The AKG C 414 B XLS is a reference-quality microphone especially used for accurate, beautifully-detailed pickup of any acoustic instrument.

The AKG C 414 B XLS has been carefully designed to maintain the legendary sonic character of the C 414 family while integrating new features and performance enhancements made possible by new technology. A classic microphone with a distinctive timbre especially designed for recording of solo vocals and solo instruments.

What's the difference between the C 414B-XLII and the C 414 B XLS ? The main difference between the two current C414 models lies in their frequency responses. The C 414B-XLII has a series of presence rises between 2.5 KHz and 9 KHz. This will make any recording with this microphone brighter or more sibilant than the original sound. This upper mid range boost is quite helpful on vocals and certain instruments such as classical acoustic guitars using nylon or natural strings. The C 414 B XLS has a very flat response that will not color the original sound which is important especially in instrumental recordings. It more suited for general use.

The microphone's 5 pickup patterns are easily selectable via an electronic switch with LED indication and offer the selection of omnidirectional, cardioid wide cardioid, hyper cardioid and figure-eight patterns. The pickup pattern selector switch utilizes a dual-color LED indicator that provides visual indication of the pattern selected and also changes from green to red to indicate if the microphone's output electronics are being overloaded. The pattern selector can also be used to "lock" the microphone's switch settings by pressing and holding it for 3 seconds. On the rear of the microphone, an electronic switch allows the selection of -6, -12 and -18 dB pre-attenuation levels which are accomplished by changing the polarization voltage to the capsule. The C 414 B XLS has switchable bass cut filters of 12 dB-per-octave at 40 Hz and 80 Hz, and a 6 dB-per-octave filter at 160 Hz for control of proximity effect. On-axis sensitivity for all patterns is 23 mV/Pa and its self-noise is an extremely low 6 dB-A.

The C 414 B XLS has a transformerless output and all-metal chassis, making it immune to electrical interference and RF from digital equipment, video monitors and wireless systems. It comes complete in an all-metal 'Soundtool' Hard Shell road case with the AKG H-85 shock mount, a PF80 external two-stage pop filter, a W414X external windscreen and an individually-measured chart showing the response curve of the microphone. It is also available in factory-matched stereo pairs packaged with a H50 stereo bar instead of the external pop filter.

Features:

* High sensitivity and extremely low self noise
* Five switchable polar patterns for placement and application flexibility
* Two-color LEDs provide quick visual indication of selected polar pattern and output overload
* Elastic capsule suspension greatly minimizes structurally-transmitted noise from chassis vibration
* H 85 professional shock mount/stand adapter, PF 80 external pop filter and W 414 X external windscreen
* High sound pressure level capability, 140 - 158dB, and wide dynamic range
* Completely immune to electrostatic and electro-magnetic interference from digital gear, computer monitors, etc. thanks to solid metal housing and transformerless output stage
* Three switchable bass cut filters and three pre-attenuation pads with LEDs for quick visual indication
* All switchable components operate in low impedance circuits for ultra-high relability even in extremely humid conditions

Specifications:

* Type: 1" large diaphragm pressure gradient microphone
* Polar Patterns: Omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure eight
* Frequency Range: 20 to 20,000 Hz
* Sensitivity: 23 mV/Pa (-33 dBV) +/-0.5 dB
* Max. SPL: 140/146/152/158 dB SPL (at 0/-6/-12/-18 dB)
* Equivalent noise level (CCIR 468-2): 20 dB (0 dB preattenuation)
* Equivalent noise level: 6 dB-A (0 dB preattenuation) (DIN 45 412, A-weighted)
* Signal/noise ratio: 88 dB
* Preattenuation Pad: -6, -12,-18 dB, switchable
* Bass Cut Filter Scope: 12 dB/octave at 40 Hz and 80 Hz; 6 dB/octave at 160 Hz
* Impedance: <=200 ohms
* Recommended load impedance: >= 2,200 ohms
* Supply voltage: 48 V phantom power to DIN/IEC
* Current consumption: Approximately 4.5 mA
* Dynamic range: 134 dB minimum
* Environment Temperature range: -10° C to +60° C (14° F to 140° F)
* Relative humidity: 95% (+20° C/68° F), 85% (+60° C/140° F)
* Connector: 3-pin XLR to IEC
* Dimensions: 50 x 38 x 160 mm (2.0 x 1.5 x 6.3 in.)
* Net weight 300 g (10.6 oz.)