I for one think that the AKG 414 ( I'm assuming your talking about the 414-ULS) is at least 10X a better mic than the 4033. Having a pair of 414-ULS will give you many options and will serve you well for many years to come.

I agree. the 4033 I own is a cool useful mic, however once you add a workhorse (or two) like the 414 with its multiple patterns your options go through the roof. :tu:

Guys I second that. I too own a AT4033 and do appreciate the sound quality it has but the 414 is in a class of it's own. If I'm not mistaking, the specs are a little different between the two. I think the 4033 has a range of 30Hz-20kHz and the 414 is 20Hz-20kHz w/ the multipattern options. But I'm sure with the addition of a very good pre-amp, either mic would probably stand out.

No comparison, they are completely different beasts. The 414 has multiple patterns, the 4033 is cardiod only, the 414 has a 1" diaphragm the 4033 is only 3/4"...

Both have their uses, but I would not hesitate to get the 414 over the 4033...not even for one second!

It is not a honest comparison folks.
Please, as in similar therads, compare At4050 to the C414.

Thanks for all your reply's. I definately need a work horse and the 4033 just doesn't work on all applications. I'll be purchasing those shortly. If I was to get a mic pre to go with them which one would you recommend. I could probably spend about 1000-1500, and i would probably buy used. I was thinking either the sytek, api 3124 or the brent averill 1272.
thanks again for your input.
wes

I like the 414TLII better then the ULS...If you can find one, you should get the silver 414EB with a brass C-12 capsule. They make the newer models sound like ass.

There is a fairly big difference between a Brent 1272 and an API, and a mic like the 414-ULS makes it even more apparant. A 1272 will tend to tame the 414 in a slower mellow way, the API is faster and more open sounding. The Focusrite Red is a good choice and is more in the middle of the two. I've used them all depending on the source, but the default for the 414 is my Focusrite Red-7 which has many times given great results.

this is the preamp guy
cool

I too own a 4033SE and it's a great mic but the 414 is really in it's own league.

Also, if your willing to spend 1200-$1500 on a preamp, why not get a NEVE. You can find a vintage neve channel strip and you'll Never need anything else.

Mike

Kinsol,
Where did you find a pair of 414 for 1200CAD? I want one too!!!

chris

a studio near where I live. they're 6 years old but it's still an awesome deal!

I would do those 414's at that price in a heartbeat! I picked up a C414B-ULS last January, and wound up re-tracking nearly every acoustic guitar track on a 13 song CD, because it trashed everything else that had been tried. Good on acoustic guitar, mandolin, classic guitar, harp, Djembe, toms, as overheads, as an MS or Blumlein pair. They are neutral, and take well to judicious EQ. Quiet, and accurate. What's not to like? My only complaint with the mic is that I don't own another one.-Richie

414. Mmmmmmmmmmm. I paid $1100 for one. Buy now, or forever hold your 4033.

I was thinking of getting a matched pair of C414's. Whats the difference between the 414-ULS and the C414's?

Originally posted by fromwithin:
I was thinking of getting a matched pair of C414's. Whats the difference between the 414-ULS and the C414's?

Take a trip to http://www.akg.com goto services then product archives for background on the 414EB. Only the 414-ULS and 414-TLII are in current production.