AKG
AKG C414 XLS ST Condenser Microphone Stereo Pair
Best professional recording solution for demanding studio engineers.
The AKG C414 XLS ST is a legendary large-diaphragm studio condenser microphone set, renowned for its versatility and presence in countless hit records and professional studios. This stereo pair offers multiple polar patterns, including omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, and figure eight, making it adaptable to a wide range of recording applications. It features a switchable pre-attenuation pad and bass cut filter for precise sound shaping. The microphone operates on 48V phantom power and boasts a high maximum SPL capability, ensuring it can handle loud sources without distortion. Its robust build and extensive feature set make it a staple for vocalists, instrumentalists, and broadcast professionals seeking pristine audio capture.
$1599.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
269
/ 3337
#269 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
+215%
Above average
Polar Pattern
Omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure eight
/ Omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure eight
Who it's for
- Professional engineers and musicians needing a flexible, all-purpose studio workhorse.
- Audio producers and sound designers prioritizing precise spatial capture.
- Critical listeners and recording artists demanding uncolored, high-resolution sound.
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious home studio owners or aspiring hobbyists.
- Users without dedicated, acoustically optimized recording environments.
- Novice recordists or those seeking a simple, plug-and-play microphone solution.
Performance breakdown
Polar Pattern Versatility
Five selectable patterns offer unmatched flexibility for any studio recording scenario.
SPL Handling
Captures high-decibel sources with absolute clarity and zero unwanted distortion.
Self-Noise Floor
Extremely quiet operation ensures pristine recordings even during delicate, soft passages.
Build Durability
Rugged construction designed to withstand years of heavy professional studio use.
Sound Shaping
Precise pad and filter controls allow for quick, effective signal tailoring.
Stereo Imaging
Matched pair consistency provides a wide, accurate soundstage for complex ensembles.
Key Specs
Polar Pattern
Omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure eight
Sensitivity
23 mV/Pa (-33 dBV) ± 0.5 dB
Max. SPL
158 dB (0.5% THD)
Equivalent noise level
6 dB-A
Signal/noise ratio
88 dB
Preattenuation pad
-6 dB, -12 dB, -18 dB, switchable
Bass cut filter slope
12 dB/octave at 40 Hz and 80 Hz; 6 dB/octave at 160 Hz
Impedance
<=200 ohms
Features
- Multiple Polar Patterns for Versatile Recording
- Switchable Preattenuation Pads
- Selectable Bass Cut Filters
- High Max SPL Capability
- Low Self-Noise
- Durable Build for Studio and Stage
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the AKG C414 XLS ST stereo pair for its exceptional sound quality and remarkable versatility across various recording applications. Users frequently highlight its robust build and long term reliability, affirming its status as a professional studio workhorse. The microphone's ability to capture intricate sonic details with clarity and precision is a recurring point of satisfaction, making it a highly trusted tool for critical audio production. While an investment, its consistent performance and enduring quality are often cited as justifying the cost.
Know before you buy
A stereo pair is factory-matched to ensure identical sensitivity and frequency response across both units. This is essential for professional stereo imaging when recording acoustic instruments, drum overheads, or large ensembles.
Yes, the C414 XLS is designed for high-pressure environments. With a maximum SPL of 158 dB and switchable pre-attenuation pads, it can capture very loud sources without introducing distortion.
The five polar patterns—omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, and figure-eight—allow you to control how much room ambiance is captured. This versatility lets you adapt the microphone to different acoustic environments and source types without changing your gear.
The bass cut filter helps eliminate unwanted low-frequency rumble, such as floor vibrations or proximity effect when recording vocals close up. It offers three settings to help you clean up your signal at the source.
Yes, the C414 XLS requires standard 48V phantom power, which is provided by almost all professional audio interfaces, preamps, and mixing consoles.
Absolutely. It features an extremely low self-noise level of 6 dB-A, making it an excellent choice for capturing delicate, quiet sources like acoustic guitars or soft vocals without adding unwanted hiss.
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$1600