AKG C414 XLII vs RODE K2 on vocals

[prolik]

Hello!
I need advice, some help - I've narrowed down my choice to this two mics. I would mainly use it for VOCALS, and secondary to record some acoustic guitars.
I had a good deal on AKG which makes it close to the price of RODE. I'm aware that AKG C414 is classic, but I need straight answer/comparasion which one of these two will be better for recording vocals:

1. AKG C414 XLII
2. RODE K2

Thnx for any advice & help!

 

[Seafroggys]

I have not used both, so obviously ignore me. But my understanding is that the C414 is a utility mic, which means it doesn't offer a lot in the way of 'character' but can be used on a lot of different sources and sound great. The K2, being a tube mic, has a bit of mojo. Which may sound 200% awesome on some things, kinda bleh on others.

 

[Nakatira]

To my knowledge the AKG 414 comes in various models XLII, ULS and other I've only tried the ULS (I think it was, old model for sure)
I think I've heard the older model were based on the C12's technology.
So I'm not totally certain to the merrits of the XLII, but the AKG 414 has been used on pretty pro recordings, Queen is one band that comes to mind.
Not sure about the merrits of the K2, I've tried it once and I did not like it at all as I felt it was way to hyped in the top, I actually like my MXL V67G better.

So in summary I'd go for a Neumann u87

The 414 gets my two cents.

 

[moresound]

Had a matching pair of 414's (new model) and they were good on somethings and poop on others.
Male vocals just never happened with them at all. great as drum overheads.
I sold them. But I do have two of the older ones and they have the mojo!

The same can be said for my K2 - good on somethings poop on others. At least it captures good on male vocals.

 

[prolik]

Tough one..
AKG is classic, but for now, I can afford only one!
I have read dozens of forum reviews/answers and still have mixed opinion(s). RODE K2 is maybe better for vocals, but AKG is higher class mic.

I'll go instant for the AKG for that price, but some people said it tends to be brittle in highs and sibilants fro vocals!?

RODE K2 seems rounder to me (based on listening samples) but much darker, and not as open and crisp as AKG.
I'm killing myself here as have to choose quickly before that offer expire.
So which one to choose, did anybody work with those two mics on vocals, and maybe give me detailed, straight advice..?

THNX

 

[moresound]

Tough one..
AKG is classic, but for now, I can afford only one!
I have read dozens of forum reviews/answers and still have mixed opinion(s). RODE K2 is maybe better for vocals, but AKG is higher class mic.

I'll go instant for the AKG for that price, but some people said it tends to be brittle in highs and sibilants fro vocals!?

RODE K2 seems rounder to me (based on listening samples) but much darker, and not as open and crisp as AKG.
I'm killing myself here as have to choose quickly before that offer expire.
So which one to choose, did anybody work with those two mics on vocals, and maybe give me detailed, straight advice..?

THNX

I just did. <post#5>

Don't let those offers fool you they have them all of the time.
You shouldn't rush into this blindly. Get to try out some microphones before you make a purchase.

 

[prolik]

I have a opportunity to buy a new AKG C414 XL II for a little more than a RODE K2 price, which is nice. Seller is a friend and trusted
I'll try to get my hands on RODE K2 and do the test on my own. Seems there is no other way, there is so much opposite opinions.

Also, will try to put AKG Perception 820 in the mix, if get lucky. One of those three should suit my vocal/acoustic needs, I'll guess..

 

[moresound]

I have a opportunity to buy a new AKG C414 XL II for a little more than a RODE K2 price, which is nice. Seller is a friend and trusted
I'll try to get my hands on RODE K2 and do the test on my own. Seems there is no other way, there is so much opposite opinions.

Also, will try to put AKG Perception 820 in the mix, if get lucky. One of those three should suit my vocal/acoustic needs, I'll guess..

It can sometimes be as many as a dozen+ microphones till you find the GOLD.

 

[Muddy T-Bone]

Tough one..
AKG is classic, but for now, I can afford only one!
I have read dozens of forum reviews/answers and still have mixed opinion(s). RODE K2 is maybe better for vocals, but AKG is higher class mic.

I'll go instant for the AKG for that price, but some people said it tends to be brittle in highs and sibilants fro vocals!?

RODE K2 seems rounder to me (based on listening samples) but much darker, and not as open and crisp as AKG.
I'm killing myself here as have to choose quickly before that offer expire.
So which one to choose, did anybody work with those two mics on vocals, and maybe give me detailed, straight advice..?

THNX

I can's speak to the K2. But I have used my C414XLII extensively on vocals, percussion, stringed instruments. For my voice, it cant be beat. This mic is soooo clean and accurate its amazing. It's a great vocal mic, my go to mic for vocals. You won't go wrong.

 

[Richard Monroe]

My read on it is this, and I use both the C414B-ULS and Rode NTK, which overall, are pretty similar mics to the ones you are asking about- I'd use the C414 in a heartbeat, if the vocalist is really, really, good. You can't hide behind a C414. It flatters no one. If you have a Freddy Mercury, a Celine Dion, a Charlotte Chuirch, etc., it will rock. Why? Because it tells the truth, hides nothing, and has excellent high end detail. If the vocalist isn't top 10 American Idol material, I'd go with the Rode. The subtle distortion created by the tube circuit tends act a little like airbrushing a centerfold. If the singer is great, that distortion tends to muddy up their greatness. For a Tom Petty, a Meatloaf, Gwen Stefani, etc., I'd use the Rode. When I get into something really rough- a Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Bruce Springsteen, etc., I'd switch to a dynamic, like Shure SM7B. The question is- Can you handle the truth?