Topic: TLs vs. 414s

[Bdifr78]

Hey All,

I am at the point where I want to get a pair of LD mics to play around with and need help with the decision.  I really like the AKG 414s, one of the new versions with the subcards of course.  But I also seem to love the sound of the ADK TLs.  So I would love to hear people's opinions on the comparison of the two.  I am looking for opinions on sound quality, and of course VALUE.  Seeing that I could get a new pair of TLs for around $500 less than a used pair of 414s, I think that will make it hard to argue that the 414s are a better value but you gotta factor in the subcards.  So please fly your opinions at me and don't be shy with reccomendations of other LDs either.  The reason I am focusing on these two mics is because any other LD mic that I know of that I would want are gonna be way out of my price range for an upcoming purchase.  I have certainly heard people argue this case before but when doing a search I couldn't find a good comparison thread.  Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Joe

[bagtagsell]

how often are you going to run subcards?  seems like a very seldom used pattern...

[Bdifr78]

very true...

But might it not be worth it to always have the option?

[sygdwm]

sac up and get the 414's. subcards are sick. you will run them more often than you think.

[Brian Skalinder]

sac up and get the 414's. subcards are sick. you will run them more often than you think.

With my Schoeps, I run subcards every chance I get.  With my 414s, I find myself running Blumlein instead of subcards b/c Blumlein sounds soooooo good!  I haven't even run my 414s subcards yet...that'll change soon.    And I suspect it'll sound mighty fine.

[audBall]

sac up and get the 414's. subcards are sick. you will run them more often than you think.

With my Schoeps, I run subcards every chance I get.  With my 414s, I find myself running Blumlein instead of subcards b/c Blumlein sounds soooooo good!  I haven't even run my 414s subcards yet...that'll change soon.    And I suspect it'll sound mighty fine.

Another 414 vote here.  Given the right circumstances, you may wish you had the subs if you end up going the TL route.    However, I instantly fell in love with blumlein the first time I ran it.   .....soooo dreamy!!     I do think they're worth it for the extra pattern, and yes, you will use it.

[spyder9]

sac up and get the 414's. subcards are sick. you will run them more often than you think.

With my Schoeps, I run subcards every chance I get.  With my 414s, I find myself running Blumlein instead of subcards b/c Blumlein sounds soooooo good!  I haven't even run my 414s subcards yet...that'll change soon.    And I suspect it'll sound mighty fine.

Another 414 vote here.  Given the right circumstances, you may wish you had the subs if you end up going the TL route.    However, I instantly fell in love with blumlein the first time I ran it.   .....soooo dreamy!!     I do think they're worth it for the extra pattern, and yes, you will use it.

A vote for 414s as well.  The 414s are way more sensitive than the TL's (23mv vs 11mv).  Which helps in the "detail" department.  I really liked the 414s when I had them. Though, the TL's are rock solid themselves from the recordings I've heard, I'd suggest the 414s over the TL's if you have the extra money to spend.  They're worth it. 

[SonicSound]

With my Schoeps, I run subcards every chance I get.  With my 414s, I find myself running Blumlein instead of subcards b/c Blumlein sounds soooooo good!  I haven't even run my 414s subcards yet...that'll change soon.    And I suspect it'll sound mighty fine.

Run your Schoeps Blumlein ===>  SWEET

I love the sound of subcards NOS

[Brian Skalinder]

Run your Schoeps Blumlein ===>  SWEET

I would love to!  But I don't have a pair of MK8s.  I don't even have a single MK8 to run M-S.  Figure-8s is one of the big reasons I keep my 414s.  One of these days, I'll have the cash to pick up a pair of MK8s...   

[keepongoin]

i don't think that the 414s are quite as forgiving as the TLs in shitty sounding rooms.  just my experience in running them twice and running the TLs over 150 times.

[Unitmonster]

I love subcards.  Possibly my fave pickup pattern.

[carlbeck]

I am a huge fan of Blumlein & sub-cards. Go for the 414's, you will love them.

[eric.B]

I am a huge fan of Blumlein & sub-cards. Go for the 414's, you will love them.

yes..  and dont forget about m/s..  hmm  come to think of it, as long as the mics are in a location that sounds good with the right config, the 414's will make tasty tapes..  its just that m/s blumlien add a dash of magic to the mix     

[Bdifr78]

WOW!  Overwhelming vote for 414s.  I am in no hurry so I could save a couple more months to get the 414s if that is they I decide to go.

[spreadheadtom]

414's