AKG C414 The Ultimate Comparison: XLS vs XLII vs B-ULS vs EB 

The Midrange on the B-ULS is just insane. Clear and punchy

EB is magic. Best all round microphone EVER made.

I really think the XL II held its own very well here and shined on multiple sources.

The EB murdered them all. Crushed. Listened on Focal Twins.

This demonstrates quite clearly that in spite of all the huge strides in technology, a 50 year old microphone can still hold its own at the top level.

Thanks. That was great. Really enjoyed the XLii being so forward and bright. However in isolation the EB sounded the best, full and great top end.

The XL II was my favourite. The EB was wonderful on a few things - but the XL II sounded excellent on everything.

Thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this video and working with these amazing people with incredible ears! Keep up the good work SOS!

For me the EB stands out as the best all around mic, and it is especially evident in the full mix at the end. However, superb mics all of them. Thank you for a great comparison video! Keep them coming! :)

Bloody brilliant video, guys! So distinctive differences. On the percussion it really shows to a point where it almost sounds like different instruments. 😮. Great work.

This was a wonderful shootout. Thank you for all your hard work making this video. While I agree with a lot of the previous comments, I much preferred the XLS on all sources overall. Especially taking into consideration all of the processing it will likely endure leading to a finished mix. It sounds like it will take eq and additional processing very well.

Its funny because I only recently was scavenging the internet for comparisons between these mics to work out which to get. Although it might be confirmation bias I am glad with the two I got; the XLII and B-ULS. I also think the decision to expand on the comparison to full mixes was a stroke of genius from SOS. Thanks for making this.

Just saw this... what fun! I have used every one of these mics over 25 yrs and have a couple ULS. All different, all brilliant in the proper context and placement.

This is a really great shootout. I was expecting something inferior but I am actually very happy with how this was carried about. I believe you had all the proper elements in a shootout and showed their true colors. It is not biased and it was well thought out. You implemented various shootout techniques and I am so glad you did that to make this as clear as possible. There is no perfect shootout but I think you got really really close. Thanks for this shootout!

Great video! I own EB's. ULS's and TLII's and in this comparison of the full mix in this video, I like EB's, then XLII's, then ULS's and lastly the XLS. Given the parameters mentioned that there was little processing on the final mix, the EB's had a more satisfying sound...a little less mids and cloudiness and a bit more presence (listen for the snare and clarity in the vocals) and a more extended low end (bass guitar). But in a typical mix session, you would potentially do more processing on the tracks during the mix, which would most likely yield similar results between the different models. The 414 is one of the most versatile mics in my mic locker and I use them all the time. And this video clearly shows the 414 is a great investment for studios large and small!

If I learned anything from this video its that even though all of the 414 mics will get you great results, that mixing and matching mics is still really the key to getting the best final results.

Brilliant video, thank you SOS! All the mics sounded great of course, but for me I found the XLII I to be a bit more sparkly in general which I wasn't so keen on (in comparison to the others!). The EB sounded great on just about everything, the XLS was consistently nice, and the B-ULS - whilst losing a bit of ground on some sources - I thought sounded the best on the overall mix, everything just sat there really nicely! But that was a lot of fun watching and listening to that! An absolute belter from the SOS team!

To my ears the XLS sounded the most natural and true at capturing the various instruments that were recorded. They might not give the sparkle & glitz of the EB & XL II, but I feel they’re more accurate and a neutral starting point to work from. The TL II would’ve been great to include in this shootout.

Individually I did not prefer the XLII, but hearing the mix I quite liked it. ULS very polite across the board. The 414 series are great for mid/side recordings too!

This was really good. The EB overall seems to be the most even but has the extended topend, really nice. The XLS is rounder and a bit scooped in the mids, the XL II the mids return still rounder and the B-ULS is darkest of the bunch. Obviously, I'd love to have a vintage EB but I'd take a XL II no problem, and in a lot of ways I liked it over the EB -- the full mix sounded the best to my ears with those two.

EB is magical in every source, but BULS my favourite as overheads. That said, hear how great the snare sounds in the EB full mix.

Gonna have to go with the EB. The highs sizzle in a pleasing way.

Have 2 of XL II, used them on almost everything. Thanks to SOS for this great detailed comparison.

Fantastic comprehensive comparison. Recently I snagged a good deal on a 414 ULS in near mint condition with original mic mount. I’m VERY satisfied with it. It’s an honest representation of the source.

This is one of the best comparisons I heard in my whole life : )

Thanks for making this video! I really love the mid range character of the XL II

And a super catchy song caught by classic AKG sound catcher :-) 💕

Nice comparison. I own a C414 B-ULS and a C414 B-ULS TLII. I've done a similar comparison with earlier C414 versions and they are all wonderful microphones.

Something else I also took from this comparison was how certain things sound more or less clear in each mic mix. E.G. even in the EB take I felt the piano got lost; the B-ULS snare sounded the best; everything with the XLII seemed to be competing for that bonus air. Ultimately the way I see it is if you can't afford the EB then the XLII gets you the shine of it while the B-ULS gets you the mojo of it.

I was looking for a comparison and I got it with this video. Excellent shootout that really shows how each mic shines. You can’t go wrong with any of these mics. Thanks to everyone who participated in making this happen.

The full mix with the AKG C414 XLII sounded complete. The shine was very pleasing though my monitors.

What an excellent video and comparison! To the point, factual, no bull & no myth (and yes, I agree, there are FAR too many floating around the www, along with a ton or two of misconceptions & prejudice), well presented and well edited to make things usefully audible. Kudos, congrats, beer's on me, etc. 👏🍻👍 BTW, always have been fond of my good old black B-ULS as well as of my pair of golden B-TLIIs, quite different, both very usable and useful. These new ones don't sound half bad either, only the C214 I once auditioned was a letdown, sounding surprisingly unrelated to the mighty C414.

Now I have the 414 song stuck in my head. I went with the XLS because I wanted a flat response for vocals. If the EB were still available, I would buy one of those too.

this deserves a million views. thanks!

I much prefer the XL11 on most, but not all sources - which is why I bought one. For me it doesn't usually work on guitar amps - but then I almost always use a vintage Beyer M160 ribbon for that. I find that not only does it have more clarity than the XLS and ULS, but the top end is also smoother sounding as well. It's pretty close to an AKG c12.

Thank you for this excellent video. I love the sound of the 414EB - so many classical music radio broadcasts used just a pair of these back in their day. I have a pair of each of the ULS and XLS, however. I am not a fan of the darker ULS until it takes on some EQ - and that it does well. The XLS doesn't get much use, I'm afraid. Its 'premixed' tone doesn't work for me in what I do. Thanks, again - some v interesting comments, too.

I especially appreciate the cumulative comparisons. It would also be great to do an editor's favorite mix; mine would be XLII or EB on vocals, B-ULS on the acoustic, and the XLS on everything else. The latter really has some beef to it that's great on the electrics.

My personal preference is #1 XLII, #2 EB, #3 XLS, and #4 B-ULS. I found that the XLII had a little more presence and a good balance. But it is like comparing a top-tier Mercedes, to a top-tier BMW and a top-tier Audi, the difference between the 4 microphones is measured in extremely small differences. To own any variation AKG 414 is still a fantastic addition to any studio's microphone list and to own multiple variations is a true bonus! Great Video!!!

If i was AKG, I wouldn't have let this comparison out. They do not sell a product with the magic of the EB.

From what I’ve read the XLS is supposed to be the most neutral so that might be the best if you want to start off on a blank canvas before adding in the EQs

I have to say that solo’d, I picked the xls or b-uls every time. But man, once the full mix kicked in I chose the xlii then the eb, and thought the xls and b-uls sounded boring. I just picked up a matched pair of xlii, and before this video was seconded guessing them over the xls(since my primary use will be drum overheads), but now I’m glad I chose them. Thanks for the video, it really clarified my options.

Like the EB snare and electric guitar sound. The toms on the ULS is so great sounding. Going from the EB to the XLS almost sounds like a pitch shift. Final mix, the EB sounds the most exciting. The XLII sounds empty. Think it is a case of mix and match the right mic on the right place. There is no mic that is right on every source, and from experience I can say that an ULS can get very close to that EB sound if you place it center speaker. Great video, thank you for letting us listen in.

Ok, that final everything together... really scares me - I really felt, like decades and entire bands changed with every mic.

Desert island mic C414 XL II. The EB I use is stuck in cardioid, but its great still.

BRILLIANT WOW👍🏻 There were definitely some differences between the four, but they were all much closer than I thought they would be. WELL DONE👍🏻 Perhaps you could do the same test with a C12, C12 A, C12 B, and a C414 EB.🤔

Okay. This is remarkable. EB: Vintage, very vintage - in a good way. XLS: Modern. XL II: Modern/current gospel, bright, airy and scooped sound. This track is just lacking that thunderous lowend modern live performance brings as an additional element. But it's said that your childhood matters the most what kind of music and sound people like. I grew up in the eighties and there is no point denying i like B-ULS the most. However i would have used all four of these to make an ultimate mix. They all have their place in this world.

Thank you SO much for all the work you did on this!! It is exactly how I needed to hear these compared, and perfectly timed, since I’m looking to replace the TL versions that I bought in the 80’s, and had to sell several years ago. When I was first learning, the studio I worked in had EB’s and I absolutely loved the natural way they captured everything!! Excellent job!!

Interesting - I love my B-ULS but the XLS is a great update. XLII is too bright for my ears but seems most other people like it best

XL2 any day 💛🙂 Great video thanks for this 🙏🏽

The low end on the EB is very nice. Almost has a gentle extra octave.XL II is the only mic I wouldn't use, don't care for the high mids in comparison to the others. Was quite surprised at how dark the B-ULS was. I guess there's a reason it's a popular drum mic!

the amazing transient response on the eb's is what im noticing more than the slight tonal shift. and thats just on a crappy stereo. the attack on everything is more present. good work on the video. would have been a mission.

I love the EB! And then the B-ULS

Great video! I love the EB and the XLII. Have been using the XLII for a lot of my sessions, glad to know it's one of the best models!

Thanks for this shoot-out. I have a pair of matched XLIIs. Yes, they are a little brighter but I prefer their smoothness in the high bass (120 Hz) compared to the slight exaggeration of the B-ULS in this range. In my studio, I am alway fighting to tame these frequencies. I noticed that in many of the samples, the EB and the XLII (guitar and drums) were more alike than the others. I didn't expect t his outcome.

my favourite is the EB followed by the ULS, no surprise there then.

thank you very much for this super deep dive!!!! Love this mic

B-uls sounds the most versatile without being to sharp or to hard...always in the right spot...

Thank you so much for this comparison! Now im hunting for a B ULS 🙂

I have a pair of older TL (not TLII) and love them. Most flexible mics I've used.

Yay SOS! Well done. Just a note re presenting test audio results - I find it easier to assess audio differences between sources with short repeated snippets (2s?) from each category. Our ears IMHO are forgetful so I'd use e.g. downbeat to 2s each mic a couple of times then cross pairings. That said, my current lust for an XLS has shifted towards XLII! Cheers.

All Mics are pretty good. But EB ist magically. But the XLS ist also pretty good... B-ULS is a little bit dark, but has best push of all. And with the Xl2 you also cant go wrong, a little bit more modern sounding than the rest. But also a high end mic....thank you SOS, great comparison❤

Brilliant! More of these please!

So basically mostly EB, besides bass instruments and female vocals :D. Crazy how much more presence EB has.

I loved the xlii. I own that one as well as the XLS. The EB was a very close second for me.

" ... vier eins vier oder quatre quatorze" 🤣 such a lovely song! ❤

wow. this is one of those _necessary_ videos, thank you.

The EB is just effortlessly even-steven in terms of balance. Everything in its place. The XLS is just boxy sounding to my ears (good call to use drums to highlight this btw). The XLII is bright (or airy if you think bright is derogatory) at the expense of lows and low mids (slightly, but noticeably enough). The last one, B-ULS, is a decent all-rounder, but lacks the character (and flaws) of the others. I'd take the EB any day, everyday - it only makes sense why the C414s are so widely spread once you get to A/B (or A/B/C/D) it against its siblings.

XLS works best on vocals for me, all the other's have something that bothers me, either tubby low-end, sibilance or a scooped sound that did not work for me. The XLS has a nice even balance.

The XL 2 is the best , it has a great isolation and it just project’s everything out to it better

XLII was the winner for me! It had a realism that the other mics didn't have. The EB was a CLOSE second for me though. I might be biased though as I own an XLII that will never leave my possession lol Very well done shootout too! I love the last chunk where you compare the entire tracks against each other, super rad

The XLS is very impressive. But listening to the mix, presumably just faders, the B-ULS wins hands down for clearing up and creating space in the midrange. If I had to chose one it would be the B-ULS. That being said, I would love to here this same recording mixed with these choices: XLS on Drums B-ULS on Electric GTR XLII on Bass B-ULS on Acoustic GTR B-ULS on Robin XL II on Naomi XLS on Piano XLS on Percussion

Very nicely done. Just ordered an C414XLS. LENNY.

What a lovely comparison! Wow! Thanks!

Have used many different 414s in my career and enjoyed them all. Oddly, I've never actually owned one

XL2

I own an EKG C414 LTD and it's my best microphone so far yet...

It would be interesting to hear the EB vs xls with eq to match the EB. I am actually quite liking the XLS but it does require eq to match the EB's brightness.

we can definately hear that little high boost on the XLll compared to all the others. The original c414 is my favourite, though. It is the one that has the most neutral sound to my ears. The B-ULS sounds a little too dark, although it might make for an interesting effect depending on the circumstances. Great video

Sam thank you so much for this!

Fun comparison! In isolation I was favouring the XLS on most sources; but then in the mixes, I was surprised I preferred the EB, followed closely by the XLII...

percussion example did it for me. the eb and the b-uls were way more dynamic than the xl models. on the xl you can no longer really hear the accent in the groove. all-round i think the xl II won for me, likely because that more compressed sound benefited the mix. I heard the biggest difference in the guitar and percussion examples. definitely would like the have the EB for anything pokey.

Surprised and slightly disappointed at just how beautiful the EB and B-ULS are compared to the newer versions.

Amazing video! 👏🏻

I'd buy it if AKG made the EB again.

Judging the full mixes: XLS will need the least amount of EQ to sit right. The EB sounded incredible and I'd select if for the vocals if all were available, but using it on everything yielded a mix that was overly-excited in the HF zone....a little too much hair and would be grating over time. The TL-II was too hyped the BULS sounded great but would need the most EQ to yield a finished sounding master. XLS for the win. Nice shootout too.

Uls sounds the best to my ears on all sources.

should also be compared to the OC818 ;)

The EB is the most even and smoothest. I own a B-ULS and it has a more pronounced bass and woodiness to its tone.

SOS, thanks for such amount of amazing videos. Guys, you are wonderful. C414 in a great microphone. that's clear, but my opinion is in conclusion: AKG spent years trying to match the wonderful color of a microphone that they themselves built in 1976. I must say without success. A pity!

First of all, I enjoyed the very fun and silly song that you wrote! I own a matched pair of XLS that I think sound very nice, but grew up recording with the B-ULS in during the 80s... but I have to say the EBs are really special. There is this sparkle in the top end, especially on cymbals and piano that is very much not there on the other three versions. Considering what you mentioned about the XL II, I was surprised how much more different from the EB they sound compared with the XLS, especially in the midrange. I think AKG missed the target on that one. I;m pretty happy with my XLS... but I might try to find ab EB or two. They really have a vibe!

So the EB won in almost every situation. Now I'm giving side eye to my ULSs

Amazing video . priceless informations

XLII Gang :D

B-ULS was my least favourite. I loved the EBS and XLS. XL II seemed too bright on the individual instruments but sounded great on the final mix. I would be happy with any of these mics!

Quite a noticable difference. I am definetly not a big fan of these mics, especialy the current versions... EB version sounds the best. in my opinion

I'd love to see a comparison where all other 3 mics are EQ compensated to sound as close to the 4th as possible, could do it for each one! You could even do this with the same mix and audio files :)) My guess is they'd all sound really very close.

Great video, thank you very much - i have B-ULS

I really hope I can get some help or insight with this question I have regarding the C414XLII. I've been recording vocals for nearly 20 years. Up until purchasing the C414XLII I've been using the SHURE KSM27. I've easily recorded hundreds of different songs over the last 15+ years with the SHURE KSM27. I'm been using a Focusrite 2i2 audio interface for the majority of my career. I first started with an MBOX 2 but have been using the Focusrite for the last 8 years or so. With that said.. FOR SOME REASON when I record vocals with my AKG C414XLII, there is a very noticeable unwanted effect when I'm recording with the microphone while I'm actively recording. The microphone will sound almost like I'm recording on more than one vocal track at the same time, even when I'm only recording on ONE vocal track. Even weirder is, it ONLY has this weird sound when I'm actively recording.. meaning.. as soon as I STOP recording and playback that vocal, it sounds perfectly FINE! It's only when I'm recording that it has this weird (almost doubling kind of effect) and it's driving me absolutely MAD! In fact, I sent the first C414XLII back to sweetwater (where I purchased it..) thinking there was something wrong with the first C414XLII that I purchased. But I'm having the exact same issue with the other C414XLII that was shipped, which proves it's not a microphone that was perhaps broken upon shipment etc. I do not have this issue at all with my older SHURE KSM27. Any clue what the hell is going on? It also does this regardless of which setting I use on the microphone. I can go through all of it's different built in settings and it STILL has this problem! It's incredibly distracting and has prevented me from getting any new projects done! I'm almost at the point where I'm thinking maybe the C414XLII just doesn't get along with my Focusrite 2i2? I'm thinking about purchasing an upgraded audio interface but I don't want to waste the money on a new audio interface just to find out the same issue is still present! Again.. after I stop recording and I playback the vocal track, it sounds perfectly fine! This issue only presents itself as the track is armed for recording! I've been desperately trying to find an answer ever since! And sadly.. I've now owned the C414XLII for too long to send it back in for a full refund. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated! I use a Windows PC and Pro Tools to record my vocals. Not that those details should matter, because again.. this only happens with the C414XLII and NOT with my SHURE KSM27!

EB absolutely wins. Speaking of the original brass CK12, nothing comes close to the 414's ancestor: the AKG C12A. Tube cathode follower (Nuvistor, in fact), output transformer, original CK12: a terrific, unbeatable combination.

Great video!