Mic Archive
AKG C414 XLS
Photo: AKG (Harman), from its manual, p. 1.

AKG

AKG C414 XLS

Large-diaphragm condenser, nine patterns

Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Omni / wide cardioid / cardioid / hypercardioid / figure-8
Sensitivity
−33 dBV/Pa
Self-noise
6 dB(A)
Max SPL
140 dB SPL
Impedance
200 Ω
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the manual, p. 47. Data sheet titled with the model and pattern; distance, anechoic or not, smoothing and typical-vs-individual not stated.

Independent measurement: also drawn, from the Multi-Angle, Multi-Distance Microphone Impulse Response Dataset (Juan Carlos Franco Hernández, Bogdan Bacila, Tim Brookes, Enzo De Sena, University of Surrey) (CC BY 4.0): one unit, measured at 1.25 m and set to 0 dB at 1 kHz, from 136 Hz up. Not the manufacturer's curve.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Polar pattern

Polar pattern: from the manual, p. 47. Two halves: low frequencies on the left, high on the right (as the legend groups them); 0° at the bottom, rings every 5 dB labelled 0, -10, -20 dB. Measuring conditions not stated. Approximate reading error up to about 1.5 dB.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the manual
Capsule1-inch large diaphragm, dual-diaphragm. "A dual-diaphragm transducer allows you to select one of several polar patterns" (p. 29).p. 46
Sensitivity−33 dBV/Pa (23 mV/Pa). "-33 dBV ± 0.5 dB".
Self-noise6 dB(A), IEC 60268-4, no pad
Max SPL140 dB SPL, 0.5% THD, no pad; also 146 dB SPL, -6 dB pad; also 152 dB SPL, -12 dB pad; also 158 dB SPL, -18 dB pad. 200/400/800/1600 Pa.
Signal-to-noise ratio88 dB, re 1 Pa, A-weighted
Dynamic range134 dB, A-weighted, minimum
Output impedance200 ohm, maximum. "≤ 200 ohms".
Rated load impedance2200 ohm, minimum recommended
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz. "see frequency response graphs".
Poweringphantom, 48 V (IEC 61938) only. p. 33: "limit the powering options for both microphones to 48 V phantom power to IEC 61938 only".
Current draw4.5 mA, approximate
Low cutoff, 40 Hz, 80 Hz, 160 Hz. 12 dB/octave at 40 and 80 Hz; 6 dB/octave at 160 Hz.
Pad−6 dB; also −12 dB; also −18 dB. Selectable: -6, -12 or -18 dB.
SwitchesLock mode: off, on. Hold the pattern selector for 2 s to lock all three selectors.p. 29
ConnectorXLR-3. "IEC standard 3-pin XLR".p. 46
Weight300 g
Dimensions50 × 38 × 160 mm. Width × depth × height.
Supplied accessoriesH85 shock mount; PF80 pop screen; W414 X foam windscreen; Original frequency response trace with serial number; Carrying casep. 28
Equivalent noise level (IEC 60268-4)20 dB, no pad; weighting not named (the A-weighted figure, 6 dB(A), is listed separately)p. 46
Max. output level5 V rms (+14 dBV), A-weighted
Overload indicatorPattern LED turns red for about 3 s when the output comes within about 2 dB of the overload limit (peak hold)p. 32
Settling timeA changed pattern or pad takes about 10 to 15 s to become fully activep. 31
Environment-10 °C to +60 °C; RH 95% (+20 °C), 85% (+60 °C)p. 46
SoundVery smooth response, the typical AKG large-diaphragm sound; for most instrumentsp. 34

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © AKG, unchanged, with its original address.

Product page on akg.com

Recommended for

Instruments whose sources name this mic, or an earlier version or variant of it.

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