The AKG C 414 B-XL II/ST is especially useful for stereo recordings taken from the far-field with the inclusion of useful and often valuable room acoustics. The matched pairs consist of two microphones that are within 1 dB to each other in sensitivity and also within 1 dB to each other in the range of 300 Hz to 8,000 Hz of the individual frequency response when used in cardioid mode and are selected from a large number of individual microphones using the described criteria by using a proprietary computer program.

Using this matched pair for stereo recordings utilizing various techniques will provide for a good and stable balance without frequency-dependent shifting of the stereo panorama.

The kit comes complete in an all-metal 'Soundtool' Hard Shell road case with 2 x AKG H-85 shock mounts, 2 x W414X external windscreens, an H50 stereo bar and an individually-measured chart showing the response curve of the microphone. See www.dv247.com Alternative Products and Related Products on this page for your options.

The C 414B-XLII has been carefully designed to maintain the legendary sonic character of the C 414 family while integrating new features and performance enhancements made possible by new technology. A classic microphone with a distinctive timbre especially designed for recording of solo vocals and solo instruments.

What's the difference between the C 414B-XLII and the C 414 B XLS? The main difference between the two current C414 models lies in their frequency responses. The C 414B-XLII has a series of presence rises between 2.5 kHz and 9 kHz. This will make any recording with this microphone brighter or more sibilant than the original sound. This upper mid-range boost is quite helpful on vocals and certain instruments such as classical acoustic guitars using nylon or natural strings. The C 414B XLS, see www.dv247.com Alternative Products on this page, has a very flat response that will not colour the original sound which is important especially in instrumental recordings. It more suited for general use.

The microphone's 5 pickup patterns are easily selectable via an electronic switch with LED indication and offer the selection of omnidirectional, cardioid wide cardioid, hyper-cardioid and figure-eight patterns. The pickup pattern selector switch utilizes a dual-colour LED indicator that provides a visual indication of the pattern selected and also changes from green to red to indicate if the microphone's output electronics are being overloaded. The pattern selector can also be used to "lock" the microphone's switch settings by pressing and holding it for 3 seconds. On the rear of the microphone, an electronic switch allows the selection of -6, -12 and -18 dB pre-attenuation levels which are accomplished by changing the polarization voltage to the capsule. The C 414B-XLII has switchable bass-cut filters of 12 dB-per-octave at 40 Hz and 80 Hz, and a 6 dB-per-octave filter at 160 Hz for control of proximity effect. On-axis sensitivity for all patterns is 23 mV/Pa and its self-noise is an extremely low 6 dB-A.

The C 414B-XLII has a transformerless output and all-metal chassis, making it immune to electrical interference and RF from digital equipment, video monitors and wireless systems.

Specifications:

• Type: 1" large diaphragm pressure gradient microphone
• Polar Patterns: Omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure eight
• Frequency Range: 20 to 20,000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 23 mV/Pa (-33 dBV) +/-0.5 dB
• Max. SPL: 140/146/152/158 dB SPL (at 0/-6/-12/-18 dB)
• Preattenuation Pad: -6, -12,-18 dB, switchable
• Bass Cut Filter Scope: 12 dB/octave at 40 Hz and 80 Hz; 6 dB/octave at 160 Hz
• Impedance: <=200 ohms
• Recommended load impedance: >= 2,200 ohms
• Supply voltage: 48 V phantom power to DIN/IEC
• Current consumption: Approximately 4.5 mA
• Dynamic range: 134 dB minimum
• Environment Temperature range: -10° C to +60° C (14° F to 140° F)
• Relative humidity: 95% (+20° C/68° F), 85% (+60° C/140° F)
• Connector: 3-pin XLR to IEC
• Dimensions: 50 x 38 x 160 mm (2.0 x 1.5 x 6.3 in.)
• Net weight 300 g (10.6 oz.)