Topic: AKG 414 vs C481

[jnorman34]

for those of you who have used both systems, what sonic differences do you find between the 414s and the c481s?  do you prefer one over the other, and why?  thanks.

[grider]

substantial (and obvious) differences in price, size, and switchable patterns; I actually use the 480s but prefer the sound of the 414's which is smoother and more balanced in my listening experience; the large diaphrams are the real issue, and the 414's are pretty large mics

[spyder9]

I've owned both.  414-XLS that is.  I found the 414s smooth and very warm when compared to the 480s.  480s were warm too, but not as much, though alot more detailed.  414s swallowed a bit too much bass when recording bass-heavy bands like Allman Brothers and Govt Mule.  If you are looking for an athletic mic to record in any venue and any act:  480s are the way to go.  If you record more quieter acts, like acoustic, orchestras, recitals, soft rock, etc, the 414s are sweet.  Especially having subcards to play with.

My preferences:

Loud acts, primarily bass heavy - 480s

acoustic/orchestral/soft rock/country  shows - 414s

Someday, I'll own both 480s and 414s.   

[Teen Wolf Blitzer]

I've owned both.  414-XLS that is.  I found the 414s smooth and very warm when compared to the 480s.  480s were warm too, but not as much, though alot more detailed.  414s swallowed a bit too much bass when recording bass-heavy bands like Allman Brothers and Govt Mule.  If you are looking for an athletic mic to record in any venue and any act:  480s are the way to go.  If you record more quieter acts, like acoustic, orchestras, recitals, soft rock, etc, the 414s are sweet.  Especially having subcards to play with.

My preferences:

Loud acts, primarily bass heavy - 480s

acoustic/orchestral/soft rock/country  shows - 414s

Someday, I'll own both 480s and 414s.   

What he said.  My best friend has the 480's.  I have 414's.  We use his for jambands mine for bluegrass, acoustic, etc.  Works everytime.

[spyder9]

Oh yeah, the 414-XLS is a lot smaller than the 414-ULS.  A lot.   

[jeromejello]

Someday, I'll own both 480s and 414s.   

sub 460 for 480  and these are my exact words 

[spyder9]

Someday, I'll own both 480s and 414s.   

sub 460 for 480  and these are my exact words 

Thanks JJ, but I [heart] my 480s.   

[heikki]

I would have to agree with the comments of spyder9...

First of all, the sound on these two mics is COMPLETELY different.

The 480s ... "fast", detailed, sharp, great all-around mic.  If you are looking for a point-and-shoot mic, these are your mics.  I don't think I have ever pulled a bad tape with these, taping environment taken into consideration of course.  These are also considerably smaller physically than the 414s.  Tapes from these are consistent.

The 414s ... BASS!  Aside from that, these have a much warmer feel.  Perhaps not as transparent as the 480s.  The bass pick-up on these things in nuts.  The presence and size of the soundstage is leaps and bounds beyond the 480s.  These are not the mics to choose if you plan to run in sheds, way back in the OTS, etc... but they sound amazing when the conditions are right.

Hope this helps, if you have some other questions feel free to shoot me a PM.

-Heikki
(who just ran 480s a few hours ago in a bar)

[Kindguy]

I've owned both.  414-XLS that is.  I found the 414s smooth and very warm when compared to the 480s.  480s were warm too, but not as much, though alot more detailed.  414s swallowed a bit too much bass when recording bass-heavy bands like Allman Brothers and Govt Mule.  If you are looking for an athletic mic to record in any venue and any act:  480s are the way to go.  If you record more quieter acts, like acoustic, orchestras, recitals, soft rock, etc, the 414s are sweet.  Especially having subcards to play with.

My preferences:

Loud acts, primarily bass heavy - 480s

acoustic/orchestral/soft rock/country  shows - 414s

Someday, I'll own both 480s and 414s.   

I'll also have to totally agree.

Always been a huge 480 fan. I've owned & sold close to 5 pairs. Always going back to them, But I'm now sold on the mod 460's.

the 414's really do suck in the bass.

[Nick's Picks]

i'd chime in here. but everything that I would say has been covered.

[Bdifr78]

414s give you 5 patterns to play with though...

[spyder9]

414-XLS' are great mics.  No question about it.  I just don't recommend them for all situations or bands.  If they were, everybody on this Board would be running them.  They are sweet sounding.     

EDIT: And they are pretty good from the TS too.  Much better than most LDs, because the sensitivity of these are 23.  The average LD is 11. 

[kindms]

I run 460s and 414s and I have to agree with what has been said so far.

I will say that the 414XLS seem WAY more sensitive and I probably should run the bass roll off more to combat recording in less than desirable conditions but as was previously stated when the conditions are right the 414s are unreal

I have been running the 414s in a coincident pattern to reduce the Bass a little but I loves me bass. They are fun to play with and the multiple patterns help in crappy situations as well.

when I have both sets of mics at my disposale I will say that we grab the 414s first.

[JackoRoses]

I've owned both.  414-XLS that is.  I found the 414s smooth and very warm when compared to the 480s.  480s were warm too, but not as much, though alot more detailed.  414s swallowed a bit too much bass when recording bass-heavy bands like Allman Brothers and Govt Mule.  If you are looking for an athletic mic to record in any venue and any act:  480s are the way to go.  If you record more quieter acts, like acoustic, orchestras, recitals, soft rock, etc, the 414s are sweet.  Especially having subcards to play with.

My preferences:

Loud acts, primarily bass heavy - 480s

acoustic/orchestral/soft rock/country  shows - 414s

Someday, I'll own both 480s and 414s.   

What he said.  My best friend has the 480's.  I have 414's.  We use his for jambands mine for bluegrass, acoustic, etc.  Works everytime.

I've been pleased running 482's for bluegrass acoustic acts.
Still would like to get some 414's though to play with.

[spreadheadtom]

I think Brian put my 482 / 414 comp on the archive around here somewhere


I sold my 480's to purchase the 414's and have not doubted my decision at all.  I do have a set of 480's in town to play with also

  Tommy