2 Description

• When you switch phantom power to the microphone off and back on later, the currently

 

selected settings of all three selectors will be restored automatically as soon as you

 

switch phantom power back on.

 

All settings are saved in memory about 500 msecs. after you last pressed any of the

 

three selectors. Thus, your latest settings will be available again even if phantom power

 

ahs been interrupted (e.g., if you disconnected the microphone and connected it again

 

later).

Lock Mode:

Live-sound engineers as well as engineers for theater, opera, or musical productions

 

often use the same microphones for the same purposes every night, and may even in-

 

stall some microphones permanently. In Lock Mode, all controls on the microphone are

 

disabled so the settings you selected for a specific application (polar pattern, preatten-

 

uation pad, bass cut filter) cannot be changed unintentionally.

Locking the Controls:

• Press and hold one of the arrows on the polar pattern selector (1) for at least 2 seconds.

 

All controls are disabled and remain disabled even if phantom power has been inter-

 

rupted (e.g., if you disconnected the microphone and connected it again later).

Note:

Unlocking the Controls:

Fig. 1: Polar pattern selector.

Table 1: Indication of selected polar pattern.

Note:

20

To indicate that the microphone is in Lock Mode, the LED(s) above the currently se- lected polar pattern will be lit red momentarily when you press any key.

To unlock the selectors, press and hold the polar pattern selector (1) for at least 2 sec- onds again.

1 Polar Pattern Selector

Selector 1 on the microphone front panel (refer to fig. 1) lets you select one of nine carefully designed polar patterns similar to those of the legendary C 12 and C 12 VR studio micro- phones from AKG, providing the optimum polar pattern for best possible results in the most diverse miking situations. All polar patterns are largely frequency-independent for realistic and uncolored off-axis sound.

The LEDs below the selector indicate the selected polar pattern as shown in Table 1 below:

Polar

LED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

pattern

 

￿

 

 

 

 

Omnidirectional

 

 

 

 

 

Intermediate

 

￿

￿

 

 

 

Wide cardioid

 

 

￿

 

 

 

Intermediate

 

 

￿

￿

 

 

Cardioid

 

 

 

￿

 

 

Intermediate

 

 

 

￿

￿

 

Hypercardioid

 

 

 

 

￿

 

Intermediate

 

 

 

 

￿

￿

Figure eight

 

 

 

 

 

￿

Approximately 500 msecs. after you changed a polar pattern, preattenuation, or bass cut setting, your settings will be saved automatically. If you switch phantom power off and back on later, these settings will be restored automatically.

C 414 XLS / XLII

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AKG Acoustics C414 XLS manual Switch phantom power back on, Later, Lock Mode, Polar, Pattern, Intermediate Cardioid

C414 XLII, C414 XLS specifications

The AKG Acoustics C414 is a celebrated series of large-diaphragm condenser microphones, widely recognized in both studio and live sound applications. Among the most popular models within this line are the C414 XLS and C414 XLII, each offering distinct characteristics suited for varying audio needs.

The C414 XLS is designed for versatile recording scenarios. Its frequency response spans from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, providing a clear and accurate representation of audio sources. The XLS features a large diaphragm that helps capture detailed high frequencies while maintaining a rich low-end response. One of its standout features is the switchable polar patterns, offering nine options: omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, and bidirectional, along with intermediate settings. This flexibility makes the XLS suitable for diverse recording environments, whether capturing vocals, acoustic instruments, or entire ensembles.

Meanwhile, the C414 XLII is tailored more specifically for vocals and solo instruments. It boasts a slightly modified frequency response that enhances the presence and clarity of the mid and high frequencies, making it a popular choice for studio vocal recording. The XLII is praised for its bright, open sound and ability to deliver a modern, polished quality, effectively capturing the nuances of vocal performances.

Both microphones employ AKG’s renowned advancements in transducer technology. The large, dual-diaphragm design not only contributes to their exceptional audio fidelity but also allows for precise pattern switching without altering frequency characteristics. Additionally, a low self-noise level ensures that even the most subtle sounds are recorded accurately, making them ideal for microphones used in quiet environments.

Another significant feature of the C414 series is the built-in attenuation pad and high-pass filter. The 20 dB pad enables the microphones to handle high sound pressure levels without distortion, providing flexibility when recording loud sources, such as drums or brass instruments. The high-pass filter effectively minimizes low-frequency rumble and handling noise, further enhancing clarity in recordings.

Durability is an essential aspect of the C414 series, as both models are built to withstand the rigors of professional use. With a rugged body design and high-quality components, these microphones deliver consistent performance day in and day out.

In conclusion, the AKG Acoustics C414 XLS and C414 XLII microphones are industry standards, thanks to their versatility, advanced technology, and exceptional sound quality. Whether you are a seasoned professional or an aspiring audio engineer, these microphones are sure to elevate your recordings to new heights.