Since AKG was founded 75 years ago, they’ve developed thousands of audio products for both professionals and consumers—from loudspeakers to headphones to phonograph cartridges to car horns, intercoms, telephone handset capsules, and “cushion speakers.” (Yes, speakers that went inside pillows were a thing, back in the day.) But they’re most famous for their microphones.

AKG mics have captured some of music’s most iconic voices, from Frank Sinatra to David Bowie to Kanye West. Legendary producers George Martin and Quincy Jones have raved about their AKG mics. AKG mics were used onstage at The Beatles’ watershed 1965 Shea Stadium concert, and AKG technologies went into orbit onboard the MIR space station. In 2010, AKG received a Grammy Award for “contributions to the art and science of music recording and performance through innovation and excellence in product design.”

AKG has produced hundreds of microphones over the decades, including dynamic mics, condenser microphones, USB mics and wireless microphones. But their C Series mics truly changed the studio game.  Today, AKG are proud to offer the AKG C414 XLS and C414 XLII, which carry the C Series legacy forward in our most versatile models yet.

“We’ve experimented with others but always come back to the 414. You can move around a lot while using it, and I find that with my vocal range I can get a lot of sounds out of it. Sometimes my voice sounds muddy in the studio, and the only thing that can clear it up is the 414.” Billy Idol

C414 XLS and C414XLII: Modern Classics

These multipattern condenser mics are true studio multitaskers, offering a range of polar patterns, highpass filters and pads that let you capture any sound source from the softest strings to monster amp cabs in brilliant clarity. The difference is in their capsules:

The C414 XLII Reference Multipattern Condenser Microphone offers a slight present boost and impressive spatial reproduction, similar to our original AKG C12 microphone, delivering stunning captures of vocals and solo instruments. The C414 XLII features nine polar patterns, and offers three bass-cut filters and three attenuation levels for capturing anything from close-up instruments to sources up to 158 dB SPLs. A peak hold LED displays even the shortest overload peaks. For live sound applications and permanent installations, all controls can easily be disabled for trouble-free use.

The C414 XLS Reference Multipattern Condenser Microphone maintains the sonic character of the legendary C414 B-ULS, and features the same capsule as the iconic C414 B-ULS, for a transparent response. Engineered for highest linearity and neutral sound, the C414 XLS captures beautifully detailed recordings of vocals and acoustic instruments. The C414 XLS offers a choice of nine polar patterns, with three switchable bass-cut filters and three attenuation settings, plus peak hold LED and disableable controls for live use.

 

C314: Iconic Sound, Modern Features

Designed for enthusiasts and professionals alike, the AKG C314 has advanced features that help artists fine-tune their signature sound including four selectable polar patterns, the lowest self-noise in its class, and an overload detection LED. Using the same one-inch dual diaphragm capsule as the C414 XLS, musicians, engineers and producers can have the confidence that their audience will experience every subtle nuance as it was intended.

 

C214: Iconic Sound, Streamlined

For those looking for an affordable entry into the C Series, the C214 large-diaphragm condenser microphone is a cost-conscious alternative to the C414. The C214 captures sound by combining one capsule of the legendary C414 dual-capsule system and patented AKG Back-Plate Technology, and offers a bass-cut filter and a switchable 20 dB pad that allows recording of sources of up to 156 dB SPL.

 

C12VR: The Modern Holy Grail

Our flagship C12 VR contemporary version of the C12 uses the original 6072A vacuum tube and dual-diaphragm design but incorporates an updated, edge-terminated CK12 capsule and state-of-the-art components for lower noise and distortion and reliable operation. And, of course, that iconic C12 sound that is guaranteed to make some studio magic.

“My first application would be for first and second violins. It’s really great mic for the classical approach for a string section. Hear it on … the first and second violins in Michael Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean’.” Bruce Swedien the famed engineer behind Michael Jackson’s Thrillertold Sound on Sound magazine that the C414 EB was among his “prized possessions”

Read the full history of the legendary C Series microphones here:

AKG 75th Anniversary Retrospective: C Series Microphones – The Evolution of a Studio Icon

 

If you want to hear what these microphones sound like, you can listen below.  Instruments recorded at the world famous Village Recorder in West Los Angeles. All samples were recorded at 24bit / 48khz and compressed down to 320kbs mp3. They are unprocessed with only their levels adjusted to be equal in power.

AKG Mic Check

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