Microphones AKG C414 XLS vs Shure KSM44A

[Alexandra]

AKG C414 XLS vs Shure KSM44A

I have an opportunity to buy one of these microphones (both are used) at a good price. It’ll be my first foray into the world of condenser microphones. I’ve used dynamics so far, currently an Electro Voice RE20 for alto and tenor. It’s for home use in a partially treated room - not ideal for condensers I know…

Does anyone have recording experience with these mics and if so, could you share your thoughts on the merits and/or shortfalls of each? Maybe it’s purely subjective and they’re on par with each other - in which case I’ll buy the cheaper of the two or stick with my RE20.

 

[Pete Thomas]

It’s for home use in a partially treated room - not ideal for condensers I know…

No reason why a partially treated room should be better or worse for condensers. It’s the polar pattern that is probably more important.

oes anyone have recording experience with these mics and if so, could you share your thoughts on the merits and/or shortfalls of each? Maybe it’s purely subjective

Only had experience with 414 which is a great mic. But so is the Shure by all accounts and yes, it is subjective and I’m sure (pun intended) both/either will be great.

 

[Alexandra]

Thank you Pete, I highly value your opinion on this! I’m leaning towards the 414 simply because there’s a lot more information and positive reviews about it compared to the Shure. I suppose it’s the more well-established mic…? Shame I can’t road-test both!

 

[skeller047]

I have a 414 and love it. One solution to the room issue is to use a sound shield behind the mic. This prevents reflections from behind the mic impinging so much, and in my case, sound from outside. My room is untreated except for carpet on one wall and the floor, but its cluttered (bookshelves, instrument cases, etc.) so lots of random reflections.

 

[rhysonsax]

The Electro-Voice RE20 is a top microphone for saxophone (as well as voice). I have its close relation, the RE27N/D which I like but think is brighter. I will be very interested to hear how a good condenser mic compares for saxophone.

Rhys

 

[Alexandra]

The RE20 is very good, it’s true. If I get one of the condensers I’ll report back with a comparison.

 

[Alexandra]

I have a 414 and love it. One solution to the room issue is to use a sound shield behind the mic.

Great advice, thank you, and good to hear from another happy 414 user. I see several inexpensive shields online, although I could probably cobble together a homemade equivalent!

 

[stefank]

I've got the cheaper 214 (cardioid only), and have no complaints. I can't comment on the EV.

 

[Alexandra]

Thanks for all the advice! I went with the AKG C414 and loving it so far. It sounds great - very natural. In terms of best mic to player positioning, it’s more forgiving than the RE20 because of the wider polar patterns. I like that. It does manage to pick up someone sneezing three blocks away, but that’s fine - I’m not recording professionally just yet!

 

[Pete Thomas]

I went with the AKG C414 and loving it so far. It sounds great -

You can't go wrong, it used to be my go to studio mic. I was kind of hoping you'd get the Shure though as it is less ubiquitous (is that the right word?) and I was interested in opinions.

 

[Alexandra]

Yes, I wish I could’ve tried the Shure - I’ve heard very good things about it. I played it safe with the AKG and I’m happy...but hope I can try the Shure one day - if I do I’ll let you know!