AKG C414 XLII Large-Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone

The AKG 3059X00060 is a studio microphone that uses a large diaphragm capsule and offers nine selectable pickup patterns, giving engineers and creators the flexibility to place it in front of almost any source. Inspired by the legendary AKG C12, it introduces a subtle lift in the upper frequencies, so vocals, acoustic instruments, and distant room ambience come through with extra clarity without sounding harsh.

Its extended dynamic range of 134 dB and ability to tolerate peaks as high as 158 dB make it equally at home on a restrained voice, a close-miked brass section, or a live drum overhead. Because the self-noise is only 6 dB-A, quiet passages stay clean and transparent, even when gain is pushed during mixing.

Three bass-cut positions tame proximity effect and rumble, while a switchable pad in three steps lets you keep the input of your preamp safely below clipping. A convenient peak-hold LED on the front of the body shows exactly when overload occurs, so you can adjust levels before a take is lost.

The microphone sits in a rugged, interference-resistant metal housing that is designed to cope with daily studio sessions and location work. Out of the box it ships with a custom shock mount, pop filter, windscreen, and a metal carrying case, so you can move directly from setup to recording without hunting for accessories.

Whether you are building a vocal chain for a singer-songwriter, capturing a grand piano for a film score, or tracking percussion in a rehearsal space, this microphone adapts quickly and delivers the detailed sound that engineers expect from AKG’s flagship line.

• Nine selectable polar patterns for adaptable microphone placement
• Slight lift in the upper frequencies that adds definition to voices and distant sources
• 134 dB dynamic range and only 6 dB-A of self-noise for pristine recordings
• Handles peak levels up to 158 dB without distortion when the pad is engaged
• Front-panel peak-hold LED shows overloads in real time
• Three-step pad and three bass-cut choices suited to close or loud sources
• Gold-sputtered dual diaphragm capsule housed in a durable metal body
• Includes shock mount, pop filter, windscreen, and metal carrying case