AKG C414 XLII vs AKG C414 XLS (Versus Series)
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- Опубликовано: 22 июл 2024
- HQ Audio Of Video: podcastage.com/rev/XLIIvsXLS
Should you get the C414 XLII or the XLS? In this video I provide spoken word samples on every single polar pattern, background noise tests, distance tests, as well as electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and singing tests, and then I share my opinions.
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00:00 - Intro to Versus Series
00:26 - Build Quality
00:52 - Blind Comparison
01:44 - Microphone Spoken Word Test (Price / Specs)
02:53 - Polar Pattern Samples
04:39 - Background Noise Tests
04:56 - Distance Tests
05:41 - Music Tests
07:40 - Winner & Use Case Discussion
10:00 - Summary
11:20 - Outro
#Recording #StudioMic #Comparison
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I've been watching u for almost 3 years. just wanted to say thank you for doing what u do.
Thank YOU for watching for 3 years and for the kind words. I really appreciate it.
I have to say you can make almost any mic sound better than what I know, or spect. Once again, thank you for your time and dedication to educate us about voice, sound and the amazing mics that capture them.
All I do is have a sucky room that has a bit of treatment, I set the mic in a decent place, and then set the gain properly. Anyone can really do it. Thank you very much though.
I teach studio recording to middle schoolers (VERY basic), and they sometimes sing into their iPads. With a little eq, those built-in mics can sound like a decent studio vocal mic. So yeah, you can make any DECENT mic suit the purpose with a little clever processing. (We normally use the XLS and Oktava MK-319 in class.)
So nice to have someone online who is as oddly obsessed with microphones the same way I am
The obsession is deep and it’s been going for years. It’s a problem.
@@Podcastage for real, I could've bought a nice car with my microphones
Is it a coincidence, I just watched the review for both…and this happens to be a new upload!
The implant that we put in your brain is working. Excellent. Thanks for watching Jeremy.
Love this comparison! Very well done and just what I was looking for to confirm my decision to go with the XLII. I've owned one in the past and now find myself wanting another, primarily for female vocals, but wanted to make sure I was making the right decision between the XLII and XLS before pulling the trigger. I definitely think the proximity effect in particular is better with the XLII. Thanks again, you rock!
You're very welcome, and I'm glad the video helped you determine the right choice so that you don't end up wasting money. Hope it gives you years of great recordings. Have a great weekend.
So now you get my first impressions. I was walking outside and listened with the Sennheiser Momentum wireless 3, ANC on. The difference I could make up is with your voice, mainly in cardiod pattern. I prefered the C414 XLII. Your voice sounded more airy and more silky in the high frequencies. When I'm at home I will listen with some proper wired headphone gear. Thank you for this well made versus video!
Thank you very much Rainer. There's definitely more air on the XLII compared to the XLS. Depending on preference that may be the right choice. Thanks again for the support and for sharing your thoughts on it.
hey man! i watched few of your videos and all are helpful! noticed you changed a bit - wish all is good!
very clear that XLII is brighter than XLS with headphone
Agree completely. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I like you on the XLS better. XLII is slightly more sibilant, especially in Cardioid mode (oddly, not as much on Wide Cardioid). XLII also sounds more "radio" or "vibrant" where XLS sounds more "neutral" or "smooth" which I prefer. I think I still like the OC818 over the XLS, so I look forward to that video. Thanks for another comparison!
I'm in the same boat with your analysis and I too would likely prefer the OC818 over the XLS. That conclusion will be reserved for that versus series when I finally make it.
In the comparison, what do you prefer the OC818 or the Cad E100 SX ?
@@Alex_Stw OC818 for sure, but it's much more expensive than the e100sx which I also have along with the e50. Oddly, I actually tend to use the e50 more than the e100sx.
I like you with or without mics. 😮
This was FAN-Tastic!!! Thanks so much for doing this. I kinda feel they coulda made one mic and just added a low pass switch or something.
Thanks so much for the inspiration to do it. I think it’d be amazing if more condensers had a low pass switch. It’s one of my favorite features about the Lauten mics.
I guessed it right.. XLS a little warmer, XL II more presence. Thanks for the vdeo.. Going to purchase the XLS
I could identify the microphone, yey, my hearing is improving!
I'm more partial towards the XLII. I find the XLS top end more sibilant and slightly harsh.
Great video as always!
Very interesting. Neither of the microphones is the smoothest out there, but I wouldn’t have thought of the XLS as being more sibilant or hashing. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Just wanna say, thank you for all these highly thorough comparisons. I have referred to your vids many times over the past few years while assessing mics and soundcards. Have always wanted a c414 as i learned to record on an original and have never gotten on better with another mic. Yesterday I got my dream scenario of stumbling on one for a bargain (£420) and will be nabbing that today if it’s still there.
Wanted to ask if you have done a comparison with the warm audio 414 and the lewitt (which I understand is kinda 414-esque) as your attention is atune to the things I look out for and descriptions are excellent.
Cheers again from London
I was able to tell the XLII apart immediately cause I had one of them a few years ago. I think for the XLS would be very easy to emulate his brother with a little EQ. Thanks for the review.
Very interesting proposition. I bet you’re right that you could do a bit of EQ to get a similar sound out of the XLS. Good idea. Thanks for watching and commenting Tav.
We run C414 XLS' on drum overheads, snare bottom, and our ambient crowd capture mics at my church totaling 21 of them. A joy to mix in person and in post.
Thanks for another really well done review and comparison! I would love to hear a comparison between the XLS and the Austrian Audio 818 👍🏻 I preferred the XLS in this shootout as I’m not a fan of bright mics. Some of my other mics are the Shure KSM32 and JZ V11 which both have a lovely smooth top end.
You're welcome. Thank you for the kind words. I will eventually do the comparison between the XLS and OC818. That'll be a fun one.
Since Austrian Audio's equivalent to these mics is the OC818, what would Lewitt's be?
I would say the Lewitt 640 is their equivalent with the multi polar patterns and pads and switches.
Love this VS series. I have the XLS and love it. Always figured on EQ for the difference, although and equally strong case can be made for the XLII with some EQ cut if need be. Anyway my choice got made when the IIs price was higher and I picked up the XLS for
$800!? That's an absolute steal!
I always enjoy watcching these versus vids, idk why haha
Thanks so much Ossora, I really appreciate it. Glad you’re enjoying the versus series.
Great comparison! Question: do you buy all of these microphones or do the companies send them to you free of charge?
Great comparison. Going for the XLS. I think the XLII is well suited for those engineers with hearing damage in the higher register.
Lmao
👏👏👏 Wonderful work!!!
I would like to hear a comparison between the AKG C414 XLII made Ungary vs made Austria
That would be interesting but unfortunately I don't have any way to buy one from each of those countries to try. Great suggestion.
Would you ever consider the SM58 vs SEV7 vs E835? I feel like that would be a really Interesting battle seeing as those are the heaviest hitters at that price
On headphones, it was easy to guess which is which right away. My preference between the two is the AKG C-414 XLS in most cases, but I did like the XLII on the acoustic guitar a little more. As for a comparison with the OC818, I'd say the AKG C-414 XLS all the way.
That seems to be the way things are leaning and it makes a bit more sense. Thanks for the input Daniel.
Danke!
Thank you so much Rainer! Your support of these videos really means a lot and helps a lot!
Solid review my dude, can't really mess this purchase up, if someone thinks they should have gotten the other, a basic EQ would fix that, you could make them identical, it wouldn't take much to make the XLS sound like the XLII and to make the XLII sound like the XLS. Boost where the other one lacks and subtract where the other one adds to much. Both Solid microphones, I personally prefer the 2-1.5k boost on the XLII for a brighter sound, but hey that's just me! Both Solid and to the untrained ear they probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference!
would you say XLS is similar to OC818? I own XLII and OC818. I like XLII more than OC818 because it’s more crisp and bright.
I would say the XLS is closer to the OC818, but the OC818 is still smoother in the top end than the XLS to my ears. So if you like the XLII more than the OC818, chances are you would like the XLS more than the OC818. But the XLS and OC818 are much more similar than the XLII and OC818
@@PodcastageI have an unhealthy microphone obsession.. I have 8 mics, which as an artist I don’t need that many.. considering buying a beat up used and abused XLS -that still sounds great- from a friend who bought it second hand years ago, or trading my TLM 103 for that.. brand new XLS keeps increasing in price for some reason.. was way cheaper a year ago.
@@PodcastageI like the character of XLS.. it does add something to a rap vocal.. audio technica mics have that too they have some artificial distortion that can be pleasing to some people.. I think that’s why Kanye West loves them.. I prefer how crisp and shiny XLII is though, and it cuts through the mix more than OC818.. I just wanna get an XLS to keep recording and mixing the same XLII tracks just to nerd out
Hey B! Great work as always, in your unique entertaining way! Was wondering, have you ever heard of the Superlux D421 microphone? It's a budget Shure SM7B type mic, knowing how much the SM7B means to you, thought it would make for a kool vid.... Be Kool!
I actually had this preordered back in 2019 or so but then it disappeared off their site and it never shipped. I think it was on Thomann or something.
I found it on Spartan Music site, just a little over a hundred total. Just a FYI if you're still interested...
How do you store your microphones? Do you have a certain case that fits them all? I just keep the few I have in a box, but they're not very organized. Looking for a better solution to arrange them if you have any suggestions. Thanks!
The higher end stuff stays in the original box. Then I have some plastic containers with the moisture pack things in there for the much more affordable end of things.
I liked the XLII. Too much bass on the XLS. Both are outstanding, I've been using a pair of C414 B-ULS for 30 years with great results.
30 years out of the B-ULS!? I’d say that’s getting your money worth. Do you have experience with either of these modern versions? If so, how do they compare to the B-ULS?
I used to use both as I worked as a sound engineer for an advertising production house for 7 years, and these are the main mics that we used. I prefer the XLII because it has more of those highs that I need on VO's for commercials. Not that I can't EQ it or anything but, I just prefer to have that clarity, pre-processing.
@@Podcastage The B-ULS is quite dark and veiled in comparison to the new ones - not a bad mic in any way, just not what I want when I think 'AKG C414'.
I really like the B-ULS. An honest and versatile microphone, free of hype. It has also been my most reliable 414.
@@artysanmobile I've always liked the B-ULS, but compared to the XLS it seems to be more colored. Yeah, it's dark compared to vocal mics, but that's just another way of saying it's closer to uncolored natural sound. But IMO the XLS is the mic if you want accurate representation of the source. If you want a colored voice, there are lots of better options. You can add air to a flat mic, but it's hard to take away the color of a less natural mic.
I had the XLII but found it a little bright on some singers. Liked it on acoustic guitar. Sold it and bought XLS. Much more neutral mic and much happier with it.
That's awesome that you landed on the mic that works better for you and I"m glad that I'm not off base with my overall recommendation. Even though I did slightly prefer the XLII over the XLS for singing, it really was a toss up between them for every application. I hope the XLS brings you years of great recording.
I could spot which mic was which immediately. I own and regularly use the XLii, but even if I didn't, the slightly clearer top end of the XLii was obvious - though in use, compared to other microphones, the difference between the two is actually quits subtle.
I have dark mics, medium mics, and the XLii is my bright mic.
I have never managed to get that effortless, smooth but bright sound out of my other mics, even with fairly high end EQ.
That's great to hear that the Xlii is working out so well for you and serving a specific purpose. That's all these things are, tools, and it sounds like the Xlii is a great fit in your arsenal of mics. Thank you so much for sharing and Happy recording Alan.
I really hope I can get some help or insight with this question I have regarding the C414XLII. I've been recording vocals for nearly 20 years.
Up until purchasing the C414XLII I've been using the SHURE KSM27. I've easily recorded hundreds of different songs over the last 15+ years
with the SHURE KSM27. I'm been using a Focusrite 2i2 audio interface for the majority of my career. I first started with an MBOX 2 but have
been using the Focusrite for the last 8 years or so. With that said.. FOR SOME REASON when I record vocals with my AKG C414XLII, there is
a very noticeable unwanted effect when I'm recording with the microphone while I'm actively recording. The microphone will sound almost
like I'm recording on more than one vocal track at the same time, even when I'm only recording on ONE vocal track. Even weirder is, it ONLY
has this weird sound when I'm actively recording.. meaning.. as soon as I STOP recording and playback that vocal, it sounds perfectly FINE!
It's only when I'm recording that it has this weird (almost doubling kind of effect) and it's driving me absolutely MAD! In fact, I sent the first
C414XLII back to sweetwater (where I purchased it..) thinking there was something wrong with the first C414XLII that I purchased. But I'm
having the exact same issue with the other C414XLII that was shipped, which proves it's not a microphone that was perhaps broken upon
shipment etc. I do not have this issue at all with my older SHURE KSM27. Any clue what the hell is going on? It also does this regardless
of which setting I use on the microphone. I can go through all of it's different built in settings and it STILL has this problem! It's incredibly
distracting and has prevented me from getting any new projects done! I'm almost at the point where I'm thinking maybe the C414XLII just
doesn't get along with my Focusrite 2i2? I'm thinking about purchasing an upgraded audio interface but I don't want to waste the money on
a new audio interface just to find out the same issue is still present! Again.. after I stop recording and I playback the vocal track, it sounds
perfectly fine! This issue only presents itself as the track is armed for recording! I've been desperately trying to find an answer ever since!
And sadly.. I've now owned the C414XLII for too long to send it back in for a full refund. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!
I use a Windows PC and Pro Tools to record my vocals. Not that those details should matter, because again.. this only happens with the
C414XLII and NOT with my SHURE KSM27!
I don't know why it only happens with the AKG. I recently started encountering this while recording anything in Logic Pro. I have zero latency on, and then when I arm a track (Even if I have the DAW monitoring disengaged) I hear the audio routed through computer which causes double tracking and latency. My solution is to arm the track in my DAW so that it is recording, but mute it so it doesn't play back. That's how I've dealt with this. Hope it helps. If it's something else, I don't know because it makes no sense that you only encounter it with one mic.
@@Podcastage Been recording for 35 years. Just throwing this out there - yes it sounds like latency. Why you don't hear it with the Shure is odd. Is it possible the frequency curve of the XLll is simply making the latency more obvious? I just borrowed an Xll yesterday. I go through a Metric Halo 2882 into Logic Pro. I'll let you know if I hear latency with it. In @ 18 years of use I've never heard latency from the Metric Halo.
I agree with thaye final summary , . I like the XLII , looks to me like it is easier to use EQ to make that one sound like the XLS if you would really want but not the other way around
I am aware of the fact that my question is not directly related to this video. I did not find a way to ask in a different way though. What "characteristic qualities" in terms of the sound of a microphone are unique to that microphone and what can be recreated by using a suitable EQ curve?
I'm not going to wax poetic about the fact you can't really EQ mics to sound exactly like others, and I'll just answer the question of what sound is unique to the mic.
1) The polar pattern and the off axis coloration of a mic is going to be unique to the mic you're using. EQ will not fix off axis coloration, and EQ will not change how much of the room/bg noise/ambient sounds you're picking.
2) The proximity effect. Each mic has a different directional due to the polar pattern, and the position of the mic to the sound source is going to yield different proximity effects from mic to mic.
3) The texture of the mic. If a mic is harsh or gritty, that's going to be hard to get rid of (maybe there's some plugin like Soothe that can do that nowadays).
4) Self noise. I suppose you could just add noise to the recording, or try to take it out, but the self noise of a mic is not going to be matched to whatever mic you want to try to mimic.
does an equalisation on xlII for nylon guitar for accompagnment of singer 'll be equal to xls by lowering the 2000 to 10000 hz of xlII
Interesting. Thank you for the suggestion.
Andrew, this review made me think of a new test for you. I have a matched pair of B-ULS’s. Great utility mics but where they shine better than anything else is on percussion. Put them anywhere near a conga or a cajon and your job is done. And this is a test that I have found really highlights differences between mics. Your hand claps is a bit of your test that I always listen to carefully and not just for the room sound. Keep up the good work. Oh and track down a listen to an original capsule 414… it will upset you greatly because non of the subsequent mic versions have come close.
Thanks so much for the comment Tcause. I would love to add perc tests, but I can’t in my current location. One day I hope to be able to add those tests and make the videos more useful. I did try tracking down one of the original 414’s with the C12 capsule in them but I couldn’t bring myself to drop $4k-$5k on one. And now I couldn’t drop that money even if I wanted to.
Yeah I wouldn’t recommend forking out money either. Perhaps there must be another way to get to listen to mics without buying them.
solid opinion in the summary
Thank you so much for watching, I really appreciate it.
This would be interesting with the sE Electronics sE4400 and T2 (and both kind of have the C414 shape).
I would be interested to try out the T2 absolutely. And if I ever do a versus series will be in order.
I record alot of 12-string acoustic guitar, which can be a rather bright source, so, XLS for me. Co-locating the XLS alongside a good ribbon mic has become my new secret sauce for acoustic guitar recording, and I'm not sure I'll ever go back to anything else.
OooooOOOoO! Ribbon & XLS. I like it.
Same, good idea!
Please compare the one with more highs i.e. the XLII to the OC818.
Thanks for the vote here. I appreciate it.
Would you say these mics are industry standard? i like the XLII better because i dont like nose-y sounding mics a.k.a. the opposite of condensers
I would say these are industry standard mics. Different iterations of these mics have been around for over 50 years and they seem to be widely adopted and used.
Not relevant to the AKG 414 discussion I know, but the versus that I've always wanted to hear from you is the Neumann KM184 (of which I know you are very fond) vs Sennheiser 8040 (which is my own daily driver) - I don't have the former and can't really justify getting one given what I've already paid for the 8040 and the fact that I am completely happy with it, but I've always wanted to know how they compare head to head. Curiosity and a certain cat spring to mind.
Thank you very much for the suggestion. Currently my budget can't support that, but I am very curious how those two compare as well. Hope to one day be able to swing that type of pick up again.
@@Podcastage If it would help, perhaps I could lend you mine for a review? I use it daily, but I also have an MKH 50 which I use as a ‘guest’ mic…I don’t have many guests in my home ‘studio’ these days so I could fall back on that in the mean time. Just a thought…no hurry, but if the idea appeals, let me know.
sounds the same to me. What's the difference?
XLS is warmer, XLIIS might cut through a mix a touch better. The difference is really quite small, and probably can be easily reproduced with a just a touch of an EQ knob. I used to use a pair of EB-ULS versions back in the early 90's, and absolutely loved them. Wish I owned a pair now.
I would love to hear those older 414 models to see how they compare!
@@Podcastage I wish I still had access to them. They belonged to the studio I worked for, not to me. Bummer. They were so quiet I could capture the sound of a vocalist blinking while trying to be absolutely silent!
Which mike is better for brass? Trumpet, trombone and horns
I haven't ever mixed up brass instruments so I'm not able to offer any insight into that.
My thought would be that a slightly less bright mic may be desirable because brass can be pretty harsh. So maybe the XLS? But that's not a recommendation, just a theory. I'm sure there is someone out there that has a sample online of the mics on brass. Also AKG lists Horns on the uses for both the XLS and XLII
www.akg.com/Microphones/Condenser%20Microphones/C414XLS.html
www.akg.com/Microphones/Condenser%20Microphones/C414+XLII.html
quick question im new to audio stuff im just looking to have 1 mic to use for streaming i have the sE Electronics sE2200A II C what do i need? can i just get a XLR cable to usb and plug it into pc or do i need anything else if anyone could help?
No you cannot get that cable and nothing else. With an sE2200A IIC, I would recommend an XLR to XLR cable and a USB Audio Interface. The lowest tier interface I recommend is the Behringer UM2 or the M-Audio M-Track Solo. There are better and more expensive options, but those are the more budget side of things.
thank you so much i just did a little bit of digging and ordered that one since a friend recommended it thanks again so much man!@@Podcastage
Beautiful! Thank you. XL II is the choice it sounds more bright and natural whereas the XLS sounds a bit compressed and a bit oldishhh 😂
The XL 2 through a Neve pre amp is butter… really tames the brightness’s…highly recommended.
I really think getting into outboard preamps is interesting particularly the pairing like you mention. Thanks for the thoughts on that.
@Podcastage preamps change the sound of the mics...aswell as the compressor. A c414 xl 2 through a neve preamp into a la3a compressor...outstanding sound... or a neve compressor... its ridiculous.
the XL II is amazing- so close to Neumann and C12 quality for a fraction of the price- any vocal I have heard recorded on these sounds amazing..best bang for buck anywhere!
Hey dumb off topic question what about me a good mic for streaming purposes?
That's a difficult question to answer because there are so many different factors that would impact a decision. What's your envrioenmtn like, what's the sound source like, how are you connecting the mic, what kind of features do you need, what kind of future proofing do you want, what are your preferences in sound, how far do you want the mic from your mouth ,etc. etc. .
I have an XLII and got it because of the emphasized top end. I needed a brighter mic to use for getting things to cut through a dense mix better. I do really like the sound of the XLS though. I agree with what you said about it sounding more natural. The low end is definitely more accented than the XLII. I have other microphones for that type of sound so an XLS isn't necessary for me.
As always, I really appreciate your testing procedures. Nobody does it as well as you when it comes to mic evaluations. Good job!
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts on these mics Thumbody1. That makes perfect sense for why you'd prefer the XLII over the XLS, and I love hearing these explanations because it helps me understand how people are approaching their mic selection and how they actually use them. So thank you again, and I hope you have a great day.
I like the clarity and neutrality of the XL2 where the XLS seemed more bass and warm fuzziness. I did not hate either! I just thought the XL2 was honest - if that makes sense?? I'm still learning the technical lingo. I disliked the Fig-8 sound on both. I listened to your views on the spoken voice options (Ah high end boosting, I gotcha) and chose the XLS and I have a high and occasional aggressive S so maybe, for my voice, the XLS would be better. I did notice it rounded off your higher voice tones but wasn't sure I liked it doing that... Now I have to rent them and try myself!
That’s so awesome that you have a place you can rent the mics from to test out. Would love to know what you find if you end up renting them.
Wide cardiod on the XLS is super smooth. Really broadcast sounding.
I feel like I might get one of each for mid side. The figure 8 on the XLII really nice and airy, will suit one of the cardiod patterns on the XLS nicely I suspect. They also just work better for different applications than each other. XLS for cab micing, XLII for acoustic. For vocals different voices will suit one or the other. Etc etc... Can't really go wrong with either. Or, jsut get both!
Great review, cheers!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it, having one of each is a great set up of mics that will cover probably every single sound source you have.
@@Podcastage Cheers for your reply! Such a difficult choice when the option of the AA OC818 dual set is possible too. What would be your inclanation be having reviewed and tested all of them?
I honestly can't give an answer to which one I feel is better. I feel like it'll depend on where I'm using it. Also, your guitar playing was a joy to listen to.
Great answer, and realistic answer: it depends. Thank you ApacheBro.
I'm kinda shook there isn't a WA14 review! Or at least that I've been able to find? Hopefully it'll make an appearance. ;)
I don't own a WA14, that's why I haven't reviewed it. Perhaps sometime in the future I'll be able to get my hands on one though.
@@Podcastage But Bandrew....you're Mic Daddy. We expect you to have every mic to ever exist, my guy!
The XLS is the modernized c414 B/ULS, so it's more ideal for instruments, whereas the XLII is more aligned, sonically, with the C12 (minus the tube warmth).
I guessed them correct! 🎉
I have the AKG C414 XLII. one of the best investments I've made
That's so awesome to hear that this microphone has been working well for ya and been giving you great recordings. I hope it gives you many years of great recordings as well.
I own a pairs of both of these mics, along with a few of the old school C414 EB's, B's, and BULS. For me choosing the XLS or the XLII comes down to the room, the source, the application of the source, and the arrangement if it's an instrument or vocal within music. If I'm getting 100% room sound with zero source I want the XLII, because the reflections are going to be high frequency in nature already and I'm going to high pass it anyway. I would choose the XLII again if I were capturing reverb in a tank, hall, or room. If I'm using the mic directly on the source I'm likely going to use the XLS unless it's a lifeless dead room with insane amounts of treatment, which will have a build up of low end due to all the high end reflections being easily absorbed. If I'm in a bright lively room, I'm definitely going to choose the XLS over the other. However I could do the opposite of everything I've already said if I'm trying to place a specific instrument or vocal within a dense arrangement and I need to have it tucked in nicely or to stick out to be noticed more.
However, if I have 30 mics set up around the live room and booths being used and I just need another mic from the locker to get whatever job done I would happily use either the XLS or XLII with little thought or care put into the decision. I'm in a hurry so whatever is close, get it, and go.
If I were just starting out and new to recording or even a hobbyist I would be lucky to use either one I have access to knowing it would get the job done with the only limitation being myself.
Really great insight here. Thank you so much for sharing how you use them.
I bought an XLS because I wanted maximum versatility. I knew it was very flat and very precise. After watching this vid, it seems to me the only difference could be compensated by a very light amount of eq. I know using the right mic is better than using the wrong one and using eq to compensate, but in this case, it seems to be the only difference, that tiny bit of high end boost that I'd rather choose to add myself if I want it.
In its raw state, yeah, the XLII is better as a vocal mic, but that's only because of that tiny boost in high end. I suppose I'd say the same thing for acoustic, but only because the high end boost in the XLII is so minimal. But seriously, the C414 has always been a dark mic, and not usually ideal for vox (always depending on the vocalist, ofc), not even the B-ULS. The XLS is an incredibly precise mic though, spectral and dynamic, and therefore pretty good for anything if you're not afraid to use a tiny bit of eq for coloring or artistic preference. It's my desert island mic.
@@beenaplumber8379 I'm always looking to match the perfect mic with the perfect location to the source, but having said that I'm not afraid to use loads of EQ if I have to. I think it was Bob Clearmountain who said that EQ goes to 10 for a reason so if he needs to crank it up he will. (I could be wrong about who said it, because now I'm thinking it was Darrell Thorp's quote.) I tend to favor that philosophy.
As for the C414 variants, they're all good. In most scenarios I do prefer mics that are just a tad darker over brighter ones when used directly on sources and vocals. I've got a ton of ribbon's that I favor, too. I think it's easier to push up the EQ for the high end detail and air frequencies rather than going straight for mics that have it built in, because most of them can sound pretty harsh. Although Soothe 2 has changed the game in that department so maybe it is better to go with brighter mics today? I'll have to play around with that idea a bit.
Anyhow I hope you have fun with recording, and I wish you great success.
I was wondering if you believe with the xlii if you can roll off some of the high frequencies a little if you could end up with a similar warm tone???? or if the physical character of the mic permanently captures a more brittle tone??? they sound pretty close to me but there was one bit in this video where I "definitely" liked the electric guitars better with the xls.
@@RAILWAY_FILMSYou can always roll the highs back with a bit of low passing/high cut, or you can cut any frequency by a few DB to get a very similar result.
You can run it through a darker preamp or preamp plugin. You can set the mic up and angle it to catch less high end. You can pull the mic back a few inches, and that's going to roll off high end.
Having said that, do you already own the XLii but want XLS tones?
Listening to this on my DT 770 Pros the only thing different I could pick up between the two was that the XLS has a bit more of a mid punch, but it's so slight that it's barely a concern 🤣
Edit: After finishing the video, I would've gone with the XLII as well. That slight high end boost is just 🙏🙏🙏
Looking for some nice voice and nice mood. 😊Thanks.
You’re very welcome Olexander. Thank you for watching.
I didn't even try to guess but surprisingly to me I liked microphone B (XLS) the best.
I appreciate the input Matt, thanks!
The difference is clear. The A is the XL-II and B is the XLS. Yes, I did write that before the reveal. The XL-II is brighter.
I prefer the more neutral sound of the XLS. And that is the version of the mic that I own.
You got it exactly right, and I”m there with ya. I prefer the more natural sound of the XLS and being that my main use for mics is taking into them, the XLS would be my pick.
I'd like to see the XLS compared to the OC818
That’s what I was leaning towards. Thanks for the suggestion.
I prefer the XLS here on voice compared to the XLII due to the fact that i would always need stronger deessing on the XLII.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts Phillip, it's always great to hear lots of opinions on this stuff and hear people's preference.
While I could easily hear the high-end sound difference, it is as you said, a subjective thing. The mics otherwise perform the same in any other way that might matter. Once you get out of the budget mic range (which has some excellent mics too) the physical characteristics of the mics start to matter to the application - I'm sure I could get both of these to sound near identical with some good EQ, so does it really matter? A this level, I'm thinking more "Do they image well in X/Y?" or "Can I physically fit them into the space?" - A 414 is a 414, ya know?
A modern 414 is a modern 414. I know all of the audio forms would want to make that distinction because the older 414's are loved a lot more than these. These are apparently a lot less smooth than the older iterations, which I one day would love to try, including the original with the C12 capsule.
I got it wrong. To me the XLS has a warmer sound. I would have expected that to be the XLII.
I agree that the XLS sounds better on your voice. I really like it.
Thank you very much for sharing John.
XLS vs 818 please
That seems to be the consensus. Thank you Matthew.
AKG C414 XLİİ VS NEUMANN U87 ?
only vintage 414 can compete with 87, modern 414 with completely different capsules, bad microphones.
That would be an interesting comparison, but they sound so drastically different.
@@Podcastage hey dude i have a u87ai and my friend wants to trade it for a u89i do you think i should buy it?
The XLS is a reference mic. Everything sounds exactly perfect, which is not what I want for vocals, but then the XLII doesn't give what I want for vocals either. (There are many better mics if you want more air.) I think the only reason to use a C414 is if you want precise reproduction, not coloring, and with the XLS you don't have to artificially flatten it with EQ.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it, very useful information.
waiting for the Shure MVX2U review...😙
I will be reviewing it eventually. Thanks for the suggestion.
XLII for everything but solo electric guitar which benefits from the warmer midrange.
Yeah the upper end of the guitar gets a bit much with the high frequency boost.
Granted, I'm listening in a less than ideal environment (in my office, on ancient PC speakers, with two fans running nearby), but I honestly couldn't hear much of any difference at all. I'll have to check it again when I get into my studio at home after work.
I’d say that your experience is representative of the typical listening environment of the average video consumer. It’s why I point out that the audience doesn’t care about the gear you’re using. Thanks for sharing your playback situation, it’s always interesting hearing these different environments.
C414 microphones of every vintage are truly investment grade. And don’t discount these new electronic-switch models. The biggest reliability issue the old mics have is with the mechanical switches, something these will never suffer from. The 414 is incredibly versatile. I have used them in MS pairs for symphonic recording, as a lead vocal live, and a long list of instruments either as orchestral spot or main mics, superb acoustic piano, there is no end to the list. The Omni pattern is a sonic dream come true on any stage. In the studio, you will never hear an electric bass speaker sound better. You will grow old with your 414(s).
I love this insight and experience that you bring to the comments. Thank you so much for sharing!
I guessed the order. The A has more clarity and better highs.
Ive owned 4 414s
Sold my EB (non brass cap) and my TLii
Kept my pair of bULS..
I use one now for talkback when recording Voiceovers over source connect..
I think I might have one of the most overkill talkback chains out there..
414 bULS->Focusrite ISA 215 (80s Neve era dual channel strip)-> Lavry Blue ADC->MOTU 8D->Protools.
Id be using the vintage U47fet I owned if I hadn't sold it... I didn't buy this setup just for talkback, its just gear I already owned.
That's an amazing talk back set up and amazing gear you've had the privilege to use. I hope it gives you decades more use. Thanks for sharing your channel strip, it's very cool!
lol time flies. Sir you shurely is older
Yes sir. I am much older than when I started making mic reviews. Some would say I'm about 8 years old than when I started. Crazy!
I'm sorry, but there is no better. They're both great
They are both great and they've made a lot of great recordings. I wish I had access to good examples of all the vintage offerings because I think that'd be interesting to hear what people claim is a lot better than the modern versions.
XLS good gear. Superb video.
Yeah the XLS is a good one. Thanks for the comment.
XLII is the better one in my opinion. Smooth high end.
Interesting. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. I appreciate it.
C414 XL vs C414EB Please!
I would love to, but I don't have an EB to test.
🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷👏🏻, I think the XLII sounds better than the TLM 103 which is a cheaper mic anyways nonetheless.
I've used the 214 for years, love it.
That’s amazing that you’ve found a mic that works for you and has been recording you for years. I hope it works for years to come. Thanks for sharing Mark!
I like SE8. I prefer XLS. Because XLS is more natural at higher frequency region on speaking.
The sE8 is a great microphone and I agree with your analysis of the XLS. Thanks for sharing Hiro
I think the XLS sounded better when you did the tapped harmonic. 🎉
Yeah a bit less harshness in the upper end of the guitar.
Mic B-AKG C414 XLS is better. XLII is tires the brain. Small difference but important.
Team tame topend.
Guessed correctly. Way more deep detailed bass on the xls
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the mics. Always great to hear the analysis from as many people as possible.
@@Podcastage Thanks, your show Rocks! Wireless Headset mic Shootout?.... Merry Christmas 🤶
Akg c414 XLS best
I just sold an XLII, was too bright for me.
Hope you found a mic that works better for you.
@@Podcastage I’m really considering an OC818 or Soyuz Bomblet.
About 25 years ago I had another engineer describe the AKG as having a “brittle” sound to it. Once heard, it can’t be unheard. Like the original, the XLII has the same characteristic. The XLS does not have this same characteristic though and is my personal favorite LDC.
I could understand the "brittle" classification. It's definitely focused on the top end a lot more and the XLS offers a much more balanced sound in comparison. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.
I guess right. Because i owen the the silver one 😅
Well done Isaac. That's a great mic you have there. I hope it provides with years of great recordings.
Thanks@@Podcastage
Both mics are outstanding, but mannn they are costy (is that a word?! XD)
I don't know if costy is a word, but costLy is a word.
Both are harsh. Not a fan. Def gonna agree the XLS winning. I prefer smoother less shrill mics tho.
Yeah the modern versions seem to get push back because they are harsher than the older versions, but this is all we have available to buy for new nowadays. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on them.
The XLII has too much high end for me, I choose the XLS for all of it.
XLS BUT ...............I choose Austrian audio OC818 and leave a chunk of change in my bank
Smart choice. OC818 is hard to beat.
XLII is brighter. XLS has abit of a lower brightness level.
That’s a great way to put it. I agree. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Jim.
But the grill color tho… 😂
Gold is better. Obviously.
@@Podcastage My man
hey podcastage!
either, your tapeworm has start a growing family or, you're otherwise losing weight!
good ol' tapeworm! you look better, less fat.