AKG C414 vs Neumann U87

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?

That would be a tough choice for me. They're both great microphones - but for different reasons. They're both versatile, but in different ways. I guess if I was forced to choose, I'd go for the U87 because of what I said above plus the mystique and reputation of having one. I'd almost give it up to the AKG for clarity and accuracy, but something about having a U87 would be so cool.

Why is it always these two mics?

Have you also considered a Shure KMS44?
Or maybe something from Blue...or maybe something from GT/Alesis, Brauner, Manley ect?

I'd try a bunch at a decent Pro Audio shop before sinking that kind of cash.

Stich

C414

I recently went through this decision too. I got the C414BXLS based on reputation and price. I got it with a good package deal. I got a Focusrite TwinTrak Pro a C414 and a washable windscreen for $1.2KUS

I am VERY happy with the choice I made. The TT Pre is a very versatile unit. I can use it on my guitars and mics. I had a RODE NT2 and I wanted something more polished and professional. The NT2 is a great mic, don't get me wrong. I love that Mic. The C414 is nicer though. :)

If you're using this mic primarily for vocals, may I drop my suggestion of picking up a BLUE Kiwi, Mouse, or Bottle. They're more expensive than the AKG C414, but I think you'll be pleased. They're GREAT vocal mic's

A step up? Really now?
I don't see any real step in quality &I've used all three brands.
I love the Shure KSM Series.

I think it's more analagous to someone purchasing a Pro Tools system just to appease the clients (Pro Tools? Of course we have Pro Tools!) then using Sonar to record & mix on.

Stich

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?

This month's Pro Audio Review has artices on Mic Pre's and Mic's as well as project studio components. I haven't read them yet, but I thought I would post it here for you to check.

http://www.proaudioreview.com/

You naughty man!! Now I want a Neumann M150!!

Conley gives Shaun GAS!!

Conley should give Shaun money to counteract GAS!!

I'll give you a hint on a microphone that I love; The RODE NTK. It's has some serious mojo and character. It's cheap, too. It's not good for everything, unfortunately - but it kills on female vocals and I love it on strummed acoustic guitar (I have used it to record kick from outside the drum and it sounded great for that, too). I guess there is a new tube offering from RODE that is supposed to be even a little nicer than the NTK - I can't remember the model right now, though.

maybe I should just sprnd the money on a UAD studio pak!

Now you are making sense...

however my NT2

I also love this one! It was my primary mic before the C414.

I've owned a C414 for about 14 years. I use it all the time. It has that certain "pro" sound. It's a very clean, transparent and overall just gorgeous sounding microphone. There isn't much I haven't tried mic'ing with it. It's just such a pleasure to use on voice. Sparkling on acoustic guitar without ever sounding even a little bit harsh. Makes a great drum overhead. Having the ability to select all the classic patterns is also a bonus, and makes it a very good tool for soundshaping.

It is very pre-amp sensitive though. I have heard it through a variety of pre-amps and the difference can be substantial. It will show up cheap electronics like you wouldn't believe! I would say that you have to be prepared to spend almost as much on the pre-amplification as you do on the mic to make the whole thing worthwhile. (I'm sure you didn't want to hear that). I personally run it through either a Focusrite "green" series or one of Rane's mic pre's. I have heard it through very expensive pre-amps and all I can say is that it's hard to go backwards once you have heard the difference.

R

P.S. yes the Neumann is a better microphone, no question, but it is hard to say if it is worth the extra money, and it is even more pre-amp sensitive, so the whole thing justs keeps escalating.

I personally run it through either a Focusrite "green" series or one of Rane's mic pre's. I have heard it through very expensive pre-amps and all I can say is that it's hard to go backwards once you have heard the difference.

When I ran my buddy's C414 through my Great River MP-2NV I heard the sound of golden honey emanating from my monitors. The sweetness was so intense that I nearly shat myself. It will be mine - Oh yes, It will be mine.

It will be mine - Oh yes, It will be mine.

Covet Not your neighbors... <g>

Covet Not your neighbors... <g>

But it will be mine and when it is mine, I'll no longer have to covet.

ORIGINAL: sonusman

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You can get like 3 414's for the price of one U87.

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.