AKG 414 microphones

AKG 414
 

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Condenser mics
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AKG 414

AKG 414

The AKG 414 is a studio standard and one of the best known reference condenser microphones for recording use. Probably the most popular of AKG's condenser microphones, it was first introduced in 1971 as the “C 414 comb” and has undergone a series of relaunches up to today with the XLS version. The new AKG 414 has five pattern choices: cardioid, Hypercardioid, figure-8, omni and the new wide cardioid position, all switchable electronically from the front of the mic. It also has pad and roll off switches making it a great, all round, well made studio condenser microphone suitable for just about any job. Over the years it has became a favourite mic of studio engineers for anything from vocals to drums and piano and the unmistakable twin-trapezoidal shape is instantly recognisable.

Recording

Fairview has three AKG 414 microphones, a pair of old silver ones and a later black ULS model and while I'm not quite sure what the ULS stands for, it does have a warmer, fuller sound. I’ve used them on everything at some time in the past 20 years but currently my favourite use is as a cross pair at the back of the piano in the studio (a Colard upright) and if the piano's tuned and it's a good player then I think they give me the best sound from any of the mics we have here. Another thing I like them for are drum overheads but high up over the kit. I always use them in cardioid but they aren't as focused as the Neumann KM84s which I use closer in. However I have recently taken to putting up an AKG 414 set to omni in the live room next to the drum room to create that sense of space and it works really well. At the mix I compress it quite heavily and it really adds something to the drum sound. I’ve used them a lot on acoustic guitars with a Neumann KM 84 close in and the 414 a couple of feet out to get the fullness of the body. They're a pretty distinctive looking mic and you used to see them all the time on The Whistle Test as drum overheads and tom mics. I personally don’t find them the brightest mic but they are still a classic, very well made, versatile studio microphone.JS.

Hear the AKG 414
The Brew session: Guitar
The Brew session: Drum Room
Anya Thomson session: Piano
Anya Thomson session: Sax
 
 
 
Microphones and recording 2008. AKG 414 Condenser Microphones