AKG C414 XLII vs XLS (RAP VOCAL DEMO)

Подписаться 6 тыс.

Просмотров 65 тыс.

50% 1

Subscribe for more videos: bit.ly/CLEANMUD
This video is a comparison of the AKG C414 xlii and xls microphones. I use a rap vocal to contrast the two mics. At the end of the video, I give my input as to which one I prefer. I recorded both takes at the same time using Logic Pro X and the Audient iD14 interface.
If you are interested in purchasing any of the equipment used in this video, I will provide links below to do so. Thanks for watching and feel free to ask any questions in the comment section and or give any suggestions.
Download the vocal files here: www.dropbox.co...
Listen/Purchase full song here:
his4ever502.ban...
Listen to the full song on youtube here:
• HELP US GOD!! prod/wri...
Listen/Stream my music here:
Apple Music: apple.co/346rusI
Spotify: spoti.fi/2sTbzkD
Amazon Music: amzn.to/36oXjih
Also on other Streaming sites by searching:
Artist Name: HIS
Album: Wake My Mind
Purchase your AKG C414xlii here:
amzn.to/2zG1GZV
Purchase your Akg C414 xls here:
amzn.to/2IYxltU
Purchase your Audient iD14 here:
amzn.to/2zG1AkT
Purchase your Canon 6D Mark II here:
amzn.to/2H9FMOK
Purchase your Canon 24-105mm lens here:
amzn.to/2JRBPQF
Purchase your Rycote Shock mount here:
amzn.to/2HdYtkA

Опубликовано:

10 сен 2024

Ссылка:

Скачать:

Готовим ссылку...

Добавить в:

Мой плейлист

Посмотреть позже

Комментарии : 186

@faraitheprod 5 лет назад

For anyone interested, Nipsey Hussle and Marion Band$ used a C414 XLS on their track ' Hold Up '

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 5 лет назад

Farai The Producer dope! I didn’t know that

@user-qm4mo7kl5w 4 месяца назад

Только ты забыл сказать какой преамп они использовали

@21recordsmix 4 месяца назад

Avalon I think @@user-qm4mo7kl5w

@zodiatube 4 года назад

It's thanks to the audio files and countlessly playing them back side by side that helped me make my decision, and that became the XLII.

@mistertrippin 4 года назад

the XLII definitely has a bit more clarity into it on the higher ends. Very helpful video, thanks bro!

@crucified830 6 лет назад

Wow I can't believe you did it! Man thank you for this video I thought it would be an interesting video and you nailed it dope verse too by the way. I asked you before but I don't know if you ever replied but if you wanna collab I'm down fam . keep making the videos I'm always checking in

@epsonwu165 5 лет назад

Dude, you're amazing. Currently, I'm thinking about which one I needs to pick it up. You just clarified every detail that I wanna know. Thank you man! BTW, your rap is absolutely hot, love it !

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 5 лет назад

Bingchen Wu glad I could help you, and thanks for watching!!

@jeromelester8 3 года назад

The xlii is a bit more brutal and sibilant = more de-essing. I prefer the smoother tone of the xls.

@Lev_Urbel 4 года назад

I could hear the difference even on the MacBook speakers. Good job delivering good quality sound and video. XLII really shines on vocals, buuuuut, there's a big "BUT" for anyone who thinks that "shinier is better". If u will have XLS, then you can always add shines with some preamps, or good EQ's, but when you have an XLII, that already shines, then a big bunch of preapms may become unusable, because when they add extra shine - sound source may become unpleasant... just keep this in mind. My choice is XLS, if would have to choose. Been recordin' with it today - my vocals sounded deim nice thru Apollo X and UA610 preamp - had this all extra shine and good stuff. Before that i used a Neumann U87 and it... was awful. Sibilant letters were like a gun shot through my head - even a de-esser didn't help.

@heythere6983 4 года назад

isnt it usually easier to take out unwanted frequencies in a mix instead of boosting frequencies? Iv read that boosting frequencies can change the overall sound of the mix so its best to just remove and indirectly highlight as opposed to directly highlight

@2ndAveScents 4 года назад

@@heythere6983 yeah, this is usually true, which is why the most popular mics are not absolutely smooth or flat in response. It sounds much better and more natural to get the "eq" from the mic capsule response and choose the right mic for the sound you want from the beginning. It's usually going to take some trial and error to discover which mic sounds best for your voice, but by listening to lot's of them and getting an understanding for the sound they reproduce, you can usually make a pretty educated guess as to what will work and what won't.

@theoriginaltommysteward 4 года назад

@@heythere6983 Depends on if you are trying to clean the mix up or add character. Boosting is totally fine to add some character...just do what sounds good!

@HDsKillzProductionS 4 года назад

factsss

@iyatenna8766 4 года назад

AKG XLS + Millennia Media + Dbx 165a + soundcraft Ghost 32 is 🔥🔥🔥

@erickallio9490 4 года назад

Thanks for your work here, it's nice when I can enjoy talent while hearing a mic demo..

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 4 года назад

Eric Kallio thanks for the encouragement!

@charlieduransax 5 лет назад

the xlii has a brighter top end. both sound good! Thanks for this review bruh!! Blessings!!

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 5 лет назад

CharlieDuran thanks for your feedback! I’m going to try and get some interface comparisons up in the future as well!

@justincarrasco3680 4 года назад

Man, that was an awesome comparison! And we got listen to some sick rapping as well, which was pretty refreshing. Mic demos can be pretty dry sometimes.

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 4 года назад

Wow, I appreciate that!

@willstewart9728 5 лет назад

Incredibly helpful. Thank you!

@brittanyambrose1137 5 лет назад

Great video, thanks for making this! I definitely prefer the XLII here, it seems more tuned for vocals where the XLS is more flat (I'd use it for instruments). I dunno if I'd use these for rap vocals, while they have a wonderfully accurate high end, they lack some body that adds punch and authority to the vocal. I typically like mics with the CK-12 capsule like these with more melodic and transient-dynamic sources (female singing, violins). I'd probably be more inclined to use a large diaphragm dynamic like an SM7b or RE20 (maybe a u87 style mic with a transformer like the MA201fet) to get some more of that oompf that rap vocals usually call for.

@maxanisimov 3 года назад

Thanks a lot for making this video! This makes it easier to decide which is better for my purposes!

@SeanDivine 3 года назад

Great demo and performance!

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 3 года назад

Wow, appreciate that bruh!! I’ve watched and learned a lot from your videos!! 🙏🏾

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 3 года назад

Encouraging, thanks!

@themarmots1 5 лет назад

I preferred the XLS. Sounds natural

@strategicpeoples2973 6 лет назад

I own the xlii great mic

@Potencylogic 4 года назад

That song at the end is dope 🔥 🔥 🔥

@alvaroprego4393 2 года назад

MAN BEAUTIFUL!!!! Really nice taste and rap bars LOVE IT!!!!!!

@user-um1qy1bv6e 4 года назад

2:39 3:31

@jackman00110101 Год назад

The XLS is getting more chest voice due to its position being lower. This should be done again with the mics horizontally oriented.

@marcelw1981 4 года назад

Very good comparrison thank you. I was allready going towards the xls2 but now im sure 👍

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 4 года назад

marcelw1981 nice!! Are you liking the xls or the xlii better? Looks like you typed “xls2” by mistake. Not sure though

@heythere6983 4 года назад

tbh the xls sounded more present and in your face, when I looked up the frequency response charts it seems the xls has a more even boost in the 2-4k range and the xlii spikes up and down more and then up again but despite the xlii having a higher frequency response I wonder since its highs overall are higher maybe it somehow distracts from the midrangey 2-4k range, and since the xls highest boost in its whole range is the 2-4k response maybe it highlights that range basically exclusively and doesnt distract from that range with higher frequencies dominating. Maybe its a matter of relationship with frequencies. Cuz to me the xls seems noticeably more loud and the xlii is a lil farther back and less punchy. From what I know the 2-4k range is the most forward range in frequency responses in a mix so maybe a mic that focuses on that will always sound more present but once you highlight other frequencies it loses that affect.

@H-Mack10 3 года назад

THE LYRIC IS SO FIRE TOO BRO ,REAL TALK

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 3 года назад

Appreciate that!

@AlbertoMartinezDelRio 5 лет назад

Thanks for this video. Great work.

@SGOVisions 4 года назад

Hmm the intro helped me understand my c414xlii maybe that’s why its hard to remove my highs and lows even with multiple eqs going to give it some tests

@user-dn6fp8wv9r 4 года назад

Excuse me, my microphone AKG-C414 XLS with ID 22 Recording requires GAIN to be at maximum volume for normal Do you have additional microphone preamps in your example?

@FrancRobert 3 года назад

Thanks for the video, really showed the difference between the 2 mics! The XLii is brighter, and a bit more sibilent (listen to the S sounds) If you have a singer that is really sibilent or nasally sounding like me, the XLii could make that worse, and wouldn't be the right mic for that singer. The XLS does sound a bit cleaner to my ears and would work better for recording all kinds of instruments as well as vocals. BTW, I'm not a fan of rap generally (I'm an old blues guy!), but that is a well done track!

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 3 года назад

Appreciate ya insight

@josiahscottquinn Год назад

I agree, I feel like the flatter response is better for suiting a wider variety of singers, plus the 5dB or so lift above 5k might make sibilance or nasally-ness worse.

@justme-eb6lz 2 года назад

mannnnn the xls is the king of versatility!!!!! hands down.. you can put it in front off any vocalist or instrument and it would sound pleasing and natural like no other mic can do...( exept for neumann tlm170)

@Eloysacanta 2 года назад

Great review, absolutely helpful! Great rapping! Thank you!!!

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 2 года назад

Appreciate it and glad I could help!

@StudioBonn 4 года назад

Clear and usable comparison, thanks for that work. And nice song...👍 I was looking for a good mic for vocals, and I was looking the 214 to 414 - but ends up with the AKG P 820 tube mic...

@HarvinderSingh-yy8th 2 года назад

Try se 2300 and blue baby bottle, SL microphons too.

@gilwe 3 года назад

The XLII is too sibilant while the XLS is too dark. I like those Biggy influences ;)

@randomcallsign 4 года назад

fantastic video. thank you.

@Truthlight403 4 года назад

Can anyone explain when you would use the settings in the mic? The hipass filter and volume...

@HalatKamal 4 года назад

My friend please help me : which mic is beast i want buy / AKG 414XLii it's beast Or neuman Tl-102?? please answers me ..

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 4 года назад

I believe that either mic will work. The 414xlii is more versatile than the 102. Great for more applications being that it has the polar patterns. Unfortunately, I’ve heard that the 414xlii is out of production currently. May find a used one though

@sumithramachandranwatchyou5045 3 года назад

Is it good for recording acoustic or electric guitars? I’m looking for all in one solution..

@DEADIKATED 3 года назад

Dope Video also helped me understand the sound I get out of a C214 I bought but donated to the studio I go to.

@richardbailey511 3 года назад

Yeah buddy!!!

@seveneighteightpromotingch5264 Год назад

I was concentrating on your lyrics not on video's perspective yeah my guy 💥💥💥💥

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS Год назад

Lol appreciate that! 💪🏾😂

@crucified830 6 лет назад

So can you make the same sound imitating the frequency response in a DAW

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 6 лет назад

crucified830 I would imagine so. As long as you have a quality EQ to do so.

@ramencurry6672 8 месяцев назад

These lyrics are serious. I hope the guy is feeling better

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 8 месяцев назад

😂😂😂

@donsoulo4617 2 года назад

maaaan im so conflicted between the xL2 and the warm audio wa-8000 bruh. uprgrading from my bluebird mic. any thoughts?

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 2 года назад

Both are pretty decent. Don’t think you would disappointed either way. I’m not the biggest fan of the warm audio products but from the samples I’ve heard of that mic, it sounds pretty nice!

@guinhomusico9504 5 лет назад

Please AkG c414xls vs Neumann U87

@MrHannible 5 лет назад

Thanks bro got some practice with this really helped.

@charlieduransax 5 лет назад

Can you do a review on interfaces??? Apogee duet? Focusrite scarlett 2i2? would love to hear the differences on interfaces. thanks!

@AZVERSO_INDIGO 5 лет назад

CLARETT 2pre

@porcomer4058 6 лет назад

if you want to record voice and instruments. which one do you advise me ...? thank you

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 6 лет назад

Por Comer I prefer the xlii for vocals. I think as far as instruments go, it would probably depend on the instrument. The xls is a bit flatter than the xlii. The xlii has a bit more shine to it in the top end. Hope this helps!

@GeraKosmos 4 года назад

Love your lyrics bro! Saying it how it is! About to see if I can find your track through those links!

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 4 года назад

Thanks! Appreciate the support!

@estebanpedraza1739 4 года назад

I have the avalon 737 and akg c414 any tips too make a quick average pro sound

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 4 года назад

Honestly, I couldn’t explain it any better than this guy did in his video! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cDXJ-1YyswQ.html

@victorconcepcion6793 4 года назад

Im a male singer. Whats the best settings for the XLS? Hz, DB? Seems like I'm getting a lot of back round noise on the recording.

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 4 года назад

Victor Concepcion it’s not really about the settings for the most part. The 414’s pick up every single detail. You need to make sure your room or vocal space is acoustically treated or the mic will work horribly for you.

@gilbertjovem2698 3 года назад

damn, i just placed an order for XLS an hour back, i hope it works out for my genre (since i'd like to record acoustic guitar and strings and vocals. i am hoping it sounds better than the aston spirit i am using right now. and Thanks for the share. God bless

@Tateisadrummachine Год назад

I'm lookin for a 414 for sure, but if I'm gonna be using it for vocals (Rap and singing) and on my drums and other instruments, should I go with the XLS or the XLII?

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS Год назад

I would say the more versatile option is the xls because it’s flatter sounding than the xlii

@user-qd3nh1xv9m 4 года назад

how about at4050?

@keyboyrecords 4 года назад

Should I sell my Avalon 737? A RU-vidr says that TUBES are not good for rap because they add a grungy sound. Is this true?

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 4 года назад

keyboyrecords honestly the tube distortion/harmonics (grungy sound) that it adds to the vocal is one of the biggest selling points! It definitely depends on the style you are going for. That’s the reason you find it in nearly every professional studios and why it is so popular to a lot of major rap vocal chains. Keep it or get something just as good in my opinion

@keyboyrecords 4 года назад

@@CLEANMUDVIDEOS ok thx good to hear. Think I will keep it.

@SeemoreDunkan 4 года назад

Hey man, just discovered your channel, I love it. stay safe

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 4 года назад

Appreciate you checking it out, and hope it helps you in some way!

@Tonyplat98 5 лет назад

i prefer the XLS now this maybe a personal preference but i think it captured your voice better... better mids and higher highs... that's just my opinion... the only thing better on the XLii is the base P.S. Listening on sennheiser HD820S paired with OPPO-HA1 dac/amp

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 5 лет назад

intra morph thanks for your feedback! That’s definitely the reason I do these comparisons. I do believe each test is always subjective to the preference of the listener/engineer/producer, etc.

@misflow 3 года назад

Love your shit man! Was curious what mic did you use for the version of this song you released? (HIS - Help Us God on Spotify)

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 3 года назад

Appreciate that! I actually used the Neumann tlm103 on that release

@LexOfNP 2 года назад

Bro I appreciate you posting the files to download

@LexOfNP 2 года назад

If you don't mind me asking, I know its a pretty old video of yours, what mic are you using for your vocals now.

@devinmac7610 6 лет назад

Both sound good for vocals and singing?

@user-ds8tn6dq2k 5 лет назад

No! U 87 10 times better!

@VuJaDeFilms1 Год назад

Yeah... I think either way I'd have to go for the XLii because it would take less of a toll on your vocals with subtractive EQ rather than adding frequency's to the XLS to make up for what's missing. ALSO: @CLEANMUD (I mixed your vocals with the tracks you provided really well. If you want to hear them just let me know man.) Good video!

@onurkivrak4689 4 года назад

What were the preattenuation pad and bass cut filter Settings while recording? I assume the mod was set to cardioid.

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 4 года назад

Onur Kivrak the both we’re set to flat. No switches engaged.

@onurkivrak4689 4 года назад

CLEANMUD VIDEOS thanks for the prompt reply man!

@henderson3304 5 лет назад

Akg c414 xl2 or c414xls?

@dspoet1 2 года назад

XL II for me. XLS seemed a tad darker.

@StevenSoto 3 года назад

🔥🔥🔥

@LucasGonzo 3 года назад

Do you have a video for your favorite mics 1200 or under for rap vocals? or off the top of your head what would be a good starting point to look into?

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 3 года назад

I haven’t done one of those videos as of yet. However, a few come to mind. The Tlm103, tlm49 (used), 414xlii (one of my favorites), BH2, vanguard v13. Those are the ones I’ve used personally. The telefunken cu-29 sounds pretty dope. Also the Lauten fc-357. Oh yeah, the Sony C100 is pretty nice as well. Hope this helps!

@LucasGonzo 3 года назад

@@CLEANMUDVIDEOS thank you so much for the in-depth reply, was suggested the 414xlii by a producer/engineer friend of mine so I will continue to go down that rabbit hole. thank you!

@mattzee1047 2 года назад

Great Video Bro 👏🏼

@kendayottusu 4 года назад

hello, great video! i like this video. can you tell me the AKG C414 XLII mic settings?? the mic has a few buttons

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 4 года назад

rerecorded songs 2019年2月1 The Rapture Heads 音源再録済み。 thanks! I didn’t have any of the settings engaged for this video

@KrepooMc 6 лет назад

You think rode nt2a is for rap vocals ?

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 6 лет назад

KrepooOfficial yes, I think the nt2a can work on a rap vocal at times.

@underpressureman 5 лет назад

I think I prefered the XLS with you on this one! I have an older TL-II, It's my baby.

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 5 лет назад

James Cassidy I would love to hear the tl-II

@mwinfy 4 года назад

Best akg model ever?????? Which for bass voices????

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 4 года назад

I actually hear that the TL and ULS are pretty nice but I haven’t tried either. Can’t give an honest answer on that.

@SuchetanaSinha 4 года назад

Hey @Cleanmud Videos, your demonstration was awesome. It helped understanding a lot of factors. I’m actually planning to buy a professional quality microphone for my vocal (I am a professional female singer, having little bit high frequency voice) for my own home setup. But I have untreated non acoustic room. Which microphone do you recommend for that purpose? Thanks for your help. Take care.

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 4 года назад

Thanks for watching and commenting! I do believe that the shire sm7b can be an option although you’ll have to buy a cloud lifter with it. Also the tlm103 is a nice option. From my experience, it tends to pick up less room noise. I would recommend that you take some steps to at least put up some heavy blankets in the vocal recording area to assist any mic you choose. Hope this helps!

@SuchetanaSinha 4 года назад

CLEANMUD VIDEOS Thank you so much for your recommendations! I’ll definitely try to put some blankets in my recording area. Also I’ll look for the microphones you mentioned. Just curious to know whether Rode NT1 could be an option? Thanks again! Take care!

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 4 года назад

Suchetana Sinha it’s definitely a nice option

@v3zMedia 6 лет назад

Dope video fam! These mics sound dope on your voice.

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 6 лет назад

v3z thanks!

@zodiatube 4 года назад

I downloaded this song on bandcamp. I listen to it all the time haha

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 4 года назад

zodiatube appreciate that and I’m glad I could help you!

@zodiatube 4 года назад

I was just curious. What was the mic that you used for the final production of this song?

@therecovery716 3 года назад

What’s the proper polar pattern for rap vocals?

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 3 года назад

I use cardioid

@cristiane.pintoalfaro6123 3 года назад

El XLS me parece más vivo aunque el XLII es más controlado y fácil de atacar...thanks for sharing your experiments!

@AD-cf3jk 5 лет назад

These Bars are relevant

@chasethebag1355 3 года назад

I mixed em and the XLII is easier cause it already sits in a nice place with that top end but the xls is still good just when you hear it in comparison to the xlii it sounds Dim

@tristanweiser3492 4 года назад

For rap song is better xls or xlii ?

@Tank1 3 года назад

wow difference is huge. the 2 basically sounds like its been eq'd ready and polished even sounds like it has a compressor on it.. sounds like a top vocal right untouched... the S sounds like its completely flat and had no work done. just wondering for other genres that top end clarity might be a bit annoying for me if you cant eq it out. considering a AKG 414 or a Neumann. just come back after another video to add to this comment, ya the XL2 sound great for rap, but for soft singing vocals its got that annoying quality to it i thought it would lol.. so ill be getting the XLS, due to it being flat.

@scott7521 2 года назад

Nice skills man

@rickmcwheeler9335 6 лет назад

When you did the processed vocals test with the five different mics. Did you use a preset for each vocal take or did you actually spend hours mixing each track? I would really like to hear how you sound through a $50-100 usb mic to see how big the difference is . That would cover the poor mans set-up to the starting point of the high end world. Also , your voice sounds clean as hell it reminds of Redman on the NT1. There is obviously an audible difference between the NT1 and the TLM 103 on your voice. But, its not huge. XXXtentacions song "Sad" he released a few months ago and a song from back in the day when he was known as a soundcloud rapper called " I dont wanna do this anymore" is a much greater difference in audio quality and he still received 85m streams for that song. Both of these songs he singsand uses minimal autotone. Im guessing he used a usb mic and didnt know how to mix at the time. Because the recording sounds very similar or worse than my songs recorded with a blue snowball.

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 6 лет назад

lyric stonier I pretty much used the same compression on each vocal but I did tweak the we on each one. Everything varied a bit on each vocal because of the sound each mic has. Hope this was helpful! Thanks for your comment

@Zarzy397 Год назад

I’m a fan now I was only here for the review 😦🤞🏽

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS Год назад

Appreciate that! 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

@reecebpolo870 6 лет назад

Can you do a 414 xls vs tlm 107 shoot out?

@PercussionPodcast 5 лет назад

thank you!

@i.shadrin 6 лет назад

Thanks man

@kievmoralesviolin 3 года назад

What do you recommend for recording strings?

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 3 года назад

Are you meaning of these two?

@CLEANMUDVIDEOS 3 года назад

The xlii has a bit of a high end boost that the xls does have. It mostly depends on the vibe you are going for. The xlii produces a top end sizzle that I’m a fan of.