Yo Darrin! Is the C2000B "comparable" to a C414? No. They are different animals entirely. The C414 is a bright, transparent multi-pattern large diaphragm condenser mic with a wide variety of studio applications. The C2000B is a neutral (not particularly bright, or dark), colored, cardioid, small diaphragm condenser mic with a wide variety of studio applications.
The C2000B works very well as a pair of overheads. It has some color to it, though, like Oktava MC012, which makes it ideal for rock, blues, and metal. I would choose a more transparent and brighter mic (mostly I use Neumann KM184's, but C414's work fine)) for Jazz, country,punk/pop overheads. However, in addition to being a very usable overhead, C2000B is a pretty good vocal mic, especially on women, an excellent mic on toms, Djembe, Conga, or any other hand percussion, and a truly *kickass* cab mic. No kidding- up close and personal. I'm not talking about an ambient (room) mic. If it's a real loud cab, use the -10db pad. It is the most underated AKG mic. If you want the sound of a C414 cheaper, the Perception series actually sounds more like a C414 than C2000B. You could shell out for 2 C214's, but why? For that price, you can find used C414B-ULS's out there. One nice thing about C2000B is- it is not made in China, and doesn't sound like a Chinese condenser. It actually sounds to me more like a Russian condenser. It's one of the very few small diaphragm mics that is in a more open housing than a pencil mic, so it is not prone to popping. It can also handle high SPL's. It's actually preferred by several AKG engineers over the C414 as a percussion mic, because it's small diaphragm responds well to fast transients. When I travel with my micro-recorder, It, and a SONY one-point stereo mic (ECM-MS957) goes with me. It's the cheapest mic I own which can be used to track *anything*. A lot of times, I use either the one-point mic, or the onboard stereo condensers to get the big picture, and the C2000B as a spot mic for something quiet I want to bring out in the mix, like a harp soloist in an 88 piece orchestra. It is also my "idea" mic, for basic vocals and acoustic.-Richie
Right now I use my SM57 for guitar, vocals, violin, etc. I need something clear, and not to expensive for vocals and acousitc guitar. My range is $100-$175, I just really need to hear reviews for actual owners Thnx in advance, Jacob
