C414 foam windshield - W414

[LX3]

Hey guys

Does anyone have the new-ish foam windshield for the C414...? I think AKG call it the W414. Do you get one included with the B-XLS?

I just bought a couple of W414s, and they seem way too loose to fit my B-ULS and EB mics. Am I missing something? I didn't think the new 414s were especially different in overall dimensions to the old ones.... Does the W414 fit the new 414s properly?

I should point out that the W414 is a plain, shaped, foam popshield and not the more rigid, plastic base version that came with the 414B-ULS (which works great, but only fits if you're using the metal elastic suspension).

I had one of the original foam popshields that came with the EB, which was exactly what I need, but a few years ago the dog found it and tore it to shreds

The 414 is a handy mic, but the plus-points start to evaporate when you consider the cost and quality (or lack of) of the accessories.

[LX3]

Doing some research has answered my own question to some degree. The XLS era 414s are slightly fatter than the older generation, by about 5mm in each direction.

However, it's still not enough to make a W414 fit properly, as far as I can tell.

Weirdly, for a mic with a rectangular cross-section, the W414 is completely round. I can't see how it would ever fit properly. If it got windy, it would be almost guaranteed to blow away, esp if the mic is horizontal or upside down.

(Unless, you know, what they've sent me isn't actually a W414).

It might finally be time to get some AT4050s. Do you guys have any other favourites for LDC overheads for live use?

[JEGG]

Can only speak of the older 414 B/ULS. Those very well performing wind screens were on a large circular plastic base. The dense foam perfectly matched the 414 (so you had to put it on the right way!) and slid firmly over the mic. The plastic circle ended up pretty far over the lower part of the mic-well over the pattern selector switch.

Hope that helps. Probably doesn't....

The 414 B/ULS was (is) a great PA mic.

[LX3]

Yep, I have a couple of the B-ULS, with the moderately rigid foam windshield. It does work well, but you can only use it when you're using the H100 suspension as well... which can visually look a bit much when you're doing video/TV.

The W414 is a more conventional foam "sock" type windshield... but it doesn't fit at all, not like the old windshield for the EB used to.

Anyone know where I can find a properly-fitting foam windshield for a 414?

It may also be time to get some different LDCs.

[JEGG]

Originally Posted by LX3

Yep, I have a couple of the B-ULS, with the moderately rigid foam windshield. It does work well, but you can only use it when you're using the H100 suspension as well... which can visually look a bit much when you're doing video/TV.

I use the H15/22 AKG suspension. The best, easiest to position, and most invisible suspension AKG every made for the mic, IMO, at least until someone tells me something else..... It could also be used with the non shock mount.

I wonder if it's still available-H15/22. A really good mount. I never understood why they then went with the big plasticky thing. Maybe people couldn't figure out how to get the mic in and out of the mount.

[d_fu]

Originally Posted by JEGG

I use the H15/22 AKG suspension. The best, easiest to position, and most invisible suspension AKG every made for the mic, IMO, at least until someone tells me something else.....

I won't - on the contrary, I'm fully with you... AKG maintained the new one is better, but I much prefer the old one, too... Don't think it's available anymore, at least not new.