C414 B-ULS, C414 TLII, TLM103

[hubbellclef]

I'm looking for a nice stereo pair of large diaphragm microphones for universal use. What are your opinions between the AKG C414 B-ULS, AKG C414 TLII, and Neumann TLM103 for this use? I've heard that the TLM103 and TLII can be a little harsh in the high frequencies for some applications. But I've also heard that the C414 B-ULS can be a little dead on the high end.

Thanks,
hubbellclef

[sdevino]

I would add the Shure KSM44 to your consideration in this price range.

Mine is a little quieter than my TLM103, it is warmer than both my TLM103 and my U87, it is multi-pattern like the AKG414, and it comes in a great case with a great shock mount.

MY KSM 44 see's more general use than either the U87 or the TLM103 at my studio,

[DesertDude]

I recently aquired a matched pair of these AKG C414 TLII , they have instant warm bass, and nice clarity in the high end with no eq added.

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[letrev]

TLM 103 is, to my ears, a bit mellower in the high end than the TL II. They are both fantastic mics. The TL II has a crisper high end.

[lwilliam]

I have the TLM103 and the 414B-ULS. I think the 414BULS is a much better "all-around" mic than the Neumann. It's got 4 patterns, a pad, and a 2 position rolloff. The 103 has none of this.

However, I use the 103 for vocals 95% of the time. It just seems to work with more vocalists. It has a presence peak much lower than the 414 and can make acoustic and electric guitars a bit bright. The BULS makes acoustic guitars sound full, but with a high-end sheen that doesn't sound brittle. I think the TLII has it's presence peak in-between the BULS and the 103 if memory serves me right.

Note that the BULS is the only mic of the three with a transformer, so it does have a different sound than the other two.

[TiPo]

I've tried out many of them and in that range I would go for the Neumann TLM-103! The Neumann U87Ai would be the best choice but that is out of this price range but if you have the money for it (I used my VISA card! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] ) go for the U87 Ai! That is an amazing microphone!

[DesertDude]

you can read the specs on the 414 here

[Rick Luxenberg]

I own around 70 different microphones, mostly condensers. For my ears the best ( meaning the truest) would be the 414-buls. But only after haveing them upgraded by Audio Upgrades. What I have learned is that the AKG capsule is fast , responsive, and extremly accurate. I have also modified all my other mics, and I like them all, but nothing comes close to the 414,s. It's worth a try.

[bluedemon]

I love the 414's for drum overheads. For vocals, it's always been the U87 for me.

[Walling1]

I have to second Steve Devino - I love my KSM44.