AKG 414 EB?

[Arpangel]

Heard this microphone today, really like it, but I’m wondering if the more recent models have a similar sound, EB's are expensive now, are they really that different from the newer ones? I like the sound of the EB, it’s got a lovely intimacy about it, that I’ve been looking for for ages.

[Hugh Robjohns]

Broadly similar sound and facilties, yes. But if you A/B them the audible differences will be noticeable. Whether one is 'better' than another in a given situation depends on your expectations and requirements.
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The EB is an early version of the C414, revered mainly for its use of the original brass CK12 capsule which undoubtedly had a distinct sound character

They are relatively rare now and there's a lot of hype over the vintage brass capsule, hence the silly prices.

Later versions of C414 used different evolutions of capsule design and electronic circuitry, and also lost the output transformer. Only the grille shape/size remained more or less consistent.

If your glass is half full, those revisions were to improve the technical performance. If it's half empty they were cost-cutting measures, and/or attempts to thwart Chinese counterfeiters.

In real life all three are true!

I have a pair of B-ULS versions which I like a lot, but I used them throughout my formative BBC years, so I grew up with that sound as my reference.

The current XLS and XLii models have much more sophisticated circuitry, and more options, and they are still well-respected mics. But they don't sound quite the same as a vintage EB... but then a vintage EB probably doesn't sound like it did when it came out of the factory, either.

The XLii model is brighter than the XLS, and supposedly soundsccloser the the vintage EB with brass CK12 capsule.

[Sam Inglis]

Take a look at the Austrian Audio OC818. It uses an updated version of the CK12 capsule design and is really a very nice mic, though not exactly the same as the 414EB.

[Arpangel]

Take a look at the Austrian Audio OC818. It uses an updated version of the CK12 capsule design and is really a very nice mic, though not exactly the same as the 414EB.

I’m not familiar, does it have a similar sound? I must admit, I was blown away by this 414 EB today.

[Hugh Robjohns]

I’m not familiar, does it have a similar sound? I must admit, I was blown away by this 414 EB today.

Just cutting to the chase... I think we all know that you'll only be happy with that specific EB. Even if you could be bothered to audition different mics, which you can't, nothing will be quite as magical, and everything else will forever be a disappointment.

[Aled Hughes]

I’m not familiar, does it have a similar sound? I must admit, I was blown away by this 414 EB today.

Just cutting to the chase... I think we all know that you'll only be happy with that specific EB. Even if you could be bothered to audition different mics, which you can't, nothing will be quite as magical, and everything else will forever be a disappointment.

A bit funny… a bit harsh… very probably a bit true!

We have 414 B-ULS and the more modern XLS at the studio, and I personally have a pair of the OC818 which, as Sam says, is based specifically on the CK12 capsule.

I’ve compared the two 414 models side by side, and the older B-ULS has a touch of sweetness to it that the XLS lacks… but equally I found that that same quality could sometimes lead to a congested/tubby sound on some sources that was not evident on the XLS.

I haven’t yet compared the 818 side by side with the AKGs, but it is a very nice mic, and has a subtle touch of sparkle and flattery about it like a good 414, while remaining fundamentally neutral and true to the source.

If you were nearer you’d be welcome to borrow one of the Austrians. Bear in mind that the cardioid-only OC18 is cheaper than the OC818, and is supposedly identical apart from the polar patterns.

[Hugh Robjohns]

A bit funny… a bit harsh… very probably a bit true!

I’ve compared the two 414 models side by side, and the older B-ULS has a touch of sweetness to it that the XLS lacks… but equally I found that that same quality could sometimes lead to a congested/tubby sound on some sources that was not evident on the XLS.

I think I'd agree with that description. I think the XLS is technically superior and more accurate... but I'm quite fond of the B ULS' 'sweetness' which flatters nicely in the right situations.

I've only had a brief listen to the OC818, but it seemed to be very nicely balanced and detailed, with an airy open top end -- all things associated with the old EB.

[Arpangel]

I’m not familiar, does it have a similar sound? I must admit, I was blown away by this 414 EB today.

Just cutting to the chase... I think we all know that you'll only be happy with that specific EB. Even if you could be bothered to audition different mics, which you can't, nothing will be quite as magical, and everything else will forever be a disappointment.

Of course, and I’ve just offered him £86,000 for it.

[Hugh Robjohns]

Of course, and I’ve just offered him £86,000 for it.

What???!!!??? Are you mad??? You could have bought a really nice CS80 for that.... or an entire shed full of CS5s....

[Sam Spoons]

Or three more TVR Griffiths *

* One for weekdays, one for Sundays, one for special occasions and a spare

[Arpangel]

OK, OK, I’ve bought a boat instead, it’s pea green, and there’s an owl and a pussy cat sitting next to me, we’re going to sail to a land where everything is wonderful, where synths are cheap, and microphones plentiful, far away from all this chaos and madness.

[forumuser840717]

Or three more TVR Griffiths *

* One for weekdays, one for Sundays, one for special occasions and a spare

Or one and enough fuel and servicing to keep it on the road for a few months!