This selection of multi-purpose, large-diaphragm, condenser designs ranges from the C3000, a 'sound investment for every studio' and a 'cost-effective, rugged workhorse with a sleek and classy finish' to the C414 XLS and C414 XLII siblings, 'the most versatile microphone for vocals and instruments in studio and on stage' and with a presence boost and spatial reproduction 'similar to the legendary AKG C12 microphone from 1953', respectively.
Note the two latter models require a phantom power supply at 44-52V DC, each microphone requiring 4.5mA, rather than the less restrictive and lower current requirements of more modern designs. This may have an impact on how many C414 microphones may be attached to one mixer.
C3000
A large-diaphragm vocal or instrument microphone, with integral capsule shockmount and windscreen, the C3000 has a switched cardioid/hyper-cardioid pattern, flat or 10dB/octave bass roll-off and 10dB attenuation.
Output connector: 3-pin, male XLR. Applications: AKG tell us that it is 'an excellent choice for vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, drum overhead and brass instrument miking'. Response: 20Hz-20kHz. Sensitivity: 20mV/Pa. Phantom power: 9-52V DC, 2mA. Dimensions: 162 x 53 (length x maximum diameter) mm. Weight: 320g without cable.
Included accessories: H85 universal shock mount
Optional accessories: SA61 stand adapter.
The C414 has been used for many years as an all purpose studio microphone for vocal and instrument recording. This latest version has a large dual-diaphragm with five switched polar patterns (omni, cardioid, wide cardioid, hyper-cardioid and figure eight) plus four intermediate settings, switched pre-attenuation (0, -6, -12, -18dB) and bass roll-off (0, 40, 80 and 160Hz). The levels it will reproduce, distortion-free, are extremely high for a condenser microphone: 140dB (158dB with pad switched in). With a minimum dynamic range of 134dB the C414-XLS fulfils the requirements of digital recording technology. A built-in series of LEDs show overload indication and attenuation status. Controls can also be put into a 'locked' mode to prevent unwanted changes. Finish is dark grey/silver.
Output connector: 3-pin, male XLR. Applications: Giving 'perfect sonic capture for every application' this is a versatile microphone. As a guide, AKG list application areas and the only ones which AKG do not consider 'highly recommended' are lead vocals, speech, electric bass and guitar, zither and harmonica, which are merely 'recommended', apart from electric guitar. Response: 20Hz-20kHz. Sensitivity: 23mV/Pa. Phantom power: 44-52V DC, 4.5 mA. Dimensions: 160 x 50 x 38 (height x width x depth) mm. Weight: 300g.
Included accessories: PF80 pop-screen, W414 windshield and H85 shock-mount, in a metal carrying case.
Optional accessories: SA60 stand adapter.
A sibling to the C414 XLS, this microphone is designed specifically for vocals. Whilst having similar features and characteristics to the 'impartial' sounding C414B-XLS, see above, this has a frequency response rise starting at 3kHz to boost the 'presence' range of the vocalist's voice, allowing it to cut through the instrumental backing with greater ease, giving 'the classic C12 sound' (a classic AKG design, vintage 1953).
Output connector: 3-pin, male XLR. Applications: 'For recording of lead vocals and solo instruments in studio and on stage'. As a guide, AKG list application areas. Those considered 'highly recommended' include lead/solo vocals, speech, zither, and harmonica but not electric guitar or bass. Response: 20Hz-20kHz. Sensitivity: 23mV/Pa. Phantom power: 44-52V DC, 4.5 mA. Dimensions: 160 x 50 x 38 (height x width x depth) mm. Weight: 300g
Included accessories: PF80 pop-screen, W414 windshield and H85 shock-mount, in a metal carrying case.
Optional accessories: SA60 stand adapter.