AKG C414 XL-II stereo pair purchase!

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samth3mancgp

samth3mancgp

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I just found what could be a potentially amazing deal on a stereo pair of AKG C414 XL-IIs. They will not be coming with the shock mounts, but do have the normal clips. I dont think the shock mounts are all that necessary since the XL II and XLS model have the capsule mounted with elastic just like a shock mount. These Mics cost $1000 per mic, and I have a chance to two of them at that price.

Now, I've read about the differences between the XL II and the XLS, and read a review where the two were compared. It seems that both are great mics for vocals, acoustic instruments, and room micing. Havent heard a whole lot about close micing amps or on drums?

If I cannot get this pair there are auctions on eBay for new ones with all of the shock mounts etc for a price that I may be able to do too. So I'd like to know which of the two are better? From personal experiences or specs etc. But this pair is looking really good at this price.

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/nov04/articles/akgmics.htm

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/high-end/356125-whats-best-sounding-akg-414-a.html
 
Aww.. The bids have already jumped $200. :( If It jumps too much more I might just get a a brand new stereo pair with shock mounts and everything. There's Buy it now or best offer from a great power seller of pro audio stuff. It might be a better deal than these if the bids keep going.

If it comes down to buying a new set i'll have the freedom to choose between the XL IIs and XLS models. I want solid, all around usefulness. The XLS seems to be marketed more towards that, but would that make it less useful for vocal work? Any recommendations?
 
Bump. Any advice? I will probably be making the purchase soon.
 
Alright, I couldn't go with a stereo pair due to lack of cash..

..But i was stil able to score one of them with all accessories and the manual and actual response graph. So everything it is brand new for about.. half?

I'm satisfied. It should sound amazing compared to the MXL, Shure, CAD etc mics that I have. I have a feeling it will make a great room mic as in addition to vocals, solo instruments like acoustic guitar, piano.

How about drum overheads using another large diaphram condenser as the second one? Like a Rode NT-1a, or an MXL condenser? Is this a good idea? or should I stick to PG-81s or CAD small diaphram condensers for overheads?

Edit: I think I see in This Picture That it also comes with a pop filter? :D Nice to have If I want good quality vocals for live takes and theres more than one singer. I've always felt I needed a second pop filter
 
I looked at several Audio Technica mics, but not any Shures. I kinda had my mind set on 414s from the beginning though, and couldn't pass it up on eBay at that price.

Those mics are a bit cheaper new, But the used selling prices were only about $100 less than I got the AKG so i'm not feeling any remorse haha.

It seems to have more features than the Shure or AT. What are the drawbacks? I've heard things recorded with it and love the way they sound. I know Tommy Emmanuel records his acoustic with 414 sometimes. And I'm an acoustic guitar guy. For vocals it would be mostly male singing, some on the higher side. I'm going to be working on some metal type stuff soon and I might go dynamic for the Screaming stuff while using the AKG for cleans.

Any advice on using mismatched overheads? :)
 
I got rid of my 414 when I bought the KSM44...I just found it to be a more useful multipattern.
 
The model XL II - I believe AKG notes them as being more tailored to record vocals than the model XLS. I have a stereo pair model XL II in the studio but not had them in front of an amp just on vocals but not for a while after other mic purchases for that purpose, acoustic guitar - sounds good, room mics in different patterns - sounds good, and for drum over heads - again not to bad
 
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