Topic: AKG 414 XLS help/advice

[alienbobz]

Decided to get the AKG414 XLS since I have always wanted a pair of these. I am expecting to get these mics in mid October. Right now I am looking for the following advice:

Carrying the mics in bag - I have some leather cases that might work. Might end up getting a pelican case or something else.
X/Y, Blumlein, M/S setup - One of the reasons I want the AKGs is  to run Blum and M/S. I have run Blum with my LSD2 and I loved the sound. I want to eventually try M/S but I need a bar to do any of these.
General mics setup and pattern - With so many options, what do people prefer? I plan to try out NOS Wide/Sub Cards at some point since I never had the option to run this.

Any other help would be great.

[Hypnocracy]

Would love a pair of 414's...some day.

I have a buddy whom does what you speak of with a leather pouch...you may want to consider a Stereo Pair of AKG 414's and get the case...eBay has deals on them for less than $1600 if you will accept used or store samples....I have a Stereo pair of ADK A-51TL's...Mine are kept in the ADK Stereo Pair Case they came in...

I use a K&M stereo bar to run DINa, DIN or NOS on the ADK's...When I want to run Blumlein I've set up Nano Clamps on my Bogen Tripod...

[alienbobz]

Would love a pair of 414's...some day.

I have a buddy whom does what you speak of with a leather pouch...you may want to consider a Stereo Pair of AKG 414's and get the case...eBay has deals on them for less than $1600 if you will accept used or store samples....I have a Stereo pair of ADK A-51TL's...Mine are kept in the ADK Stereo Pair Case they came in...

I use a K&M stereo bar to run DINa, DIN or NOS on the ADK's...When I want to run Blumlein I've set up Nano Clamps on my Bogen Tripod...

I am actually getting a stereo pair with the case. The case just looks too big to carry around to concerts. Where can I get the Nano Clamps?

Edit: Found the Nano Clamp: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/572347-REG/Manfrotto_386B_386B_Nano_Clamp.html It looks like the superclamp, which I have two of those already. Would that work?

[Hypnocracy]

Sure...the super clamps will work...a bit large but definitely functional...

There are knockoff's of the nano...you can get two for less than one Manfrotto if you are still interested...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Articulating-Magic-Friction-Arm-Small-Super-Clamp-Small-Crab-Pliers-Clip-/200771860444?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ebeef77dc

[alienbobz]

Sure...the super clamps will work...a bit large but definitely functional...

There are knockoff's of the nano...you can get two for less than one Manfrotto if you are still interested...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Articulating-Magic-Friction-Arm-Small-Super-Clamp-Small-Crab-Pliers-Clip-/200771860444?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ebeef77dc

How would you go about getting the shockmount on the clamp? I have a stud like this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/304651-REG/Manfrotto_013_013_Double_Ended_Spigot.html I am assuming you would have to get a converter for the shockmount.

[ellaguru]

yeah the supplied stereo set's box is bulky, but its ok.  i carry my set in the little velvet bags that came with them, then bubble wrapped in my bag.  never a prob.  the only issue is that one of my shocks has got issues due to my poor care of it.  they can be a bit fragile when not cared for.  i just had them in my bag with little/no protection at all. 

[alienbobz]

yeah the supplied stereo set's box is bulky, but its ok.  i carry my set in the little velvet bags that came with them, then bubble wrapped in my bag.  never a prob.  the only issue is that one of my shocks has got issues due to my poor care of it.  they can be a bit fragile when not cared for.  i just had them in my bag with little/no protection at all. 

Would the standard shockmounts fit into a crown royal bag?

[Hypnocracy]

Sure...the super clamps will work...a bit large but definitely functional...

There are knockoff's of the nano...you can get two for less than one Manfrotto if you are still interested...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Articulating-Magic-Friction-Arm-Small-Super-Clamp-Small-Crab-Pliers-Clip-/200771860444?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ebeef77dc

How would you go about getting the shockmount on the clamp? I have a stud like this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/304651-REG/Manfrotto_013_013_Double_Ended_Spigot.html I am assuming you would have to get a converter for the shockmount.

3/8 16 thread Stud and a 3/8>5/8 adapter & stand nut

[alienbobz]

Sure...the super clamps will work...a bit large but definitely functional...

There are knockoff's of the nano...you can get two for less than one Manfrotto if you are still interested...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Articulating-Magic-Friction-Arm-Small-Super-Clamp-Small-Crab-Pliers-Clip-/200771860444?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ebeef77dc

How would you go about getting the shockmount on the clamp? I have a stud like this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/304651-REG/Manfrotto_013_013_Double_Ended_Spigot.html I am assuming you would have to get a converter for the shockmount.

3/8 16 thread Stud and a 3/8>5/8 adapter & stand nut

Do you know where you got the 3/8 16 thread Stud? I have a bunch of 3/8>5/8 adapters. I also don't want to get the adapter stuck in the shockmount, which is something I have done before. I was also thinking of getting two of these: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/712234-REG/On_Stage_TM01_TM01_Microphone_Table.html just for the studs so I could connect them to the superclamps.

[Hypnocracy]

I made mine...Hacksaw and a 3/8 16 thread Carriage bolt...and 5/8 adapters with a slot on both ends and a Leatherman helps with the issue of getting stuck...I've considered Locktite too

[alienbobz]

I made mine...Hacksaw and a 3/8 16 thread Carriage bolt...

Oh. I had something similar made for mounting my LSD2. I could probably try it out. Thanks.

[alienbobz]

I made mine...Hacksaw and a 3/8 16 thread Carriage bolt...and 5/8 adapters with a slot on both ends and a Leatherman helps with the issue of getting stuck...I've considered Locktite too

I am guessing by Leatherman you mean one of these: http://www.leatherman.com/multi-tools

[F.O.Bean]

There's a shure very bar with the LD mod so you can EASILY run the 414s on one vertical bar instead of needing two separate clamps and I LOVE their sound in blumlein too

[alienbobz]

There's a shure very bar with the LD mod so you can EASILY run the 414s on one vertical bar instead of needing two separate clamps and I LOVE their sound in blumlein too

Where can I get that?

[F.O.Bean]

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=164415.0

[alienbobz]

Yeah I saw that post. Hopefully they still have it for sale.

[TSNéa]

Sure...the super clamps will work...a bit large but definitely functional...

There are knockoff's of the nano...you can get two for less than one Manfrotto if you are still interested...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Articulating-Magic-Friction-Arm-Small-Super-Clamp-Small-Crab-Pliers-Clip-/200771860444?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ebeef77dc

Thanks for the idea!

Edit:
You can get one for US $7.30, free shipping, with only a different adjusting handle (sorry if my English is not precise enough...):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Small-Super-Clamp-Crab-Pliers-Clip-f-DSLR-Rig-LCD-Monitor-Studio-Light-Magic-Arm-/310419118955
and the same one for $9.99:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Articulating-Magic-Friction-Arm-Small-Super-Clamp-Small-Crab-Pliers-Clip-/271233640775

[flipp]

Do you know where you got the 3/8 16 thread Stud? I have a bunch of 3/8>5/8 adapters. I also don't want to get the adapter stuck in the shockmount, which is something I have done before. I was also thinking of getting two of these: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/712234-REG/On_Stage_TM01_TM01_Microphone_Table.html just for the studs so I could connect them to the superclamps.

I don't think those "Windtech C clamp" studs will mount to a superclamp. Just use the two Windtech/On-Stage clamps. By using those clamps and rotating the stud/shock mount you can get the mics much closer to the stand than you can as pictured above with the nano or a full sized super. Doesn't make much difference if you are running head height or lower but if you have a pair of LDs at 12' or higher you're going to want to get them as close to the stand as possible for better stability.

[alienbobz]

Do you know where you got the 3/8 16 thread Stud? I have a bunch of 3/8>5/8 adapters. I also don't want to get the adapter stuck in the shockmount, which is something I have done before. I was also thinking of getting two of these: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/712234-REG/On_Stage_TM01_TM01_Microphone_Table.html just for the studs so I could connect them to the superclamps.

I don't think those "Windtech C clamp" studs will mount to a superclamp. Just use the two Windtech/On-Stage clamps. By using those clamps and rotating the stud/shock mount you can get the mics much closer to the stand than you can as pictured above with the nano or a full sized super. Doesn't make much difference if you are running head height or lower but if you have a pair of LDs at 12' or higher you're going to want to get them as close to the stand as possible for better stability.

Thanks for the advice. I will probably end up getting two C-Clamps.

[TSNéa]

The simplest way I found to fit a shockmount to the clamp without any DIY (3/8" rods are unavailable in this part of the world...) :
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Metal-Mic-Clip-Stand-Thread-Barrel-Adapter-5-8-27-Male-to-3-8-16-Female-Euro/221243325041
(it can't get stuck inside the 5/8" thread because of the "collar")
and:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-4-Male-Threaded-to-3-8-Male-Adapter-with-1-4-female-to-3-8-male-adaptor-/170961244599
But I'm not sure to be able to set the whole stuff firmly at any horizontal position without another nut...

FWIW.

[page]

I have a buddy whom does what you speak of with a leather pouch...

As someone who does this my piece of advice is to store only the mic itself in the pouch, not any accessories if you can help it. That sort of necessitates 2 pouches, but that's optimum and you can scale it back from there.

There are knockoff's of the nano...

How would you go about getting the shockmount on the clamp?

You may need rapid adaptors or some other rotational device that sort of tightens off, otherwise it can be tough to get it to be thread tight anywhere in the chain and you're upright shock will have issues to stand up like in his pic. Superglue or locktite works as well if you're willing to sacrifice a stud/adaptor set.

General mics setup and pattern - With so many options, what do people prefer?

It's situational. This (deciding when to run what) is one of those skillsets that every serious taper should have IMHO.

If I were you; then further back, wider spacing and narrow angle tighter pattern. Up front, wider angle, less spacing, wider pattern. Thats the oversimplification. There is a magical zone for Blumlein, and an optimum point for M/S (actually, both share that space by and large), out side of that (closer or further) I think it's semi-coincident to various degrees. Avoid subcards/omnis until you're stage-lip or in a super awesome sounding room/outdoors.

[alienbobz]

I have a buddy whom does what you speak of with a leather pouch...

As someone who does this my piece of advice is to store only the mic itself in the pouch, not any accessories if you can help it. That sort of necessitates 2 pouches, but that's optimum and you can scale it back from there.

There are knockoff's of the nano...

How would you go about getting the shockmount on the clamp?

You may need rapid adaptors or some other rotational device that sort of tightens off, otherwise it can be tough to get it to be thread tight anywhere in the chain and you're upright shock will have issues to stand up like in his pic. Superglue or locktite works as well if you're willing to sacrifice a stud/adaptor set.

General mics setup and pattern - With so many options, what do people prefer?

It's situational. This (deciding when to run what) is one of those skillsets that every serious taper should have IMHO.

If I were you; then further back, wider spacing and narrow angle tighter pattern. Up front, wider angle, less spacing, wider pattern. Thats the oversimplification. There is a magical zone for Blumlein, and an optimum point for M/S (actually, both share that space by and large), out side of that (closer or further) I think it's semi-coincident to various degrees. Avoid subcards/omnis until you're stage-lip or in a super awesome sounding room/outdoors.

The leather pouches I have would maybe fit one mic each. I think I got them with my Marshalls. As for the clamps, I think I going with the C-Clamps for now, but might have to figure out what to do for certain venues. Thanks for the advice on the mics setup. I will have to play it by ear. I am thinking of trying Cards NOS for the first few times but I will experiment over time.

[tgakidis]

I use a 5 Stick Cigar Caddy for my 414's http://www.lightersdirect.com/Cigar+Caddy.607/5+Stick+Cigar+Caddy+Black.9611.html?gclid=CKLb--C54bkCFUkS7AodtT8AKw


Here is the first bar I made.  It is a bit "Front Heavy"


Here is another Bar I made that is a combination of my first design and the "two Windtech" method that Flipp linked here  http://circulatemusic.home.telepath.com/P1100197rot.jpg

[alienbobz]

I use a 5 Stick Cigar Caddy for my 414's http://www.lightersdirect.com/Cigar+Caddy.607/5+Stick+Cigar+Caddy+Black.9611.html?gclid=CKLb--C54bkCFUkS7AodtT8AKw


Here is the first bar I made.  It is a bit "Front Heavy"


Here is another Bar I made that is a combination of my first design and the "two Windtech" method that Flipp linked here  http://circulatemusic.home.telepath.com/P1100197rot.jpg

Does the caddy hold just one more or both? Your setup looks cool.

[acidjack]

I did something similar to Ted, though I used a Pelican case that would hold both of them, and custom cut some foam to hold them in. I would just thread the strap of my gear bag through the pelican's handle and carry it that way.  Held them quite firmly and the case was watertight as a bonus. Much easier than carrying that giant briefcase.

[tgakidis]

It holds both.  I just had to pop off the plastic disc on the inside.

[alienbobz]

It holds both.  I just had to pop off the plastic disc on the inside.

Oh nice. If my leather pouches don't work, I will end getting this. Thanks.

[Brian Skalinder]

It holds both.  I just had to pop off the plastic disc on the inside.

Do they shift around and scratch each other where they overlap?  When I had my 414XLS I always used individual pouches stuffed in my bag, but I like your idea of the protective case and being able to slide it on the bag strap.

[tgakidis]

It holds both.  I just had to pop off the plastic disc on the inside.

Do they shift around and scratch each other where they overlap?  When I had my 414XLS I always used individual pouches stuffed in my bag, but I like your idea of the protective case and being able to slide it on the bag strap.

No, they stay right in place.  You can see the indent on the top foam piece.  I was using a similar style otter box with custom foam for a while.  I had this five stick for 4 pencil mics but decided two 2 stick caddys worked better in the bag.  Tried the 5 stick with the 414's and it was a match made in heaven.