What's the difference between C 414 XLS and C 414 XLII ?

The XL II version differs from the XLS version in one major respect - the capsule. Both models work with the same electronics. The visual difference can be found in the wire mesh cap, which is silver coloured for the C 414 XLS and gold colored for the C 414 XL II.

C 414 XLS
The C 414 XLS maintains the sonic character of the legendary C 414 B-ULS, the longest-living C 414 model. Engineered for highest linearity and neutral sound, for decades it has been the most universal and versatile large diaphragm microphone. Widely used for accurate and beautifully detailed pickup of any acoustic instrument the new C 414 XLS combines proven reference quality with leading-edge technology and state-of-the-art components.
The C 414 XLS is engineered for high linearity and therefore a most neutral sound without loosing the typical characteristics of a large diaphragm microphone. When searching for a universal microphone, the C 414 XLS is the perfect choice.

C 414 XLII

The C 414 XLII is the successor of the famous C 414 B-TL II. It shows the unique sonic signature of the greatly demanded AKG C 12 which allows to place lead vocals and solo instruments even in a dense mix. The unrivalled up-front sound is also well-known for distant miking applications like classic music recording or drum ambience miking.

As we already said, the XL II version differs from the XLS version in one major respect - the capsule. Both, the slight presence boost and the impressive spatial reproduction are similar to the legendary C 12 microphones.
The capsule is tuned in such a way that it´s sound is very close to the sound of the highly sought-after AKG C 12 built between 1953 and 1962.

Above 4 kHz, the frequency response equals the classical C 12 microphone with a slight but considerable emphasis of the high end; below 4 kHz it is absolutely linear.

The favored application range consists in recording both lead vocals and lead instruments. Moreover, the C 414 XLII is highly recommended as a so-called room or ambience microphone (e.g. for recording drums or orchestra).

On our website you find the link to the C 414 folder and the product description.