kjam22
Member
Anyone have any experience with the AKG C414 B-ULS verse the AKG C414 B -TL? I'd like to know the main differences in these two mics from a user's perspective.
Thanks
Thanks
L
littledog
New member
The TL model uses a more expensive capsule, supposedly based on the design of the C12 capsule. It should, in practise, give a somewhat richer warmer sound than the b/ULS.
A lot of people these days seem to think that the whole 414 line is not what it used to be. While in the past, there were very limited options at the $1000 price point, now there are so many other choices that it would be worth auditioning some other possibilites (Rode, Blue, Neumann, Shure, etc.) and try to make an educated decision. You may, in fact, decide the TLII is the mic for you, but you may find something you like better!
A lot of people these days seem to think that the whole 414 line is not what it used to be. While in the past, there were very limited options at the $1000 price point, now there are so many other choices that it would be worth auditioning some other possibilites (Rode, Blue, Neumann, Shure, etc.) and try to make an educated decision. You may, in fact, decide the TLII is the mic for you, but you may find something you like better!
heylow
New member
I think they are OK.
I'm speaking of the B-ULS version. I don't think I'd ever personally buy one myself...at least not in the near future. There are many other mics I want but the 414 doesnt kill me.
The reason...I think it's too bright. I have heard it in a big time studio environment through a Neve board and I have heard it in my home now twice. On acoustic guitar I hated it. As a room mic for drums it was pretty cool but I think my NTK sounded better. On vocals it sounds way hyped to me but then I think most rock vox these days sound hyped.
On the other hand....a friend of mine (the guy that owns said mic) swears by this thing. He LOVES it more than life itself. He chooses it time and time again over the neumann U87 on vox. We have argued this often.
The bottom line....it's a classic. I don't know why personally but much better ears than mine have made it so. I DO think it's a matter of taste and one should try to audition one before putting down 800 bucks on a mic like this....you may love it or hate it.
My 2 cents,
heylow
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Hey Dog!
I'm having flashbacks about the last time we were both in a thread involving this mic....search "domestic abuse."
I'm speaking of the B-ULS version. I don't think I'd ever personally buy one myself...at least not in the near future. There are many other mics I want but the 414 doesnt kill me.
The reason...I think it's too bright. I have heard it in a big time studio environment through a Neve board and I have heard it in my home now twice. On acoustic guitar I hated it. As a room mic for drums it was pretty cool but I think my NTK sounded better. On vocals it sounds way hyped to me but then I think most rock vox these days sound hyped.
On the other hand....a friend of mine (the guy that owns said mic) swears by this thing. He LOVES it more than life itself. He chooses it time and time again over the neumann U87 on vox. We have argued this often.
The bottom line....it's a classic. I don't know why personally but much better ears than mine have made it so. I DO think it's a matter of taste and one should try to audition one before putting down 800 bucks on a mic like this....you may love it or hate it.
My 2 cents,
heylow
-----------
Hey Dog!
I'm having flashbacks about the last time we were both in a thread involving this mic....search "domestic abuse."
DigitMus
Member
I have both versions. I always found the B-ULS rather thin, and the ouput kind of low. The TL-IIs are definitely "richer" sounding.
Scott
Scott
octoruss
New member
It's true that these are "classic" mics, used for years by studios around the world. But these were the best option for the money at the time. Today, there are so many mics to choose from in that price range. And with advances in technology, IMHO there are several other mics in the same price range that sound better. Of course if you need "image" then nobody will doubt the presence of a 414.
B
Bowisc
New member
There is no such thing as "sounds better". I suggest you read a recent post by Harvey Gerst. It's all about what works best for a particular sound you are after.
The 414-TLII has its own unique sound characteristic, depending on the patter it is switched to. This is a mic I doubt I would ever sell or trade. Many others share this same opinion.
Have you ever tracked with a 414TL-II? What was your personal experience, if any?
Bowisc
The 414-TLII has its own unique sound characteristic, depending on the patter it is switched to. This is a mic I doubt I would ever sell or trade. Many others share this same opinion.
Have you ever tracked with a 414TL-II? What was your personal experience, if any?
Bowisc
W
wascal
New member
the lord is your shepherd...
but you are not a sheep...
you are more like a goat...
at least you smell like one...
i have never used a 414 so i dont know. if i did know i would tell you. but you wouldnt believe me.
one of them is supposedly "vocal optimized" while the other is not. the other would be for general purposes. i saw this somewhere on the web. i dont remember where.
but you are not a sheep...
you are more like a goat...
at least you smell like one...
i have never used a 414 so i dont know. if i did know i would tell you. but you wouldnt believe me.
one of them is supposedly "vocal optimized" while the other is not. the other would be for general purposes. i saw this somewhere on the web. i dont remember where.
B
Bowisc
New member
"Smells like a sheep-slayer"
Not only does the TL-II have some vocal optimizations, I've found the different patterns have slight variations in sound. Very nice.
Bowisc
Not only does the TL-II have some vocal optimizations, I've found the different patterns have slight variations in sound. Very nice.
Bowisc
L
littledog
New member
heylow said:
-----------
Hey Dog!
I'm having flashbacks about the last time we were both in a thread involving this mic....search "domestic abuse."
Yes, that was when i was new and didn't realize this bulletin board was the exclusive domain of wifebeaters and sheep-fuckers. It forced me to realize i was in denial about my true nature. Oops... gotta run. That rather attractive sheep over there is trying to escape...
heylow
New member
littledog said:
Yes, that was when i was new and didn't realize this bulletin board was the exclusive domain of wifebeaters and sheep-fuckers. It forced me to realize i was in denial about my true nature. Oops... gotta run. That rather attractive sheep over there is trying to escape...
H
h kuhn
New member
I like the c414b uls. While the Rodents are very specialized mics that colour pretty much, the 414 works on almost everything, IMHO. I also wonder why people call them bright sounding. It has high end, ok, but to me the mic sounds very natural, especially if you go a little bit off axis.
YMMV
YMMV
L
littledog
New member
If you have a chance to pick up one of the no longer produced 414 EB mics at a garage sale or e-bay, you may find it even more to your liking.
kjam22
Member
Thanks everyone for the input.