akg 414. what is the diff between models?

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maskedman72

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the akg 414 is a mic that many people here seem to like and talk about. i see that there are several different models of this mic. can anyone try and describe the difference between them?
the models i can think of off hand are;
buls
tl-2
b tl-2
eb
are there more than that?
 
I know the UBLS is meant pretty much just as an instrument mic, whereas the TL-II is more aimed at vocals (using a C12 capsule or something).
 
The EB is a long since discontinued, and highly desirable version of the 414 - if you can find a used one in good shape, get it. The 2 current models are the 414, and 414 TL II. They are both B ULS (which stands for Bass rolloff switch and Ultra Linear System - supposed to ensure consistant resposne across various preamp loads). The TL II has a modern version of the C12 capsule with a high boost response above 4K, and a transformerless output to keep low frequency response more linear. The standard (called the B ULS, usually) 414 has a transformer coupled output, and a different capsule with a more neutral sound (there's a slight 2db dip between 2K & 5K, and a 2db rise from 5K to 15K with a gradual fall off the 3db down at 20K). Opinions vary on the current versions - while some people swear by the standard (B ULS) for percussion, horns & piano, others find it tepid & boring. The TL II tends to evoke stronger love it or hate it responses. Both mics are well constructed, professional tools, but may be out-shined by one or more of the ± $1000 mics that have proliferated in recent years. It would behoove you to buy from a vendor that doesn't charge a re-stocking fee, so you can try the mics before committing.

Scott
...and yes, I own both versions.
 
mr. mitus- i am curious to know what mics you think outshine it in the 1k range.
 
I love the AKG 414s. Some of the most versatile mics you will ever find i think.

Digitmus - How come the discontinued EB version is the most desirable? I have a pair of these with the new studio along with a newer ULS. But the EB's dont seem to sell for more or less then the newer ones. Im very interested in finding out about this.

Danny
 
We have used the C414B-ULS on just about everything on the current project. It is true that we have not yet found the singer that sounds good on a 414, this mythical creature. However, the 414 has sounded good on so much stuff that that hardly matters. Harp, violin, viola, piano, guitar, mandolin, snare, toms, sax. For mic'ing up most instruments, mics are what I use when a 414 isn't quite right, like vocals in general.
I'd like to hear Charlotte Church through one of those mics. I'd like to try singing into a TLII and an EB, but the opportunity has not presented itself yet.-Richie
 
i would be using a 414 for mainly persuccion like djembe and congas and bongos and a drum kit room mic. what model would be best for those applications? the other mic i am looking at for this is the soundelux u195 but the 414 is half the price. mabye someone can compare the two?
 
OK - first, I didn't say that the current crop of $1000 and under mics would outshine the 414, I said they MAY - meaning it is dependeant on your needs, and ears. if you want to look for mics to compare, try some ADKs, CADs, Studio Projects, AT 40XX series, Shure KSMs etc.
As to the EBs, I'm just passing on what a lot of older (I'm in my 40s) engineers say. I haven't A/Bed the EB with the modern ones, It's been years since I had my hands on an EB. They do have a different sound than the B ULS and TL II - not radically different (as far as I can remember), but enough that some engineers have a distinct preference (this could be attributed to "nostalgia factor" if you're feeeling skeptical).
As to the 414 on hand percussion - I really like it (B ULS model) for this application; the U195 is a hellofa mic on a lot of things, but I don't think it would out perform the 414 on percussion to the extent that the price difference could be justified. If you ever want to put a vocalist in front of it, however, I'd say spring the extra $$ for the Soundelux. Cheers!
As with any purchase decision - use your ears and take all advice and opinions with a large prtion of salt. :)

Scott
 
There is one more version of the 414B that hasn't been mentioned, and that's the 414B-ULS/SE. It sells in matched pairs, comes with shockmounts, windscreens and a T-Bar/Stereo Bar. The SE version is a cross between the ULS and TLII. It uses the same transformer as the ULS, but contains the diaphragm of the TLII. I had a chance to do a comparison (voice only) between all three versions, and the SE is indeed a cross between the ULS and TLII in sound. I'm saving my pennies so I can pick up a pair for myself.

Jay
jay@kraftmusic.com
 
never been much of a 414 fan. The eb is the best, if the old capsule is in good condition.
 
Like I said before...

get the U195 you won't regret it.If you don't like it you can always sell it to me.I'd love to have another one.I owned a 414 buls which is an extremely versatile mic but when I was strapped for cash about 6 months ago there wasn't a question in my mind which one was going to the auction block.The 414.I regret selling it because like I said it was a very nice mic and money woos come and go but IMHO if you can only afford to buy the 414 or the U195, the U195 is the way to go.Just to let you know, I paid $850.00 for the mic and spider shockmount from a local friend in mint condition.
 
if i could get the u195 for that price that would rule!!! tubedude got his new for 950. hey tubedude,any luck finding out where you got it for that price?
 
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