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Hi All,

I'm in the process of selecting a condenser mic for my home studio and the AKG 414 matches my needs and perfectly fits my budget. I've read great things on both however I'm not sure how the two series are different? Its stated that the XL II is suited for solo instruments and vocals whereas the XLS is a more universal mic. The XL II cost $100 more too...

I'll be recording acoustic guitar and vocals mostly, however I'd like to have a mic that will help in other applications in the future. Will the XLS be the best choice in this case? Or will I get much better quality by going with the XL II. If the difference in sound quality is huge I don't mind spending the extra bucks...

Can anyone share their experiences with these 2 mics? Thanks...

Comments

Kev Sat, 03/04/2006 - 15:46

somewhere on the net there is a really good page on the history and versions of the 414
it should be of interest
sorry I can't find it right now ... keep searching

not the right one but could be of use
http://www.saturn-sound.com/Curio's/story%20of%20the%20akg%20c414.htm

[[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.saturn-s…"]LINK[/]="http://www.saturn-s…"]LINK[/]

can't get this stupid link to work

Image removed.

or
perhaps someone else can help with that link ?
and that other link I can't find yet

RemyRAD Sat, 03/04/2006 - 20:05

The TL II has a very tailored response with a presence rise and a hyped high-frequency response whereas the other model is much more linear and flat. If you want something that sounds more like the vintage AKGs the TK II is for you. If you want something that is more linear for a less colored recording you want the other one. I have a 414B-ULS, the predecessor and I like them very much for using on drum overheads and other orchestral instruments but many times I wish I on a pair of TL IIs, just for that vintage sound. For voices and other stuff, it virtually already has the equalization built in and there isn't much else you need to do.

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