AKG C414 XLS Premium Studio Condenser Microphone

The AKG C414 XLS is a professional large-diaphragm multi-pattern condenser microphone developed for highly accurate studio recording, broadcast production and demanding live applications. Building on the long-established C414 platform, the XLS version is designed around high linearity, low noise and a neutral tonal character inspired by the renowned C414 B-ULS.

Its detailed and balanced response makes the C414 XLS particularly effective when the goal is to preserve the natural character of the source rather than impose a strongly coloured microphone signature. It is suitable for vocals, acoustic instruments, piano, strings, percussion, ensembles and room recording, as well as professional broadcast applications.

One of its defining features is the nine-position polar-pattern system. Five primary patterns — omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid and figure-8 — are supplemented by four intermediate settings, allowing the pickup behaviour to be matched more precisely to the source and acoustic environment.

This level of directional control makes the C414 XLS highly adaptable to different recording techniques. Cardioid and hypercardioid settings provide greater isolation, omnidirectional mode captures a more natural sense of space, figure-8 supports advanced stereo techniques, while wide cardioid offers a broader and more open pickup characteristic.

Three selectable pre-attenuation levels of -6, -12 and -18 dB expand the microphone’s ability to handle high-output sources. This makes it suitable not only for detailed acoustic recording but also for drums, percussion, brass instruments and guitar amplifiers where substantially higher sound-pressure levels may be present.

The microphone also provides three selectable low-cut filter frequencies at 40, 80 and 160 Hz. These settings allow low-frequency rumble, proximity build-up and other unwanted bass information to be controlled directly at the microphone before reaching the preamplifier.

With an exceptionally low 6 dB(A) equivalent noise level, 23 mV/Pa sensitivity and a dynamic range of up to 152 dB, the C414 XLS is engineered to capture both very quiet detail and extremely dynamic sources while maintaining a clean signal.

For professional production environments, AKG includes a control-lock function that can disable the microphone’s controls after the required configuration has been selected. This is particularly useful for permanent installations and live applications where accidental setting changes need to be prevented.

A dedicated Peak Hold LED detects even very short overload peaks, providing immediate visual feedback when signal levels exceed the microphone’s optimal operating range. Together with its selectable pads and filters, this gives the engineer direct control over the microphone before the signal enters the recording chain.

Finished in Grey, the AKG C414 XLS combines the flexibility of nine selectable polar-pattern positions with low-noise electronics and extensive onboard control. It is designed as a reference-grade studio tool for applications where tonal neutrality, precision and configuration flexibility are essential.

Specifications

• Brand: AKG
• Model: C414 XLS
• Type: large-diaphragm condenser microphone
• Colour: Grey
• Polar-pattern positions: 9
• Main polar patterns: omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid and figure-8
• Intermediate polar patterns: 4
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 23 mV/Pa
• Equivalent noise level: 6 dB(A)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 88 dB(A)
• Dynamic range: up to 152 dB
• Pre-attenuation pads: -6 / -12 / -18 dB
• Low-cut filters: 40 / 80 / 160 Hz
• Electrical impedance: 200 Ω
• Recommended load impedance: ≥2,200 Ω
• Peak Hold indicator: yes
• Control-lock function: yes
• Audio output: balanced XLR
• Phantom power: 44–52 V
• Current consumption: approximately 4.5 mA