Condenser Microphones

Condenser Microphones

AKG Microphone - Model C 414 B-XLS

AKG makes many High Quality microphones. Their flagship Condenser Microphone is the AKG 414 in all it many forms. This large Diaphragm Condenser microphone is used in almost every professional Recording Studio worldwide. The AKG C 414 B-XLS is the newest version of the 414 and comes with a lot of features.

It can record in 5 different selectable patterns and has an LED to show you which pattern it is on and has a button to cycle to the pattern you want to use. Another great feature is the 3 bass cut filter modes and 3 pre-attenuation pads which also have LEDs to indicate which is on or off.

All these combinations are what make this microphone so useful and versatile. The AKG C 414 B-XLS can also record at a very high SPL level which is why it is used on so many guitar amplifiers in the Professional Recording industry but can all be used to record other very loud instruments like a trumpet or a Drum Kit. The AKG 414 has a large dynamic range as well again adding to its versatility in recording almost anything.

A very frequent use for the AKG C 414 B-XLS is in voice over work. This microphone is very clear and transparent which makes it the ideal candidate for getting an accurate audio picture of the voice over artist's actual voice with out any coloration. Like all microphones, when a person gets too close to the mic it creates a proximity effect. However, with voices that are low in pitch, the proximity effect gives a very nice deep sound to the voice and brings out the low tones.

Another factor in why this microphone is so good for the human voice is the bass cut filter which can roll off sound below the pitch of human hearing or below the persons vocal range. This cuts out unwanted noise from the recording and can make the difference in a good recording and a great recording.

Even though these microphones are all basically the same, they each have unique characteristics from one to the other. AKG sells matched pairs which they attempt to match up two almost identical AKG C 414 B-XLS microphones so that recording in stereo becomes picture perfect.

Overall the AKG C 414 B-XLS is my favorite microphone and gets used each and every day in my studio. They are very reliable and durable and in my many years as a recording professional I have never had one bite the dust. I would recommend one (or 2) to anyone in the Audio Recording field and even a used one is miles above a brand new microphone of a similar competitor.

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Do I need Phantom Power to use condenser microphones?

I have an Audio Technica AT2035, I know I am supposed to power it with Phantom Power but what if I don't have a mixer or anything? How would I get it to work?

thanks

2 simple ways: you could buy a pre-amp (start at 50 bucks, get good in the 100+ range) also there are phantom power units that you can get at any music store for less than 50 bucks.

Audio Technica 3035 Studio Condenser Microphone