VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

SomeAudioGuy · Contributor III Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Posts: 75 Location: LA

I know this topic has been debated to death, but I'd like to throw it out one more time. I've been google-ing the crap out of it, but still can't seem to find opinions I trust.

I used to have a gorgeous C12 capsule C414 EB, until a former friend wrecked it. Lately I've been wanting to replace it. I've been scouring ebay and craigslist trying to track down some more EB's, but I haven't been able to find what I want at a price I think is fair. I'm thinking it's just time to spring for a newer 414. I've used each a ULS, XLS, and XL II, but never in the same space or with the same equipment enough to figure out which I like better.

I don't record instruments very often anymore, so that kind of leads me to an XL II, but what I miss most about my EB was how brutally honest it was. I record a pretty wide variety of voices, so wouldn't the XLS be more versatile as the flatter reference mic?

So I'm kind of torn. XLS, XL II, or do I just scrap it and go with something versatile like a U89, and keep waiting for another C12 EB?

Your opinions are appreciated!
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Yoda117 · Posted: Wed May 28, 2008 6:23 am Post subject:

Gearslutz.com

if you liked the EB so much, you'll always want one... they've got a WTB (Want To Buy) section. Yeah, you'll pay for it, but if you're going to find a good one, either that forum, Vintage King (usually overpriced) or micshop.com.

Of the two, most folks seem to like the XLII over the XLS. Personally, I've only spent time in front of one of these (XLII). It was all right, but didn't hit any buttons for me.
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SomeAudioGuy · Contributor III Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Posts: 75 Location: LA

Yeah I'm kinda thinking that might be the case too.
I've been reading quite a bit on gearslutz. I guess my case is a little more unique. I don't record myself very often, and I don't record music very often. I need an honest reference mic to handle a variety of voices.

It's just disappointing that most of the studios I work at have one or the other, or only use Neumann or something like that.

I guess I'll just keep looking...
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Yoda117 · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 11:27 am Post subject:

seriously, the cleanest mic I've used that wasn't a specialty mic was the Shure SM7b.

Take it for what it's worth, but it sounded truer to my ears than anything under 3K. Some folks say that the U87 is a reference mic. Apparently they're not looking at the bump in the mids, and it's noticeable on vocals.

Anyway, good luck with your search.
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SomeAudioGuy · Contributor III Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Posts: 75 Location: LA

Yeah U87 was never an option. U89 MAYBE, but definitely not U87.
I picked up an old MD421U5, and it's re-sparked my love for dynamics, so I do need to grab an SM7 at some point.

Thanks for the advice!
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Yoda117 · Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 1:35 pm Post subject:

The 421 is a nice mic.

Yeah, of the two I'd take the U89 as a less biased recording than a U87 AI.

I've never seen a frequency response graph for the U87s Klaus Heyne has modded. They're probably truer, but still... that rise in the middies is what makes the U87 so popular for VO, so I doubt it's been drastically reduced, if at all.
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SomeAudioGuy · Contributor III Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Posts: 75 Location: LA

I had NEVER used one before, but I was SO surprised by the MD421. Remarkably tolerant of plosives, and I don't think the human voice is capable of generating enough noise to clip the sucker, and off axis rejection almost as good as an SM57. It'll make a great companion to some of the RE20's and SM7's I get to use...
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Jowillie · Posted: Sat May 31, 2008 1:09 pm Post subject:

According to the AKG specifications page, the C 414 B XLII is more aligned for spoken word than the "general purpose" XLS. But as you already observed, Everyone's milage may vary on either mic.

I noticed the new C 214 is touted as a less expensive XLS "general purpose" recording mic.

The most satisfied comments I've ever heard (bordering on legendary) come from users that have their old C414's modified by Audio Upgrades. I have not heard a modded unit myself.... but there is enough credibility to the rumors that lots of users are purchasing ebay units and getting them modified.
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Yoda117 · Posted: Sat May 31, 2008 9:30 pm Post subject:

meh, I'll take a Klaus Heyne modded CMV-563 or U87 over an AKG 414 any day.

as you've said, YMMV, but Klaus and Dirk Brauner probably know more about mics than anyone else on the planet at this point in time. If you've got the time to wait and the $ to spare, tell either what you're looking for and they'll come up with it for you (regardless of the badge on the mic).
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SomeAudioGuy · Contributor III Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Posts: 75 Location: LA

Ya know Yoda, that's actually not a bad idea at all...
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