sfripp
Max Output Level: -77 dBFS
- Total Posts : 665
- Joined: 2/4/2004
- Location: Blue mountains, Australia
- Status: offline
RE: AKG C414 vs Neumann U87
January 26, 05 10:54 PM
(permalink)
Hey ! now there's an idea, for the price of the U87 get three C 414, make one a TLII for vocal work and get a stereo pair of BULS. That is a good idea!  ....I love a good haggle! 
E6600 Core2Duo, 2gigC4 corsair, Asus P5B, LynxII, 3xWD250Gig SATAII BFD, Dimension Pro, Z3Ta
|
RE: AKG C414 vs Neumann U87
January 27, 05 2:52 PM
(permalink)
I have 2 414B-ULSs. I purchased them a couple years apart. One of my friends bought a 414TL (the gold one) so we decided to do a shootout and get an idea of the differences. The result was that there was actually way more variation between my 2 B-ULSs than between my "better" B-ULS and the TL. My point is that there is quite a bit of variation between mics of the same model.
More recently, the same friend bought a second U-87. There was a huge difference between them. Both of them awesome but very different character.
|
Stich
Max Output Level: -73 dBFS
- Total Posts : 873
- Joined: 11/11/2003
- Location: New England
- Status: offline
RE: AKG C414 vs Neumann U87
January 27, 05 4:35 PM
(permalink)
Hence the need for & extra fee in obtaining matched pairs.
|
danhazer
Max Output Level: -54.5 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2053
- Joined: 1/8/2004
- Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Status: offline
RE: AKG C414 vs Neumann U87
January 27, 05 4:38 PM
(permalink)
Hence the need for & extra fee in obtaining matched pairs. Matched pairs are nice. I got an NT5 matched pair and it does make a difference when they're manufactured right next to each other.
|
ohhey
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
- Total Posts : 11676
- Joined: 11/6/2003
- Location: Fort Worth Texas USA
- Status: offline
RE: AKG C414 vs Neumann U87
January 27, 05 5:25 PM
(permalink)
ORIGINAL: Bob Damiano [Cakewalk]
I have 2 414B-ULSs. I purchased them a couple years apart. One of my friends bought a 414TL (the gold one) so we decided to do a shootout and get an idea of the differences. The result was that there was actually way more variation between my 2 B-ULSs than between my "better" B-ULS and the TL. My point is that there is quite a bit of variation between mics of the same model.
More recently, the same friend bought a second U-87. There was a huge difference between them. Both of them awesome but very different character.
Very interesting… when folks try to say bad things about the cheap mics from China the #1 thing they say is that quality control is such that there is a lot of variation between mics. I have had the same experience with big name mics also. I have owned three C414 BULS now and all of them sounded a little different. The first AKG Solid Tube I bought was defective and had no bass at all, then next two were fine. Two points I would like to make. 1. This is not a bad thing. Selection is good when it comes to mics just make a note of the serial number and how it sounds / what you record with it. As for the cheap mics you can buy a few of them and pick the “magic†one and return or e-bay the rest. 2. When recording in stereo matched mics are not a big deal. In fact no two ears hear the same either and I’ve found that recordings have more depth and sense of soundstage with unmatched mics of the same model.
|
danhazer
Max Output Level: -54.5 dBFS
- Total Posts : 2053
- Joined: 1/8/2004
- Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Status: offline
RE: AKG C414 vs Neumann U87
January 27, 05 5:31 PM
(permalink)
2. When recording in stereo matched mics are not a big deal. In fact no two ears hear the same either and I’ve found that recordings have more depth and sense of soundstage with unmatched mics of the same model. That's an interesting assertion and one that I sort of agree with. I made a stereo redcoring of my Martin HD28 with one Oktava MC012 and one AKG C1000S. I then tried to duplicate the performance with my NT5 matched pair. While the latter recording overall sounded better and more consistent from channel to channel, the first recording had more depth and variation of frequencies. For what I needed in that record, I went with the NT5 version, but there is something to what you are saying...
|
sfripp
Max Output Level: -77 dBFS
- Total Posts : 665
- Joined: 2/4/2004
- Location: Blue mountains, Australia
- Status: offline
RE: AKG C414 vs Neumann U87
January 27, 05 9:55 PM
(permalink)
2. When recording in stereo matched mics are not a big deal. In fact no two ears hear the same either and I’ve found that recordings have more depth and sense of soundstage with unmatched mics of the same model. I agree with this! I mic the acoustic using my NTK and NT-2a in XY configuration and it sounds great! (Valve to the body solid to the top)  (Warm focused bass and clear transient highs)
E6600 Core2Duo, 2gigC4 corsair, Asus P5B, LynxII, 3xWD250Gig SATAII BFD, Dimension Pro, Z3Ta
|
LLyons
Max Output Level: -79 dBFS
- Total Posts : 574
- Joined: 8/25/2004
- Status: offline
RE: AKG C414 vs Neumann U87
January 28, 05 10:52 AM
(permalink)
ORIGINAL: sfripp
Firstly, I'm considering purchasing a C414 but there are three different ones available as far as I can see. What difference is there between these?
Dreaming a little here, but would It be better to save my pennies a while longer and go straight for a Neumann U87 or perhaps M147?
Yes there are different models of the 414. I have a few /BULS. A friend has both a TLII model (transformerless) and an XL which is the latest technology. I think the BULS is a warmer device but I do not think you can buy them new. The TLII is a bit brighter - I have seen a few for sale. The XL is hotter (maybe 5 or 6 db overall ) and has an extra polar pattern and pad level. My humble opinion is - I look for flexiblity whenever possible. The U87 is great for a couple of applications, shining as a go to vocal mic and yes, I will have one (yes). Now for less money than a U87 you can get two XLs - they will shine for vocals, for drum overheads, for micing violins, for micing acoustic guitars. A pair can do so much more work - although I do like the idea of having a great river and a 414 XL - hmmmmm being a gear slut, without the funds is so hard.. Best Regards, Lance
|
sfripp
Max Output Level: -77 dBFS
- Total Posts : 665
- Joined: 2/4/2004
- Location: Blue mountains, Australia
- Status: offline
RE: AKG C414 vs Neumann U87
January 29, 05 11:20 AM
(permalink)
hmmmmm being a gear slut, without the funds is so hard.. Yup! Sure is!....I'm still paying installments on the last purchase!!
E6600 Core2Duo, 2gigC4 corsair, Asus P5B, LynxII, 3xWD250Gig SATAII BFD, Dimension Pro, Z3Ta
|