabras.
Disfruto de ambos micrófonos y obtengo resultados sólidos de ambos. Gracias por visitar el canal.
I have the AKG XL11 and it 's brighter than the XLS - which makes it a better comparison for the TLM103.
I like to avoid EQing vocals if I can - and the XL11 usually doesn't need any.
Thanks for checking out the video.
I respect your perspective but I think it’s subjective if anything to say the 414 XL II is “better” to compare with the 103.
I do think it’s dope to find a chain that creates more of a “finished” tone on the front end. However, I personally have an unpleasant nasal tone around 1k-1.25k even a little higher depending on the mic. So I’m sure that would need to be pulled out on the XLii. Overall, I’m a fan of 414s because they’ve been a utilitarian piece for me throughout the years.
That 103 is nice but that 414 has way more features and it just adds that little extra something special it has smoother mids and less boost presence then the 103 ultimately to my ear creating more warmth and over all smooth tone 🤷♂️ either way both nice mics
That 414 has been a work horse for me for years. Ive never put it on a source that I didn’t like. Then people bash the 103 but I like it. For the price I wish there was at least some type of low end roll off but I typically take care of that with the front end I track with. All and all, like you said, both tools are solid and they create good results.
The 103 is so smooth! Not a fan of airy mics so it wins for me
Much appreciated for the kind words! I feel like this mic gets crapped on a lot lol
I'm loving this. What about a mic simply for a novice trying to create videos for advertisement purposes.
I’ve got some cheaper mics I’m going to review soon! I just need to finish editing the video! 😁😄 thanks for always supporting mom!
What do you prefer between xls or xlii
For me, I prefer the XLS. The top end is not as exaggerated on the XLS
Thank you and can you tell me what mic holder are you using?
@@ShashankShekharMusic the mic clip that comes with the TLM 103
@@CarlMooreMusic was asking about the c414?
Oh it’s the stock AKG shock mouth that came with the mic
🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷👏🏻, Awesome video! Very informative, C414 was very good, EKG was the best.
Thanks for checking out the video and commenting
C414 for sure!
Wow, they sound literally the same 😱
AKG C414 XLS! Also, its equipment is much better.
the only major difference worth noting that I hear is that the TLM103 has less low end, and that's when that low cut on the c414 comes in handy c:
Yoo thanks for checking out my video and commenting!
I think they both do a SOLID job with the top end! It’s not over done like a lot of mics, but it still cuts through. Surprisingly, I felt like mid range was similar to extent. Because Neumann is known for their “mid-forward” character. However, it seems pretty close in these to me.
And I believe the c414b xls cuts low end around like 40 cycles in cardiod mode, while the 103 cuts low end at like 60 or 70 cycles (I could be a little off on those numbers lol). Nevertheless you’re right, the low cut would help if needed.
Ultimately, I may be biased because I like mics but I thoroughly dig these two. And can get solid results from them both!
Thanks for stopping by and contributing!
These mics are basically identical and most people would have no way of identifying which is which, trust me I have done this test with singers in my studio that thought they needed my most expensive mic to sound their best. You need a mic that fits the job it is doing and the specific vocal characteristics of each singer. I suggest renting mics to find what fits you best.
Thanks for checking out the video and commenting. Minus the pads, polar pattern switches and roll off, I definitely feel like the mic tones are identical. I also think front end processing could shine a light on the minor variances between the two.
Not sure if the mic rental suggestion is geared to folks who read your comment in general or me specifically but I’m beyond the renting phase personally. I don’t acquire gear that way nothing against it if it’s for someone else, the but the content I post on my channel is from gear in my own locker that I’ve spent time with.
Thanks again for viewing and commenting
the 414 won to me, its not muddy like the tlm 103, wear some high quality headphones and pay attention to the mid areas, not sure how yall got to the 103, cant yall hear the difference???
i dont know how youre hearing muddy in the 103?? 414 if anything for me sounded like it lacked texture.. it was clear but not much in it, just Neumann mics have this Velvet like sound no other mics seem to have
lol tlm 103 has smooth freaking texture combine that with neve preamp you got yourself industry standard vocal rest is mixing
I got mad with one second per mic.... is not possible o compare
103 is a little harsh for me! So bright!
Thanks for checking out the video and sharing your subjective opinion!
Amazing voice and sound. TLM103 sounds better to me on this track.
Thanks for checking out the video and commenting. The 103 is a beast. Pricey but a solid microphone
Agree.
Both are great, depend on the title, the c414 sounds a lil bit different, more « exotic »
They’re both legit mics to me. I get solid results with both of them!
C414 fits the song better imo
why it says 414 b
In short, the "B" indicates the year that model of the 414xls was released. This run was 2004-2009
el 414 corto mejor la mezcla mas cuerpo en la voz..brillo mas suave ,very good akg 414
¡Gracias por ver el video y comentar! Soy fanático de ambos micrófonos por diferentes razones. ¡Pero ambos hacen el trabajo!
Warmth? Bite? Richness? Bollocks! Bet you will not notice a difference if you listen to the audio without the visual cues which, as other commenter mentioned, do not coincide with the microphone change.
Thanks for watching the video sharing and sharing your subjective opinion!
TLM 103 for shure.
I Wouldn´t hit in a blind test.
Thanks for commenting and checking out the video. I too was surprised at how identical they sounded in a lot of spots.
man these difference are so small.. if I would listen blind probably I wouldn't notice there are two mics..
Thanks for checking out the video and commenting. Was some what surprising but they’re around the same price point. But ultimately for me, I think they’re both solid tools to get the job done
@@CarlMooreMusic yea I think you can’t go wrong with either of those. 103 has a bit more presence and the 414 a bit more warmth. You can always add the presence later in the mix if you go with the 414. By the way you can sing very good 👍🏻
C414 more clearly
C414 makes your voice more naked..i guess? But what i can learn here...the original voice source is more important...man...that's not fair
Much appreciated for the respect of musicianship. I think I like that description of the 414 in this example. I think that’s a characteristic of that mic’s sonic signature. Some like it, and some don’t. But I feel it’s one of the best “professional” sounding mics at such a reasonable price point.
The TLM 103 is so much warmer
Carl I DM you on instagram with the type of music I make and you referred me to the XLS and my friend I haven’t looked back thanks for your feedback that mic is craaaaaaaazy
Dope!!!! Definitely legit to hear!
The 103 does it for me. More richness
I can totally respect that!!! One is bound to take preference over the other! But I definitely like them both! Thanks for commenting and checking the video out
@@CarlMooreMusic most definitely! How did you find the WA 47? Are you still using it? Thanks
@@rooppatel3468 I like it! It’s definitely in the u47 family! I’ll never get rid of it and I’ll probably end up get another here shortly. There’s a little more top end on it compared to some of the vintage u47s I’ve used but I have a video on UA-cam in a studio in Ohio where I tracked 98% of the vocals on a u47. I had to punch a section in when I got back to my setup because I forgot a spot, and I used the WA47 just for comparisons sake. It definitely held its own for that application
@@CarlMooreMusic oh sweet, any links to that video? Thanks man
@@rooppatel3468 ua-cam.com/video/-Qu93WLvgEY/v-deo.html
103 sounds punchier as it adds some magic more in the low end
That's an interesting take that I need to go back and listen for. Don't quote me but I think the low cut on the 103 is higher than the low cut on the 414 in cardioid mode. But ill have to listen back to see if I hear that. Thanks for checking out the video, stopping by the channel and commenting.
these 2 mics just sounds the same to me, but I still gonna get the TLM103 coz the better looking.
how many songs are going on here??? i thought i had another screen with music playing.. sounds like when you watching a video but forgot to pause the other one in the background.. is this Jazz?? cause sounds out of tune and all over the place, i am genuinely bit confused.
Thanks for checking out the video and commenting. One of the greatest things about subjectivity is that it is not factual for everyone. You have the right to your opinion, but no one has to agree with it. Lol because I definitely don’t. Moreover, your confusion is irrelevant to pretty much every aspect of this content. Additionally, the tuning is totally fine.
As I share with all who stop by my channel, thanks for watching because every view counts!
@@CarlMooreMusic i am a musician myself and i not judging, im genuinely asking from a naive perspective as maybe theres things i do not know. And im open to learning about it or discussing it.. that is where the confusion comes from the fact i play music, i KNOW Jazz is funky but hey no offense bro . Wasnt the intention..
I am a space man . My mind is not of this planet hahaha.. but thanks for the video on the mics.. i think C414 worked better for your voice and style of this music.. but i love Neumanns they have this unique colour to them no mics seem to have.. i have a neumann 105 and even thats has this rich tone .. incredible i think ill save up for a nuemann but its just finiding which one.. i guess
The 103 sounds clean and conservative, the 414 has a little more bite.
Thanks for checking out the video and commenting! I’d agree they both have a different kind of vibe. But I feel like solid results can be achieved with either mic!
Definitivamente!
TLM 103 is the clear winner here. It’s not about how “flat” a mic sounds on it’s own. If you’re using a mic for vocals, you absolutely want it to poke through the mix and never lose energy when you pass between notes. The C414 just doesn’t have the sparkle and focus of the TLM 103. Listening to a mic solo is an easy way to misrepresent it’s overall utility in a mix; always observe it in the mix before you make up your mind. This is why this video in particular is so informative about which mic is best for the occasion.
Personally, I would not use a C414 for vocals. I would much prefer to use the C414 as a room mic, a drum overhead or on a guitar cab.
Thanks for stopping by the channel, checking o the video and commenting. I agree that overly used solo listening can have less beneficial outcomes and I honestly think it’s an inaccurate account of the music. None of the final versions of this song consisted of “solo vocals” and no accompaniment. As a result, I believe in-context listening to be more optimal.
I’d also add, the source material and end result tonal goal determine my choice of mic. I track with front end processing just as a preference and I’m able to address my needs accordingly. But I look to my tonal desires to get me there, as well as the source being captured and the source material.
I may be partial but I love 414s lol. I’ve never put it in front of the source and hated the results. I have heard “better” but the base starting point when using my 414 was never bad enough to discard it from vocal use or any source at that.
Again, thanks for chiming in!
The camera swaps and moving text is disorienting and hard to track
Tawk your sh!t tho. TAWK TO HERRRRRR
Appreciate the love!
tlm103 more bottom & more body presence compare to akgc414!!
Thanks for chiming in and checking out the video!
Both mics are stellar but I'm sure a lot of listeners/users will point out that qualities you've mentioned and make their decision based on that. I personally have gotten dope results with both mics.
Much appreciated for your engagement!
The technique of switching from one mic to the other is dead wrong. Do a mic at a time, so the listener could get a good idea of the nic performance over a run of vocals.
That is your subjective opinion. And it’s dead wrong. No one has to agree with your thoughts. I know I don’t. But you’ve come to my channel, watched my video and commented. That’s exactly what’s needed for the UA-cam algorithm
C414 sounds like money….TLM spare change
Hahahahah this comment is comedy! Thanks for checking out the video, visiting the channel and commenting
I just purchased a AKG C414 XLII and it honestly sounds terrible! To the point where I'm starting to suspect it's defective or was damaged during shipment!
Such a bummer! I was so excited to finally record a couple new projects this weekend. I haven't recorded any new music in a year! It's the longest I've gone
without recording anything new since I first got into recording 15+ years ago! So now I have to play the waiting game with Sweetwater waiting for a return
label and then I'll have to wait for them to get this microphone back, before I can get a new one sent out. Frustrating! And if it's not defective, than the C414
is the most over rated microphone of all time!
Hate to hear that about your scenario. I recently received a mic that had a defective tube. As a result, I had to wait about 2 months to wait to use it. I was ok with being patient for the investment, but it’s definitely aggravating.
I wouldn’t go as far as to say the 414 models are overrated. They’re a staple in professional studios for a reason. But it can be super disappointing to be in that situation. I totally get it.
Reception to the XLII and XLS are not the same -
Not sure what can specifically be deduced from this comment.
TLM 103 is smoother
TLM 103 is nicer on your voice. The C414 XLS is actually an instrument mic because of its flat response and dulls the natural highs of your voice, in my opinion.
414 has slight dirt in it ...some kind of distortion...103103ore clear
the music is so exhausting and restless that you can't even concentrate on comparing the microphones
That’s your subjective opinion. Thanks for checking out the video.