AKG C414 XLII Microphone and Universal Audio LA-610 Recording Kit

The AKG C414 XLII Large-Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone is an industry staple that extends the renowned heritage of the C414 B-TL II. Equipped with nine selectable polar patterns, three attenuation levels, and three switchable bass-cut filters, the C414 XLII remains one of the most versatile condenser microphones for recording vocals, drums, and acoustic and amplified instruments in the studio or on stage. This microphone is designed to closely approximate the sonic character of the vintage C12 tube mic while providing an updated and expanded feature set. A slight high-frequency rise at 3 kHz and above helps compensate for the natural loss of high frequencies that occurs at a distance, making the C414 XLII an excellent choice for miking vocals & instruments that are positioned far away.

The 1" edge-terminated, dual-diaphragm transducer combined with the low-noise electronic circuitry provide a wide dynamic range of 134 dB and can handle SPL up to 158 dB, for a detailed, linear, and natural tone. With full immunity to electromagnetic and electrostatic interference as well as high tolerance to humidity, the C414 XLII is well suited to withstand the rigors of demanding studio, stage, and broadcast applications. Special features include a peak-hold LED to alert you if overloading occurs, and a lock mode that prevents unintended changes to the microphone settings. The package includes a vibration-inhibiting shockmount, a pop filter, a windscreen, and a metal carrying case.

The LA-610 Mk II from Universal Audio brings vintage all-tube sound to the modern channel-strip format. The unit combines a 610 Mic-Pre / EQ / DI section based on console modules developed by Bill Putnam in the 1960s, with a T4 Opto-compressor, and houses them in a 2 RU rackmount enclosure. The 610-tube preamp, DI and EQ deliver a sound that is as timeless as it is legendary, and a hallmark of many classic recordings. The simple operation and program dependent nature of the T4 compressor provides extremely musical control.

The LA-610 MkII is sonically very versatile and can function as an ideal front-end for tracking into a digital audio workstation. The preamp is augmented with two bands of shelving EQ, followed a T4 based optical compressor. Although not an exact LA-2A clone, the compressor circuitry nevertheless shares its signature sound by utilizing its unique combination of an electro-luminescent panel and photo-resistors. Three 12AX7A tubes, a single 6072A and 6AQ5 tube combine to provide warmth and overall even tonal balance.

The Mk II delivers several enhancements over the original LA-610. A true compressor bypass switch is now available which completely avoids the compressor circuitry. Other changes improve the performance of the output signal, improved consistency with input gain values and feedback-style shelving EQ improves the EQ stability. An auto-sensing, universal power supply is included, along with larger and better lit metering.

The black, 25' Mogami Gold Studio XLR Female to XLR Male Microphone Cable is a high-quality, 4-conductor cable engineered for maximum rejection of RFI and EMI, accurate signal transmission with low noise, and durability. It uses the company's Neglex twisted, double-conductor quad cable with a spiral, bare copper shield, which is effective in maintaining signal integrity, even when used with unbalanced equipment, in professional or home studios suffering from wiring and grounding problems.

The cable is terminated with black-body, gold-plated XLR connectors, and features a 0.236" diameter jacket, ideal for applications where a small-diameter quad mic cable is required.