new akg c414 vs advanced audio cm-414

[chessparov]

tbone, IMHO Dave Thomas (owner) seems like a really cool guy.

If it were me, I'd contact him directly. AFAIK that company is well regarded.

Not affiliated in any way, just an amateur enthusiast BTW...

Chris

P.S. If you end up getting the CM-414, would like to hear any clips from you.

[tbone36109]

if I got the cm414(or even one of the cm47fet) I could probably post some clips as drum overheads or acoustic guitar, as I can't seem to find many clips of either of them. As far as the akgs go, there are already plenty of clips of those around.

[tbone36109]

just bumping the post. Hoping someone can provide some more input before I pull the trigger and buy the mics.

[cheu78]

I'd NOT buy the new akg 414.. IMO they sound really harsh and brittle..

Get anything else..
I don't know the advanced audio you want to buy, but they will probably be better than the new akg's 414.

Check also out the Violet Design Black Knight and/or some Beesneez offerings.. not expensive and they sound good.

I hope this helps,



Cheu

[tbone36109]

At about 650 a piece, the c414s were really the top of my budget, so from what I can find the beezneez are out of my price range. The violet design one seems like an interesting option, but I would like atleast a cardoid and omni pattern, that being said ill definately take a look at that one if I can find much on it.

I've used c414s before but it was a while ago and I don't know what versions any of them were, but that being said I had good experiences with them. I do know however they were an older version since they had the more blocky metal body, not the smoother plastic looking one they apear to be using now.

As far as the cm414 goes, expecpt for that one clip I found, I haven't heard it at all, I just have the description of it and advanced audios reputation to go on. But judging from that clip the cm47 fet sounds quite a bit more pleasant and neutral, although the clip seems like a pretty bad example. Granted because of it I'm considereing a couple of the cm47 fets, and with the extra money pick up a sm7b.
Still would like a pair of slightly nicer general purpose ldcs though, so I'm not sure.

And ofcourse, thanks for the input guys.

[cheu78]

If you need multipattern, try to get an old 414 used.. I'm not sure how much they're going nowadays.. They shouldn't be too far from your budget though..
Afterall is a good allround even if it doesn't sound as good as the others I mentioned on some vocals... (but it's more a matter of finding the right mic for that specific vocals.. KD Lang used an old 414 on stage!! )

If a single polar pattern suffice, the Black Knight is a helluva mic, and you might want to check out the JZ11 too (which tops your budget).



Cheu

[indie folk guy]

to be honest with you I think finding a used pair of the old 414 would be a great choice and would likely save you some money. For studios used mics are a gold mine of savings. Just do your research and find the right model of C414 to suit your needs.

But if you must buy new I'd probably say (depsite my AKG love) that the newer C414 are not one I'd suggest.

I have no experience with the CM414 to say if they are like the older C414 mics though but a couple of alternatives (different mics) that I always liked are the Shure KSM44 and the AT4050. Both are great alternatives to the C414.

Wish I could be of more help.