AKG Professional large-diaphragm condenser microphone Stereo Set, 3386Z00010

These are simply stunning mics by any class. I am using these primarily as drum overheads, but they are so versatile you could turn them to almost anything. The 20dB pad option is perfect for recording loud sources (such as drums) and in close mic'ing situations. I've not tried recording more distant/quieter sources, or used the bass rolloff filter yet.These are my first foray into professional mics, so I have little else to compare them with (other than a little USB snowball mic!). But these are in a totally different class all together!! On setting up for my first test recording, I was simply blown away with the sensitivity and how accurately these mics will capture detail. On my first listen back to my recording through headphones, I had to double-take - as I actually thought someone was in the room with me physically playing my drums!! I simply was not prepared for what I was about to witness. The accuracy and realism of the recording was incredible! - These mics pic up every minute nuance of your performance, and even pick stuff up I couldn't humanly detect with my own ears. (For instance, they even picked up the sound of the click track playing in my in-ears with huge Peltor Ear Defenders over the top!). They have a lovely smooth top-end (admission: I didn't even know what this meant, until I listened back to my recording, and heard it for myself with my own ears!). The cymbals have a lovely wash to them when played, with no harsh overtones at all. The cardiod pickup pattern also does a great job of rejecting unwanted room noise from the recording, by rejecting everything from the rear of the microphone. With careful microphone placement you can achieve fantastic results. (Note: these mics are fixed at 'cardiod' - so if you are wanting omnidirectional mics, you will have to look at the more expensive C314, or C414 mics that come with different selectable polar patterns).I didn't opt to buy a 'matched stereo pair' (it's a hotly debated topic in audio circles) so I saved a bit by buying individual mics separately. I'm not convinced I have a 'perfectly matched pair of ears', and in any case I dare say the average listener can't audibly detect the difference in a blind listening test - so that's good enough for me!!The build quality is impressive too - they feel reassuringly heavy and rugged. The suppled flight case is well padded, and should hopefully keep these mics in tip top condition for years of useful service.

I’ve had several condenser microphones over the years and this is the best one I’ve owned by far.

fast delivery with prime used it couple of times and it sounds good is it as good as a rode mic I wouldn't know as I don't own one of them but it deffo makes the vocal sound really crisp and clear .so far so good so I recommend it

IT WAS AT A GREAT PRICE - ON AMAZON!!!AMAZING MIC - FAR SUPERIOR TO ANYTHING I HADWELL WORTH IT IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT - IF IT WASN'T FOR THE PAYMENT SCHEME , I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED THIS - SO AM SO GLAD I DID - ITS MADE ALL MY VOCAL RECORDINGS SOUND SO PROFESSIONAL AND AMAZING - AND THE GUITAR & UKULELE IS AWESOMELY LOVELY - EVEN THE CHEAPO STAGG UKULEL SOUNDS FANTASTIC USING THIS MIC. AWESOME QUALITY.

The objective of every condenser microphone (American) capacitor mic ((British) is that they produce a very accurate copy of reality, following every nuance of sound. When it comes to microphones of this quality, you will quickly realise that they have succeeded in meeting that objective.If you buy a microphone at twice the price, it won't be superior to this when it comes to its ability to record sounds faithfully. I won't waste your time reiterating what other soundmen have written on this site, but suffice to say, it's damn good.Why have I said: 'Be careful what you wish for?' You will quickly learn that it will pick up sounds not heard by your good self when in the throes of making the recording, namely, you wish to produce sounds that are truly realistic ... but your recording may include sounds that you will swear weren't there. Air conditioning, fridges and freezers, a dripping tap ten feet away (3Mtrs), a car door being slammed three streets away ... this mike has 'ears on elastic'. If you have numerous Phantom Voltage settings, you will find solace in selecting a lower Phantom Voltage, as this will reduce the microphone's output amplitude.Worthy of note; Although it may be a pretty tall order, this microphone can be overloaded if the sound source exceeds 100dB's ... along with the human ear!My first experience with this microphone was to discover I had a single note on my piano, which had lost its damping felt, allowing the strings to sustain oscillation for a very long time. It wrecked the recording.If you decide to buy this rather expensive mic, your recordings will step up to the next level ... now all you have to do is buy a speaker system with x-over network to do it justice!

Generally a nice even sound with a bit of a lift in the high end for sparkle and clarity on voice. Super low self-noise and these track sit so well in the mix I barely used any EQ whatsoever. This all rounder is a staple in most A-class studios for a reason, it's versatile and handles EQ exceptionally well. I also use the 414 XLII on acoustic instruments that need a presence in the mix. The versatility of 9 polar patterns and myriad roll-off and pad options keeps the 414 at the front of the line of mic selection.

I recently purchased the AKG C414 microphone and I am extremely satisfied with this product. The sound quality is outstanding, capturing clear and detailed audio with impressive accuracy. The versatility of this microphone is exceptional, offering multiple polar patterns that make it suitable for various recording situations. The build quality is top-notch, with a sturdy and reliable design that ensures long-lasting performance. If you're looking for a high-quality microphone for professional use, I highly recommend the AKG C414. You won't be disappointed.

Lo llevo usando unos cuantos meses y he de decir que tiene un calor muy agradable al oído y combinado con un buen pre amp puede hacer grabaciones bastante decentes, se ve sólido y la caja en la que viene es de los mejores detalles al comprar un nuevo aditamento para tu estudio

Worked well. Low noise. Good frequency response

Loved it from the moment I started tweaking with EQ. This thing gives you loads of playroom. It’s a pretty dark microphone in its natural flat out of the box tone but don’t let that fool you. Highly recommend for vocal work and even streaming with the right live processing.