Detail 01
Nine polar patterns
Five main patterns plus four intermediate steps. You tune rejection and room pickup in place instead of swapping mics.
Product detailSKU #1273887983452
AKGC414 XLS Reference Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone
1/5
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
A nine-pattern studio condenser with switchable pads and filters. For anyone who wants one mic to cover vocals, acoustic instruments, drums and room work.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Studio vocals where you want to dial in the proximity effect
- Drum overheads and room mics that need pattern control
- Stereo pairs using the figure-eight setting for mid-side
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Live stage use where a handheld dynamic is more practical
- Anyone without 48V phantom power on their interface
- Budgets that would be better spent on a preamp first
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Switchable -6/-12/-18dB pad
Raises max SPL from 140dB to 158dB. Guitar cabs, snare and brass stay clean at close range.
Detail 03
6dB-A self-noise
Very quiet capsule. You can push a preamp hard on soft fingerstyle or whispered vocals without hearing hiss.
Detail 04
Bass cut at 40Hz, 80Hz and 160Hz
Three slopes. The 160Hz setting tames close-mic proximity buildup; 40Hz just clears rumble and HVAC.
Detail 05
20 mV/Pa sensitivity
High output. Most preamps sit at modest gain, which keeps preamp noise out of the signal path.
Detail 06
48V phantom, 3-pin XLR
Needs a phantom-capable interface, mixer or preamp. It will not work on a bus-powered input without 48V.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Confirm your interface supplies true 48V phantom, not a lower voltage.
- 02At 300g, a proper shockmount and a stand with a firm boom are worth having.
- 03A pop filter matters here. Close vocals will show plosives on any large-diaphragm condenser.
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01What's the difference between the XLS and other C414 versions?
The XLS is the flat, reference-voiced version, aimed at neutral capture rather than a shaped or vintage-flavored curve. It tracks what's in front of it without adding character.
02Can I record loud guitar amps with it?
Yes. With the -18dB pad engaged it handles 158dB SPL at 0.5% distortion, which covers a cranked cab at close range with headroom to spare.
03Is it good for podcasting?
It works well. Set cardioid, engage the 160Hz bass cut to control proximity buildup, and use a pop filter. It will also pick up room reflections, so treat the space.
04Do I need a preamp or is an interface enough?
Any interface with 48V phantom will run it. Sensitivity is high at 20 mV/Pa, so you won't need much gain and a standard interface preamp is sufficient.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
6 detailsSound
- Max SPL
- 200/400/800/1600 Pa = 140/146/152/158dB (0/-6/-12/-18dB) for 0.5% THD
- Polar Pattern
- Omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure eight and four intermediate settings
- Impedance
- <=200 ohms
- Recommended Load Impedance
- >= 2,200 ohms
- Frequency Range
- 20Hz–20kHz
- Sensitivity
- 20 mV/Pa (–34dB V) ±0.5dB
1 detailsBody & build
- Color
- Gray
3 detailsConnections & power
- Powering
- approximately 4 mA
- Supply Voltage
- 48V phantom power to DIN/IEC
- Connector
- 3-pin XLR to IEC
3 detailsSize & weight
- Weight
- 300
- Net Weight
- 300 g (10.6 oz.)
- Dimensions
- 50 mm x 38 mm x 160 mm (2.0 inch x 1.5 inch x 6.3 inch)
4 detailsOther
- Preattenuation Pad
- 0dB, –6dB , –12dB , –18dB, switchable
- Signal Noise Ratio
- 88dB
- Equivalent Noise Level
- 6dB -A (0dB preattenuation) (IEC 60268-4)
- Bass Cut Filter Slope
- 12dB/octave at 40Hz and 80Hz; 6dB/octave at 160Hz
