The AKG Model C 414B-ULS
multi-directional condenser microphone

Microphone courtesy of Jeff Rudisill

Guitar sample courtesy of Kirk Vernon.

General Description
The design of this large diaphragm condenser microphone is based on experience gained in long-term and worldwide operation of the previous models C 12A, C 12B, C 414 comb and C 414 EB-P. Modern technology and reliable components now enable us to offer additional features in the same space.

The microphone meets the highest professional standards and will withstand normal rough handling in studio applications. The main features are as follows: A twin-diaphragm system enables the selection of different microphone polar patterns. The diaphragm is manufactured from a special gold-flashed plastic foil. The gold layer is deposited onto the diaphragm only on the outer side to prevent short circuiting to the main electrode when extremely high sound pressure levels are applied to the microphone.

Preattenuation has been incorporated to permit the increase of undistorted maximum sound pressure levels by 10 or 20 dB for close-up recordings. This technique inhibits distortion in the small transformers used in the microphone output or sound mixer inputs. The incorporated bass-cut circuitry reduces the risk of distortion at low frequencies. This feature is especially useful in combatting wind noise and stage floor vibration. The slope of the bass-cut filter is more than 12 dB per octave, the cut-off frequency may be set to 75 Hz or 150 Hz.

The all-metal housing adds to the rejection of r.f. interference when the microphone is used in close proximity to transmitter stations or in conjunction with wireless microphones or other communication equipment. In addition to extremely wide-range low-distortion performance and temperature/humidity-resistant construction, this mic offers remarkable operational flexibility.

A recessed switch on the front enables the user to select any one of four different polar patterns to adjust for different recording situations. Four different types of microphones are thus combined in only one C 414 B-ULS. The chosen polar patterns are highly uniform and frequency independent to guarantee the same sound character for all angles of incidence.

The electronics of the microphone have been redesigned with special attention to the complete linear transfer characteristics of all electrical parameters. The low inherent self-noise and the high overload point guarantees a dynamic range of this mic in the order of 125 dB (A-weighted), which is substantially more than figures found in conventional microphones and associated equipment.

The stand adapter provided, model SA 18/3, may be easily removed from the shaft of the microphone by positioning the microphone relative to the adapter, and pulling the adapter in a downward direction. The small rim on the microphone shaft will prevent the adapter from accidentally sliding off, even when the fastening lever is not properly tightened. The standard ⅜-inch threaded insert on the stand adapter will match most stand or suspension fittings.

For purist engineers in the recording industry, we have provided a transformerless version of this exceptional microphone—the C 414 B-TLII. This version features a modified condenser capsule with a rise in the frequency response starting at 3 kHz to boost the presence range of the vocalist’s voice. All other parameters of the C 414 B-ULS are met with the additional advantage of having no limiting output transformer for the high-level low-distortion transmission of the very low frequency range.