VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Voxman · Posted: Tue Feb 03, 2015 8:45 pm Post subject: Microphone Test Heaven

Greetings from a sunny warm New Zealand summer

Just came across this. Many of your favourite mics with male or female vo examples.

http://bradfordswanson.com/mic/listen.html

Interesting that the AKG 414 pops up on VO-BB very little. Anyone had experience with it??

Happy listening.
Cheers
Peter

FinMac · Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2015 4:16 am Post subject: AKG 414

Have used the 414 a lot. One of the top studios in Helsinki has used it for at least 20 years. They are now, however, in the process of finding an alternative.

We did some testing with some various mics, including a modified Rode NT1-A, the new Rode NT1, and a U87. (They are also checking out the CAD e100s).

They like the 414 but one of the engineers said that after listening to some of these other mics, the 414 sounds almost muddy in comparison.

It is a good solid mic, with low self-noise, but nothing to get too excited about.
_________________
www.scottsvoiceover.com - An American voice in Finland

"If you want to get to the top, you have to get off your bottom". (Unknown)

Bruce · Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2015 7:58 am Post subject:

There were a couple of studios in Phoenix I used to frequent that used the 414 and I didn't like it, for me anyway. Too thin and crispy for my voice. Come to think of it I haven't seen one or heard mention in years.

B
_________________
VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

Voxman · Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2015 4:35 pm Post subject:

Although Bruce in these samples it doesn't sound thin, well not on this guy anyway, then there's the 414 xls vs the brighter 414 xlii. There's many versions of this mic in use around the world. Its alway referred to being an accurate reference mic.

Scott did you send back the CAD e100s and keep the 416?

Cheers
Peter

sdaeley17 · Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2015 5:38 pm Post subject:

My demos were made on a 414, you can find em at dailyvo.com, if you're interested.

From what I've read, it's still very popular in Europe, although you're right, I haven't heard much buzz about it in a while.

BTW, Scott, after our talk, I found the NT1 kit here in Japan for a pittance of $220 USD. I certainly don't NEED it, but still....
_________________
"There's Magic all around us; you just have to see it. And the most wonderful Magic of all, is just bein' alive." -Uncle Montork, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

Voxman · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2015 1:33 am Post subject:

They're great demo's Sean, I love the sound of that mic. What model 414 was it? was it in cardioid or hyper??

sdaeley17 · Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2015 4:32 am Post subject:

Thanks, voxman! I believe it was the xlii, in cardio. I'll message the engineer to make sure.

Warmest Regards,

Sean
_________________
"There's Magic all around us; you just have to see it. And the most wonderful Magic of all, is just bein' alive." -Uncle Montork, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

sdaeley17 · Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2015 8:24 pm Post subject:

Just heard back from him! Here's what he said:

"It's the akg c-414 b uls. I use the cardioid setting with no roll off... and then run it through a Chameleon Labs 7602 Mark II."

Hope that helps someone in their potential purchase decision. Have a great weekend, everybody!

Warmest Regards,

Sean
_________________
"There's Magic all around us; you just have to see it. And the most wonderful Magic of all, is just bein' alive." -Uncle Montork, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

Frank F · Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2015 8:55 pm Post subject:

The 414 ULS B is a classic and I remember using it in the early 70's. this was before any of the local studios had purchased U-87's. It still has characht3er which is ideal for a lot of great VO projects. Once the U-87 arrived and I had my opportunity to use one, I was in love. Three years later I had saved my pennies and bought my first "real" microphone and you can guess what it was. The AKG 414 ULS B. Next was the U-87 Classic.

Great choice on the pre-amp for the 414. choosing the right pre-amp with most microphones makes the differences between good sound and stunning sound.

Frank F
_________________
Be thankful for the bad things in life. They opened your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before. email: thevoice@usa.com

sdaeley17 · Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2015 9:04 pm Post subject:

Frank, you must be telepathic, because I really wanted your guy's input on the Chameleon. It's an amazingly priced pre, but not one you hear about too often. I've had my eye on it since we recorded with it over a year a go. Thank you so much for weighing in.

Warmest Regards,

Sean
_________________
"There's Magic all around us; you just have to see it. And the most wonderful Magic of all, is just bein' alive." -Uncle Montork, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

heyguido · Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2015 10:47 pm Post subject:

Vintage sound. Processed properly, a diamond in the ruff.... Wink

And that lovely little piece of rack candy... (For those of us who worship at the altar of Sir Rupert, a damn fine piece of analog kit. )
_________________
Don Brookshire
"Wait.... They wanna PAY me for this?"

Frank F · Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2015 12:22 am Post subject:

Do you know if the upgrades were made on the Chameleon Labs 7602 Mark II from Zen Pro Audio? New Carnhill transformers, etc.? If so, that is one sweet hunk of pre.

The Chameleon Labs 7602 Mark II are not something most VO's would find in their ballpark. Designed originally and primarily for live venues these pre-amps contain very nice smooth color. yet are at home in many full service studios. I had a rack of the 7602's which I used when mixing live venue concerts in big arenas.

Today the Maag Audio PreQ4 and EQ2's are more in line with what creates the wide fresh sound for big venue events and yet the 7602's are still viable.

Frank F
_________________
Be thankful for the bad things in life. They opened your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before. email: thevoice@usa.com

Dayo · Cinquecento Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Posts: 544 Location: UK

If I get time next week I'll post some clips of my 414EB vs a U87.
_________________
Colin Day - UK Voiceover
www.thurstonday.co.uk

Voxman · Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2015 12:25 pm Post subject:

Thanks Colin, that would be great....
Peter

Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

I love 414s, esp. the B-ULS. The only reason I chose the U87ai over it is because on my voice the U87 has that forward mid-range whereas to my ear the 414 is true-er across the spectrum.

But for putting my voice front and center without me having to yell, the U87 seems to do a better job. YMMV

I'm not criticizing the 414 at all. DC Douglas uses one with lots of success and Sean seems to as well.