Topic: Looking to move to AKG C414B-XLS..

[beanstalk]

Somebody talk me out selling my Pelusos and HO's and getting a set of the C414B-XLS? Can you? The LD/SD is obvious. Anyone know the fair price for a set? Saw some up on ebay running around $1400.

[Kindguy]

I love mine.

check these out not a matched pair though. Also some price talk in the thread.

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=62482.0

[audBall]

man, I swear I saw a new matched pair go for $1250 on ebay once.  Couldn't(didn't want to) believe it.

[Brian Skalinder]

I ran 414-ULS and -XLS for a while with my T+ UA5 and *loved* the combo.  The T+ provides great detail and very fast transient response that works well with these mics, IMO.  I see you're running a BM2p+ UA5.  I've not heard it much, but others indicate it's similar to the Oade Bros T+ UA5.  If that's the case, I think it would be a great match with the 414s.  I think LDs sound better up front or in small venues, so if you're taping a lot in big venues from way way back, I'd consider sticking with SDs.

[audBall]

I ran 414-ULS and -XLS for a while with my T+ UA5 and *loved* the combo.  The T+ provides great detail and very fast transient response that works well with these mics, IMO.  I see you're running a BM2p+ UA5.  I've not heard it much, but others indicate it's similar to the Oade Bros T+ UA5.  If that's the case, I think it would be a great match with the 414s.  I think LDs sound better up front or in small venues, so if you're taping a lot in big venues from way way back, I'd consider sticking with SDs.

fwiw, I have a BM2 ua5 also (not +) and it sounds really good matched up with these mics.  Very transparent and detailed...the low end sounds great and isn't sloppy at all.

[beanstalk]

I ran 414-ULS and -XLS for a while with my T+ UA5 and *loved* the combo.  The T+ provides great detail and very fast transient response that works well with these mics, IMO.  I see you're running a BM2p+ UA5.  I've not heard it much, but others indicate it's similar to the Oade Bros T+ UA5.  If that's the case, I think it would be a great match with the 414s.  I think LDs sound better up front or in small venues, so if you're taping a lot in big venues from way way back, I'd consider sticking with SDs.

I heard some of your onstage stuff on the archive. Sounds sweet.

AudBall, you got anything on archive with that combo (414>bm2)?

Does the mic have a subcard? I thought I heard people that said that it has sub but I've never seen one.

[audBall]

AudBall, you got anything on archive with that combo (414>bm2)?

Does the mic have a subcard? I thought I heard people that said that it has sub but I've never seen one.

unfortunately, nothing on the archive.  yes, it has the subcard.  That was one of the reasons I decided to get these.

[beanstalk]

Does any one run non matched sets?

[Sanjay]

Does any one run non matched sets?

These are the only mics AKG matches, I feel their quality control should not be a problem at all running unmatched.  I've never owned a pair of AKG mics which were more than 2db apart which I believe is within tolerance to consider matched.

[Brian Skalinder]

Does any one run non matched sets?

My pair's unmatched.  Got mine from Spyder9, Dan, if memory serves.  He picked the mics up at different times from different vendors.  Never noticed any difference between the two, but haven't performed any comprehensive tests (and don't feel a need to do so).

[beanstalk]

I hope to sell the HO's for $700 and the Peluso's for $600. And with that, get a set. Stereo matched would be great, or singles are fine.

[jeromejello]

i dont know if i can convince anyone of anything, but when i go LD i want some akg 414's

[willndmb]

you may have seen this
http://cgi.ebay.com/AKG-C-414-B-XLS-Condenser-Microphone_W0QQitemZ7404584039QQcategoryZ41466QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[beanstalk]

you may have seen this
http://cgi.ebay.com/AKG-C-414-B-XLS-Condenser-Microphone_W0QQitemZ7404584039QQcategoryZ41466QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Ya I saw that. Need to get the Peluso/Ho sale going tonight.

Got a quote from sonic sense on stereo set for $1515.00 shipped. Not sure if I can swing that though.

[Kindguy]

you may have seen this
http://cgi.ebay.com/AKG-C-414-B-XLS-Condenser-Microphone_W0QQitemZ7404584039QQcategoryZ41466QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Ya I saw that. Need to get the Peluso/Ho sale going tonight.

Got a quote from sonic sense on stereo set for $1515.00 shipped. Not sure if I can swing that though.

Call Oade or cascade.

[Bdifr78]

I submitted a "Best Offer" to musician'sfriend.com through an Ebay auction.  $1340 after shipping! 

[beanstalk]

I got a $1250 from musiciansadvocate.com on ebay.

Are there much differences between the XLII and the XLS?

Working on a straight up trade for the Ho's+Peluso for a set. Hopefully it will go through.

[Brian Skalinder]

Are there much differences between the XLII and the XLS?

The XLS are flatter.  The TLII's have a frequency boost for intended for vocal recording.  (More info at AKG USA)

[Bdifr78]

I got a $1250 from musiciansadvocate.com on ebay.

Are there much differences between the XLII and the XLS?

Working on a straight up trade for the Ho's+Peluso for a set. Hopefully it will go through.

Whoa, is that for a factory sealed matched pair?  Those bastards!  The offer I submitted was for $1250 and they told me there was no way in hell they could sell them for less than $1325. 

[beanstalk]

I got a $1250 from musiciansadvocate.com on ebay.

Are there much differences between the XLII and the XLS?

Working on a straight up trade for the Ho's+Peluso for a set. Hopefully it will go through.

Whoa, is that for a factory sealed matched pair?  Those bastards!  The offer I submitted was for $1250 and they told me there was no way in hell they could sell them for less than $1325. 

That's for 2 factory sealed singles.

[Bdifr78]

I got a $1250 from musiciansadvocate.com on ebay.

Are there much differences between the XLII and the XLS?

Working on a straight up trade for the Ho's+Peluso for a set. Hopefully it will go through.

Whoa, is that for a factory sealed matched pair?  Those bastards!  The offer I submitted was for $1250 and they told me there was no way in hell they could sell them for less than $1325. 

That's for 2 factory sealed singles.

Still majorly sweet!

[TNJazz]

If I were you I'd skip the new crop of 414's and find yourself a couple of the older EB's.  (Not the "P48" model though.)  They can be had for anywhere from $500-700 apiece on Ebay.  The original EB's were the best sounding "late model" 414 by a long shot.

The current line is..good.  The silver EB's are better than good, even the ones with the teflon capsules.

Dirk

[jeromejello]

If I were you I'd skip the new crop of 414's and find yourself a couple of the older EB's.  (Not the "P48" model though.)  They can be had for anywhere from $500-700 apiece on Ebay.  The original EB's were the best sounding "late model" 414 by a long shot.

The current line is..good.  The silver EB's are better than good, even the ones with the teflon capsules.

Dirk

but no subcards mon... the subs rule 

[TNJazz]

but no subcards mon... the subs rule 

 

I'd rather have a good sounding mic in general.

[RebelRebel]

If I were you I'd skip the new crop of 414's and find yourself a couple of the older EB's.  (Not the "P48" model though.)  They can be had for anywhere from $500-700 apiece on Ebay.  The original EB's were the best sounding "late model" 414 by a long shot.

The current line is..good.  The silver EB's are better than good, even the ones with the teflon capsules.

Dirk

Yep, the older EB had the ck12, the extremely desirable "brass" hand-made CK12 capsule .. The CK12 capsule is considered by many to be the single most important factor contributing to the sound of these microphones. AKG was never able to recreate the magic of that particular capsule design

That being said, I need two of those brass capsules to frankenstein my 426. If someone has a pair of original caps laying around, holler back.

[Bdifr78]

How do you know if one of the older models has the CK12.  From ebay auctions, I can see that usually they state that in the description.  Are the EBs the only ones that had them?  Or is there a date range that the ULS had them?

[RebelRebel]

How do you know if one of the older models has the CK12.  From ebay auctions, I can see that usually they state that in the description.  Are the EBs the only ones that had them?  Or is there a date range that the ULS had them?

Just the EB(im pretty sure), and not all of the ebs had them..just the older ones. Some of the newer EBs have the teflon/mylar cap.

[TNJazz]

Yes, only up to the EB models (not the P48 EB's though) and only the first run or so.  They switched to the teflon capsule soon after the introduction of this mic.  The brass CK12 capsule is sort of a "holy grail" for mic lovers, although just like anything else there were plenty of crappy sounding brass CK12 capsules.  So getting one is only half the battle...I know a couple of folks who have paid dearly for brass CK12's and been sorely disappointed.

Even with the teflon capsule though, the 414EB typically runs rings around the current crop of AKG 414's.  (sorry 414 XLS/ULS owners, but it *is* the generally accepted truth...)

[Bdifr78]

Even with the teflon capsule though, the 414EB typically runs rings around the current crop of AKG 414's.  (sorry 414 XLS/ULS owners, but it *is* the generally accepted truth...)

Could you go into a little more detail around this.  Cause I could see myself switching to the EB, and eventually getting the ak43s for subcards...somewhere down the road.

[TNJazz]

Start here:

http://www.saturn-sound.com/Curio's/story%20of%20the%20akg%20c414.htm

"Better" is always subjective, but in multiple shootouts most people have preferred the EB's over the newer versions.  I hear a difference, for sure.  Maybe it's the transformers?  (gotta love em!)

[audBall]

Even with the teflon capsule though, the 414EB typically runs rings around the current crop of AKG 414's.  (sorry 414 XLS/ULS owners, but it *is* the generally accepted truth...)

Hey, no reason to apologize.  The brutal truth was understood when I made my purchase.     The XLS's are for fun and experimentation with different configs/patterns. 

The 1k's are for when I need a real true cardioid.      I sure hope more tapers get lucky and find some.

[TNJazz]

Even with the teflon capsule though, the 414EB typically runs rings around the current crop of AKG 414's.  (sorry 414 XLS/ULS owners, but it *is* the generally accepted truth...)

Hey, no reason to apologize.  The brutal truth was understood when I made my purchase.     The XLS's are for fun and experimentation with different configs/patterns. 

The 1k's are for when I need a real true cardioid.      I sure hope more tapers get lucky and find some.

LOL, you ever find an extra pair just let me know!  I've never even seen em up close and personal.

Kinda wish I hadn't unloaded my 700's earlier this year, but it couldn't be helped.

There isn't really a bad 414 though, they are all good.  Just varying levels of good.

Dirk

[audBall]

Even with the teflon capsule though, the 414EB typically runs rings around the current crop of AKG 414's.  (sorry 414 XLS/ULS owners, but it *is* the generally accepted truth...)

Hey, no reason to apologize.  The brutal truth was understood when I made my purchase.     The XLS's are for fun and experimentation with different configs/patterns. 

The 1k's are for when I need a real true cardioid.      I sure hope more tapers get lucky and find some.

LOL, you ever find an extra pair just let me know!  I've never even seen em up close and personal.

Kinda wish I hadn't unloaded my 700's earlier this year, but it couldn't be helped.

There isn't really a bad 414 though, they are all good.  Just varying levels of good.

Dirk

I'll keep ya posted if I find some, Dirk      Believe it or not (and I'm sure some folks will hate me after I say this), I did a google search on them and within the first 2-3 pages, I found a pair for sale from a guy in switzerland who has a recording studio and they were his 'old gear that he didn't use anymore'.  I was a little weary of doing business with him b/c he didn't seem very computer literate.  He had no idea what ebay/paypal was.  Thank god, for my sake....got a killer deal on `em 

sorry for the hijack, folks. 

back to 414 talk

[spyder9]

Does any one run non matched sets?

My pair's unmatched.  Got mine from Spyder9, Dan, if memory serves.  He picked the mics up at different times from different vendors.  Never noticed any difference between the two, but haven't performed any comprehensive tests (and don't feel a need to do so).

That's correct Brian.  Your mics were made about a month a part from each other.  Amazingly, they are not far off from each other.  Real close from what I remember when I ran them.  I think in 2007, I will pick up another set of these.  They are sweet sounding! 

[spyder9]

I'd love to hear a shootout of the 414EB vs 414XLS.  It would be cool.    

[Brian Skalinder]

I'd love to hear a shootout of the 414EB vs 414XLS.  It would be cool.   

If anyone has a pair of EBs, I'm willing to work something out - either sending my mics, or using someone else's EBs.

[beanstalk]

I'm still working on getting these. Anyone know anyone who wants so MBHO's 603 KA200 set so I can aguire these AKG's. Let me know. HO's $650 shipped. Goes to ebay tomorrow.

[Kindguy]

These look rock bottom to me. Give the best offer a shot

http://cgi.ebay.com/AKG-C414-B-XLS-ST-C-414-BXLS-ST-STEREO-PAIR-NEW-03007_W0QQitemZ7405670144QQcategoryZ41466QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Bdifr78]

These look rock bottom to me. Give the best offer a shot

http://cgi.ebay.com/AKG-C414-B-XLS-ST-C-414-BXLS-ST-STEREO-PAIR-NEW-03007_W0QQitemZ7405670144QQcategoryZ41466QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Yeah that's who I bought mine from.  It worked out well.

[beanstalk]

Just pulled the trigger on a set. +T all around

[beanstalk]

what's a good size pelican case for a set?

[spyder9]

I actually had mine in a camera lens pouch.  The pouch was padded and both 414s w/ windscreens on, fit iinside nicely.  A pelican case can really eat space in your bag, because of the size of the LDs.  Just a suggestion.   

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&from=R10&catref=C12&satitle=lens+pouch&sacat=107894%26catref%3DC6&bs=Search&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search&fgtp=&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=13208&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=

[audBall]

I actually had mine in a camera lens pouch.  The pouch was padded and both 414s w/ windscreens on, fit iinside nicely.  A pelican case can really eat space in your bag, because of the size of the LDs.  Just a suggestion.   

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&from=R10&catref=C12&satitle=lens+pouch&sacat=107894%26catref%3DC6&bs=Search&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search&fgtp=&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=13208&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=

what he said.  I like the hard case they came in and I keep them stored in it when at home.  When I take them to shows, I put the screens/pouches on them and I make a little padded area in my rigbag where they can sit snug together and have padding on all sides.  This is the space where my pelican 1060 (w/ the naks) usually sits, but when taken out it fits the 414s perfectly.  It's probably not the most effective security measure for them, but the last thing I need is an extra bag/box to carry around. 

Nice going on snagging the 414s.  Did you get them separate or a pair?

[Brian Skalinder]

While the Pelican cases are nice, and they have a variety of sizes from which to choose, I rarely find precisely the size I want.  I forgot from whom I bought the ULS, but the sale included a tupperware container and foam for portable storage.  Closed, it's about 7.5" x 7.5" x 2.5".  The XLS are a little longer than the ULS, so the XLR stem goes to the edge of the case.  Still, it's quite well protected from drops, spills, kicks, etc.  Probably couldn't handle getting run over by a car a la the Pelican cases, but if my gear is ever subjected to something like that, the situation's probably one in which my mics represent the least of my worries (like me getting hit by a semi while on my motorcycle or some such).

[beanstalk]

I actually had mine in a camera lens pouch.  The pouch was padded and both 414s w/ windscreens on, fit iinside nicely.  A pelican case can really eat space in your bag, because of the size of the LDs.  Just a suggestion.   

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&from=R10&catref=C12&satitle=lens+pouch&sacat=107894%26catref%3DC6&bs=Search&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search&fgtp=&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=13208&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=

what he said.  I like the hard case they came in and I keep them stored in it when at home.  When I take them to shows, I put the screens/pouches on them and I make a little padded area in my rigbag where they can sit snug together and have padding on all sides.  This is the space where my pelican 1060 (w/ the naks) usually sits, but when taken out it fits the 414s perfectly.  It's probably not the most effective security measure for them, but the last thing I need is an extra bag/box to carry around. 

Nice going on snagging the 414s.  Did you get them separate or a pair?

I got 2 serparate. $699 a piece new. Missed a sale at $619 a piece new with free shipping fed x 2 day by like 10 mintues. So pissed about that. An the seller responed right away.
Still waiting on an email from the ebay seller (Audio-Online) which I hate since its going on 24 hours since I purchased them. I give them another day or so to respond.

The pelican case are big and expensive and I'm started getting a headache looking through there website. I like the bag and the tupperware. I going to need to see what kind of space my bag has when they come and go from there.

Do you think a swival mount will work with a shure vertical bar for vertical alignment or will I need a staight bar?

[Brian Skalinder]

I going to need to see what kind of space my bag has when they come and go from there.

The biggest PITA I have is how to carry the shockmounts.  They take a lot of physical space, but don't fill the volume.  My old bag was easy - drop 'em in the netting pouches.  Unfortunately, the SoniCase doesn't have netting pouches.  At least not yet...time to mod the bag!

Do you think a swival mount will work with a shure vertical bar for vertical alignment or will I need a staight bar?

I'm not sure what you mean by swivel mount.  My first setup was using the Shure A27M (vert bar) on top of the stand, with one mic dropped down from the shockmount attached to the top of the A27M.  The lower thread on the A27M was not low enough, so I clamped the other mic to the stand, with the bottom mic facing upright.  Kinda like this.  But I found it was tough to get the mics in the same vertical plane because the Shure vert bar + shockmount held the mic further off the stand than the clamp + shockmount did.  Additionally, the mics positioned so far off the stand's center pole made my leightweight low-pro stand unstable.  I had the same problems running the mics horizontally, instead of vertically (more pics here similar to the setups I've tried).

So now I just use two clamps, which enables me to run the mics very close to the stand's center pole.  Stability = good.    The downside is a lose some height this way.  But I rarely run much above 6'-7', anyway.  And if I needed to, I could simply clamp to the Shure bar to gain a little extra height.

[beanstalk]

What I was talking about with the swival is like the pic below where my question came from. Isn't that vertical mount with a straight bar attached? Is the part that is circled attached to the stand? And if it is, could a swival mount work like the straight one?

Thanks again for all the help.

[RebelRebel]

What I was talking about with the swival is like the pic below where my question came from. Isn't that vertical mount with a straight bar attached? Is the part that is circled attached to the stand? And if it is, could a swival mount work like the straight one?

Thanks again for all the help.

that is only a shure a27m vert bar with a K+M 235 mounted on the bottom post. the vert bar is what is actually mounted to the stand.

to accomplish that, all you need to do is remove one of the mounting posts from the K+M and mount that end on the shure. Alternatively, get a modded a27. (wbrissette makes them)

[beanstalk]

What I was talking about with the swival is like the pic below where my question came from. Isn't that vertical mount with a straight bar attached? Is the part that is circled attached to the stand? And if it is, could a swival mount work like the straight one?

Thanks again for all the help.

that is only a shure a27m vert bar with a K+M 235 mounted on the bottom post. the vert bar is what is actually mounted to the stand.

to accomplish that, all you need to do is remove one of the mounting posts from the K+M and mount that end on the shure. Alternatively, get a modded a27. (wbrissette makes them)

That's what I thought was going on. Thought the swival mount I have might work for that. But the 235 isn't more than $20 anyway.

How much those mods go for?

[jeromejello]

the mods are complete DIY-able as well with some threaded rod & pvc from depot

[RebelRebel]

http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=0148071
..
Fastenal Co.
Part # 0148071
1/4-28x7/8 COUPL Z

0152183 sku number on rod

threaded rod^^^^^

What I was talking about with the swival is like the pic below where my question came from. Isn't that vertical mount with a straight bar attached? Is the part that is circled attached to the stand? And if it is, could a swival mount work like the straight one?

Thanks again for all the help.

that is only a shure a27m vert bar with a K+M 235 mounted on the bottom post. the vert bar is what is actually mounted to the stand.

to accomplish that, all you need to do is remove one of the mounting posts from the K+M and mount that end on the shure. Alternatively, get a modded a27. (wbrissette makes them)

That's what I thought was going on. Thought the swival mount I have might work for that. But the 235 isn't more than $20 anyway.

How much those mods go for?

[audBall]

If you have a Sabra ST2 bar, you can purchase a piece of 3/8" rod (hexagon or round) and have a vertical setup in just a few seconds.  However, Skalinder's method seems to be even quicker.  I'm just too cheap to buy another clamp right now 

[bluevolvo]

I love my 414s.  Here's the custom bar I made to slip on over my bogen:





3/4" EMT, a few bolts welded on, and some flat black paint.  Most expensive thing was my time.  Whole thing slips into my Targa BP *AS IS* (with some foam strategically placed for protection/transport)

I paid $1500 for a "matched" Stereo Set so I am somewhat envious of the talk...but
IMHO they are the whip in the right situation regardless.

for your enjoyment:

SOURCE1: AKG C414B-XLS/ST; stage lip; center; 3' up; MS
SOURCE2: Oktava MK-012's; 15' outboard ("stacks"); 7' up; 8' back; OMNI's
LINEAGE: 4 Mic Matrix > MOTU Traveler > 1394 > Gateway MX6650 > AA2 24/44
POST: 5 Tracks (+1 invert for "r-side")>Mix>Normalize>Dither>Conversion to MP3 for singles

http://righteousdog.com/jcards/ktb20060408/ktb20060408_single.mp3

(I think it sounds great even tho missing their bass player tonight)

nothing better than a grrl that can throw down on acoustic?

(opener/1st song so still a little hot to start - but 414s on acoustic with a chic singer? COME-ON! It's RIGHTEOUS!!)

http://righteousdog.com/jcards/katiereider20060408/katiereider20060408_single.mp3

~peace out

[beanstalk]

I love my 414s.  Here's the custom bar I made to slip on over my bogen:





3/4" EMT, a few bolts welded on, and some flat black paint.  Most expensive thing was my time.  Whole thing slips into my Targa BP *AS IS* (with some foam strategically placed for protection/transport)

I paid $1500 for a "matched" Stereo Set so I am somewhat envious of the talk...but
IMHO they are the whip in the right situation regardless.

for your enjoyment:

SOURCE1: AKG C414B-XLS/ST; stage lip; center; 3' up; MS
SOURCE2: Oktava MK-012's; 15' outboard ("stacks"); 7' up; 8' back; OMNI's
LINEAGE: 4 Mic Matrix > MOTU Traveler > 1394 > Gateway MX6650 > AA2 24/44
POST: 5 Tracks (+1 invert for "r-side")>Mix>Normalize>Dither>Conversion to MP3 for singles

http://righteousdog.com/jcards/ktb20060408/ktb20060408_single.mp3

(I think it sounds great even tho missing their bass player tonight)

nothing better than a grrl that can throw down on acoustic?

(opener/1st song so still a little hot to start - but 414s on acoustic with a chic singer? COME-ON! It's RIGHTEOUS!!)

http://righteousdog.com/jcards/katiereider20060408/katiereider20060408_single.mp3

~peace out

+T..Very nice.