how mics sound with age

[CyanJaguar]

hi,

somebody wants to sell me an akgc414b/uls for about $400. He has used it two years, and he bought it off of someone else. HE says that it sounds the same as when he bought.

I would like to know if a five year old c414 will sound the same as a new one, or what differences will exist in the sound.

Thanks

 

[John Sayers]

the only part that could be affected over time is the diaphragm which you can get cleaned by a pro - otherwise you've got a great mike. Enjoy!!

 

[Recording Engineer]

If it was well taken care of, I doubt you'll find a difference your ear can tell.

 

[Tonewoods]

For whatever reason, I'm convinced the older 414's sound better than the new ones. I had 8-10 in the studio at one time last year, and the lower the serial #, the better they sounded.
BTW, have you noticed the used market on 414's coming down in the last few years? A few years ago, 650.00-750.00 was the going rate for a good 414--now they can be had for 5-550.00 or so pretty readily.