AKG 414: There's a reason cheap condenser mics are cheap!

[eliotpister1]

I've been in the studio business for almost 20 years now, and I remember one of the original pieces I scrimped and saved for way back in 1991 when I opened my little project studio for outside work, was the AKG 414. I think it was $1400 at the time, and I still have it today. I also have a bunch of the recent Chinese made mics from MXL and go out of my way to 'spread the love around' and use them from time to time. But just when I start to think, 'gee, this $100 side-address condensor mic sure sounds nice', I bring up the AKG 414 through the same pre-amp and say to myself, "oops, never mind.".

If there's one thing worthy of calling an "investment" in your home studio, it's a good quality mic. Be it Neumann, AKG, Rode, whatever. Yes the difference can be subtle between these and the cheap brands, but it pervades everything you record (in my opinion), and the cumulative effect of recording several tracks through a GOOD mic, and a so-so mic, is obvious. Are these other, more affordable mics not worthwhile? Absolutely, they are! But as a second, third and fourth purchase AFTER you've got your bread-and-butter taken care of.

Anybody else have a similar experience?

Cheers, Eliot.

[eeoo]

I agree that your input chain is the most important part of your recording rig and the part you should not scrimp on if possible. A good mic and pre will be your best friends forever, software, not so much...
eo.

[rnrmachine]

...But just when I start to think, 'gee, this $100 side-address condensor mic sure sounds nice', I bring up the AKG 414 through the same pre-amp and say to myself, "oops, never mind.".

If there's one thing worthy of calling an "investment" in your home studio, it's a good quality mic. Be it Neumann, AKG, Rode, whatever. Yes the difference can be subtle between these and the cheap brands, but it pervades everything you record (in my opinion), and the cumulative effect of recording several tracks through a GOOD mic, and a so-so mic, is obvious. Are these other, more affordable mics not worthwhile? Absolutely, they are! But as a second, third and fourth purchase AFTER you've got your bread-and-butter taken care of.

Anybody else have a similar experience?

Cheers, Eliot.

OH God yea, my mic isn't a wll known brand but it is made by ADK, a company who has put their heart into making high quality micrphones. MY mic cost $1200 with a $1800 list. Now I did do a side by side of the AKG C414 XL as an optional choice and I ALMOST went with the AKG. The ADK A-48 is a tube mic. I knew they were going to discontinue the ADK so I bought that figuring one day I could get the C414 if the ADK ever earned me any coin.... anyway. I have a number of cheapo condensors and I do the same thing you said... not too bad... oh nevermind... HAHAHA The richness and the power level that comes out of the ADK is beyond comparison, it don't even matter if it's not the perfect mic for my voice... it's better for my voice then any other mic I own.

When I see someone recomending a cheap mic to someone else, I try to step in and say something without stepping on anyones toes, but how do you and get your point across? In the end... if they do get a decent mic, they will realize the same thing that you and I both realize.... /remove cheapo mic, put in quality mic... oops, never mind HAHA

Rob

[eliotpister1]

Here, here, Rob.

[MatthewMoss]

I had the luxury of recording a kit using CAD condenser mics, (sarcasm) just for a heads up for any newbies or intermediate-ees if you are going to go cheap goto the brand that makes entry level - pro such as AKG. I recorded a kit a couple of weeks ago using the c1000s. (which if you can find a pair on sale you wont spend much more than 400 dollars) They are comparable to the 451s

here is a song using a pair of AKG c1000s
http://mattmossmusic.com/music/engineer ... ewBlue.mp3
maybe we can start comparing, that would be cool.

[jdhogg]

I like my 414 and my c1000s

but these

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=270315

are outstanding for oh etc. Much better that the c1000s imho.

[Hookjaw Brown]

Matthew...that is one definitely low temperature vibe you got on Brand New Blues!

[stevecollom]

my go -to mic now, is a modded mic from michael joly.
i bought a pair of Oktava mic's on sale once but they were dull and well i basically put them at the bottom of the draw, i came across michael's website, i sent them in and the rest is history.
the total cost was $400 ( i think )

It almost sounds as good as a 3500 neuman. 95%

i use them mostly on vocals and over heads. very rich and full sound

Also i love my akg 451b.

steve collom

[billg1]

my go -to mic now, is a modded mic from michael joly.
i bought a pair of Oktava mic's on sale once but they were dull and well i basically put them at the bottom of the draw, i came across michael's website, i sent them in and the rest is history.
the total cost was $400 ( i think )

It almost sounds as good as a 3500 neuman. 95%

i use them mostly on vocals and over heads. very rich and full sound

Also i love my akg 451b.

steve collom

That's good to know. I've got a first generation Rode Nt1 that he has a mod for that's really good. Just waiting to find $300 laying around!

[musicliner]

Eliot,
I get your point, and there is certainly value in having well-known, classic mic models.
On the other hand, it is just too simplistic to bundle all lower cost mics in the box.

Some of them are garbage, some of them are just as good as classic Telefunkens , AKGs or Neumanns.

When you have a chance, try AudioTechnica AT2020 or Studio Projects C1 (especially the first series, circa 2001, with 747 logo on it)

You may be surprised...

Happy recording,
George