Topic: AKG 414 XLS

[spyder9]

As I get used to them, I notice how much bass these puppies grab.  Anybody else with this experience?  Bass roll off run by anyone?  Which situations?

[Nick's Picks]

yes, that big diaphram will suck a ton of bass energy up.

I never ran the HPF at all.  I just enjoyed all the kick and punch they produced.

[kindms]

Nope. I run them full on. I agree they have all ther BASS one could want. I think if I wanted to do something about a boomy room I might jkust change configs before thinking about running any roll off.

[Nick's Picks]

i've made a few recordings of small PAs where the bass was there live, but nothing all to shattering.
but the recording yeilds fucking awesome punch that was not there for my ears to experience innitialy.  In the few cases I'm thinking of, I actualy prefer my recording to my memory of the event.

[spyder9]

In the case of my latest recording, the bass was a little too thick.  Even for an outdoor show. 

Thanks for the input.  I put Derek Trucks Band in the Kickdown.  I used the Hypers at the stack for that show.  Came out quite nice.  Didn't have to do much of anything with that one.

[spreadheadtom]

I still haven't got to run these mics yet!!  It's killing me!

[sygdwm]

ill be happy to break them in for you.

[spreadheadtom]

ill be happy to break them in for you.

+T

[spyder9]

Here's a nice padded pouch I found on eBay.  It was made for a large telephoto lens, but you it fits the 414s in it, w/ screens on, with ease.  Great portability when traveling out into the field.  I paid $12.00 for it, BFN, shipped.  Great deal.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7521196482&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&rd=1
 

[jdawg]

Check this page out:

http://homepage.mac.com/gottajiboo40/PhotoAlbum11.html

[Nick's Picks]

a month late...

the "low profile" way to run these mics coincident

[Massive Dynamic]

I've been considering the AKG 414 XLS as my next set of mics, but I noticed that a couple of contributors to this thread have since sold their 414s. For those who are still running them, do you usually run horizontal or vertical? What configurations do you like best, particularly in a festival setting? Does Blumlein pick up a lot of crowd noise when running at head height?

[Teen Age Riot]

I don't think it matters whether run run them horizontal or vertical, but do use coincidental patterns! I got good results using x/y with both the cardioid and hypercardoid setting. All my DIN(A) tapes had too much bass and were lacking a well-defined stereo image. It's hard to describe, but it sounded sort of out-of-focus to me. With XY things got better, but I guess I just don't like that LD sound, and that why I'm getting rid of my pair now.
I've never tried Blumlein, but I'd say be very careful.   

I've been considering the AKG 414 XLS as my next set of mics, but I noticed that a couple of contributors to this thread have since sold their 414s. For those who are still running them, do you usually run horizontal or vertical? What configurations do you like best, particularly in a festival setting? Does Blumlein pick up a lot of crowd noise when running at head height?

[Brian Skalinder]

For those who are still running them, do you usually run horizontal or vertical? What configurations do you like best, particularly in a festival setting?

Vertical, XY or Blumlein.  Haven't yet tried out subcards NOS, though that's next on my list.  Blumlein sounds spectactular in a good sounding venue / location if the crowd isn't too obnoxious.

Does Blumlein pick up a lot of crowd noise when running at head height?

Depends on the SPLs from the sound system and the crowd around you, just as in any situation.  But Blumlein is basically two pairs of XY - one facing forwards, one facing rear - so you're bound to pick up more chatter (if it exists in the first place).

[spyder9]

Ragan,

These are fantastic mics.  I sold mine, because I'm not that technically savvy with LDs and I couldn't make them sing consistently to my liking.  I need a mic little more athletic, because I tape everyone, every where.  The 480s fit that need.  Someday, I will buy the 414-XLS's again for certain applications because they sound so damn smooth.  I have a bunch of recordings with these mics.  Throw me a PM .