AKG C414 XLII Matched Pair Matched Pair Stereo Set

AKG C414 XLII Matched Pair Stereo Set

The C414 XLII is a precision large-diaphragm condenser that combines Swiss engineering with studio-grade versatility. This matched pair delivers transparent, detailed capture across vocals, instruments, and room ambience, making it the workhorse choice for professional recording and live sound reinforcement. The all-metal construction feels robust in hand, while the intuitive pad and filter controls sit within arm's reach during critical takes.

Sonic Performance & Transducer Design

Built on a 1" edge-terminated dual-diaphragm design, the C414 XLII captures exceptional detail with a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response and a 134 dB dynamic range. The 6 dB-A equivalent noise floor ensures clean recordings even at low levels, while maximum SPL ratings from 140 to 158 dB (depending on pad setting) handle everything from whisper-soft vocals to snare cracks and guitar amps without compromise.

Flexibility & Control

Nine polar patterns—omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure eight, and four intermediate settings—adapt to any source or acoustic environment. Three pad settings (-6, -12, -18 dB) and switchable bass-cut filters (40 Hz, 80 Hz, and 160 Hz) provide surgical control over proximity bass and rumble, while the peak hold LED flags even momentary overloads for precise gain staging.

Key Features

• 9 switchable polar patterns: omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure eight, and 4 intermediate settings
• Maximum SPL: 140/146/152/158 dB (at 0/-6/-12/-18 dB pad settings) for 0.5% THD
• Equivalent noise level: 6 dB-A at 0 dB preattenuation (IEC 60268-4)
• Dynamic range: 134 dB; frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• 1" edge-terminated dual-diaphragm transducer
• Three attenuation pad settings: -6, -12, and -18 dB
• Bass-cut filters: 12 dB/octave at 40 Hz and 80 Hz; 6 dB/octave at 160 Hz
• All-metal construction for RF interference rejection
• Peak hold LED for visual overload indication
• Matched pair within 1 dB sensitivity and 1 dB frequency response (300 Hz–8 kHz, cardioid mode)
• Operates on 48V phantom power
• Includes two shockmounts, two windscreens, stereo bar, and aluminum flight case per pair

This matched pair delivers studio-grade transparency and reliability, with the precision engineering and acoustic flexibility that makes the C414 XLII the standard for critical stereo recording across decades of production work.