@@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.
TH-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 TH-cam.
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.
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??
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!
It's like this I've had this microphone for several years a great microphone for the price it's worth it won't get into all the specs and details on it but you won't be disappointed great video you'll like the AKG c414 XL2 microphone⚡
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.
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.
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.
Very thorough . Sounds great with your voice, more lively than the u87. So I just learned , if u right click anywhere on TH-cam videos , the last option that pops up says stats for nerds. It’d be interesting to see a video of what processing TH-cam adds to videos (specifically volume/normalized section) Cheers!
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 ...
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!
It's in the description: podcastage.com/rev/akgc414xlii And as I mention it's not a RAW, Lossless file. It is a 320kbps, 48khz, m4a. Edit: I misread your comment as "I don't see the RAW file".
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?
The Austrian Audio sounds noticeably more forward without sacrificing smoothness at the upper frequencies. Terrific review as always, Bandrew. Stay safe!
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.
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
I'm looking at the akg414 and the tlm103 running through a focusrite 18i20 and here I find a video comparing those mics with the exact same interface, I love youtube
Despite the fact you’ve already done a review of the sE 4400a, it definitely deserves a remix while comparing it to the XL, XL2, and the Warm Audio WA-14. Great review!
I have too many mics, but the main ones used as a voice over guy is the NTG5 and a C414eb P48. The AKG is a little noisy getting out of a chair, at its age not surprising but easily fixed with NS1.
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 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.
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 TH-cam, since it would definitely be best to have high-quality audio as the #1 priority for me.
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 ;-;
Austrian audio knows what makes the AKG 'tick'; and soundwise, IMHO they have outdone AKG (OOPS...I mean Harman), which now owns (If I am not mistaken) Neumann as well. As you know, the 414 has been a studio staple for years...having recently owned and sold a new 414 XLS I was shocked at how fragile these microphones are.Anyway, from your audio example, Austrian Audio all the way. Hooray for the underdog!
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.
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.
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---
The documentation is lacking some vital details for novice or inexperienced product owners. Please ask them to update them to fit real every day people's needs for clarity and understanding.
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 👍
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.
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😊
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 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.
i was surprised when i noticed that he spent this much on a mic, most content creators just get an sm7b to take the safe route, and cause its warmer which most people like
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.
Gosh. Very little difference to my ears on the Fidelio x2, except the sE which I didn't like much. But the others felt much like sidegrades not up or downgrades. How is it to the rest of you guys? Would be fun to hear when they clip individually since I know pewds value a mic that won't clip with him screaming and still pick up whispering.
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
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.
This is amazing and super thorough..I can only imagine the amount of work that went into making it. Thank you so much!!
TH-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 TH-cam.
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
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.
I’m still waiting on that U87 review Bandrew. It will be a legendary microphone review without question.
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.
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??
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?
Thorough, objective, informative. A well conducted deep dive on an amazing microphone!
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
It's like this I've had this microphone for several years a great microphone for the price it's worth it won't get into all the specs and details on it but you won't be disappointed great video you'll like the AKG c414 XL2 microphone⚡
This might be the single most informative video i've ever watched. Incredible work.
This is yet another microphone that's _waaaay_ smaller than what you'd expect when you actually get it. It's tiny.
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
Your reviews are incredible, thank you for this deep knowledge
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
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...
*Bandrew for meme review* 👏👏
That would be the most unfunniest videos ever.
@@Podcastage we disagree :
Can't wait let's go
For a smoother top end, the AKG C414 XLS would foot the bill. Same mic without the boosted hi-freqs.
Doesn't get boomy with proximity effect...you just get a smooth, rich bass response.
Hey man, your comparison is stunning. Thanks for this.
Thanx for the review! Really liked the AKG sound
Very thorough . Sounds great with your voice, more lively than the u87.
So I just learned , if u right click anywhere on TH-cam videos , the last option that pops up says stats for nerds. It’d be interesting to see a video of what processing TH-cam adds to videos (specifically volume/normalized section)
Cheers!
Yeah the stats for nerds is a super interesting tool as you can see what kind of changes youtube has made in terms of loudness.
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 ...
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!
Wow the neve preamp really smothed out the topend!
Austrian audio sounds pretty darn good!!
Would love to see how this stacks up against a Sennheiser MK8, and compare the polar patterns.
Thanks for the valuable efforts sir
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.
90%: PEWDIEPIE ORMAYGODER
10%: NICE REVIEW
The xlii seems smoother on your voice than the tlm 103. Even the u87 seems slightly muffled compared to the xlii
Sorry, i now see the RAW file under the HQ video. My error, many thanks for your work. Apologies for the confusion....stay safe all.
It's in the description: podcastage.com/rev/akgc414xlii
And as I mention it's not a RAW, Lossless file. It is a 320kbps, 48khz, m4a.
Edit: I misread your comment as "I don't see the RAW file".
@@Podcastage You are great content provider, sorry for the confusion. Great work.
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
2:09, I wonder if you can make an episode explaining all these Mic Specs terms :)
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!
That preamp was legit 👌
Best video on reviewing AKG C414 I had ever seen!
You should do a VS series between the AKG C414 XLII, C414 XLS, and C214
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.
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.
bro my friend won one for free im so jealous.
I love the way the TLM103 gives the perfect body to the voice, personally I like more than the AKG C414 XLII
You need a Cheryl box that you can throw as a replacement when situations like this arise.
This is a BRILLIANT idea!
it is also good as a drum overhead. it can pick up a lot of goodness from the ride and bring it up in the mix.
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
Very detailed review!!
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 👌
Hey plz tell me universal audio uad apollo twin x same sound quality other universal audio interface
The Portico 5017 is a great little unit. I use mine with a TLM102 at home and it's glorious!
I'm looking at the akg414 and the tlm103 running through a focusrite 18i20 and here I find a video comparing those mics with the exact same interface, I love youtube
Despite the fact you’ve already done a review of the sE 4400a, it definitely deserves a remix while comparing it to the XL, XL2, and the Warm Audio WA-14. Great review!
Oh man, the Austrian Audio OC818 is a clear winner to me!
the reviews on this channel are SO GOOD
Fantastic review. What will be your thoughts on classical guitar?
Thanks for amazing comparison. I was suprsised that cheaper XLS has more natural sound.
I have too many mics, but the main ones used as a voice over guy is the NTG5 and a C414eb P48. The AKG is a little noisy getting out of a chair, at its age not surprising but easily fixed with NS1.
🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷👏🏻, AKG C414 sounds better! Amazing!
Debating getting AKG C414XLII vs XLS for a studio workhorse mic.
I realy like your vids you made me consider an XLR Mike
Youre so god damn amazing. Much love guy
wow 16 mins passed.... i didn't know.... love your videos
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
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 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.
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 TH-cam, since it would definitely be best to have high-quality audio as the #1 priority for me.
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 mic is very sensitive at -33 dB. And with a self noise of only 6 dB, I found that to be very impressive.
Apparently the Germans don't like stickers. None from Neumann or AKG.
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 ;-;
Great systematic review. Thanks 😊.
Any experience how this mic will work for live gigs with an acustic string band ?
Austrian audio knows what makes the AKG 'tick'; and soundwise, IMHO they have outdone AKG (OOPS...I mean Harman), which now owns (If I am not mistaken) Neumann as well.
As you know, the 414 has been a studio staple for years...having recently owned and sold a new 414 XLS I was shocked at how fragile these microphones are.Anyway, from your audio example, Austrian Audio all the way. Hooray for the underdog!
I'm super impressed with the AA OC818 (and OC18)
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.
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! 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.
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---
after awhile they all sound the same, pre processing I imagine.. :) I'll stick with the tlm 103
103 sounds better
very good sound.Ｉlike this !
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
The documentation is lacking some vital details for novice or inexperienced product owners. Please ask them to update them to fit real every day people's needs for clarity and understanding.
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 👍
Excellent review. Can this be a choosen for recording in home studio setup with certainly minimum acoustics to start with?
It sounds a little harsh but at low volume it's really clear. Seems to me like the mic encourages the consumer to turn the volume down.
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.
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.
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😊
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 heard the beauty of the u87 this time. It was phenomenal smooth and natural and that preamp with that mic would be just right.
Very Fancy Box
😍😋 1:05
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
i was surprised when i noticed that he spent this much on a mic, most content creators just get an sm7b to take the safe route, and cause its warmer which most people like
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.
Bro i wanna buy this microphone but i buy cheap not expensive
Man, that OC818 though.....
Gosh. Very little difference to my ears on the Fidelio x2, except the sE which I didn't like much. But the others felt much like sidegrades not up or downgrades. How is it to the rest of you guys?
Would be fun to hear when they clip individually since I know pewds value a mic that won't clip with him screaming and still pick up whispering.
"If I could you know I would watch these revews all day, but I've got bills I need to pay, so I can't!" LOL