AKG C414 XLS vs Austrian Audio OC818

Clip from BSP-356: • Is KZbin Premium Wor...
Originally aired 30 JUL 2023

[@JR-lx8nn]

Hmmm they are pretty darned close - the price differential is insignificant at this price range. The AA is a bit fuller, thicker, richer and smoother than the older AKG model - which is crisper, more airy with less lower end - but not enough to say one is better, just every so lightly different. I think it would be a much more useful demonstration of self noise if you recorded each one in a perfectly silent room, perhaps isolating them in a sound-proof box, which would prevent ambient noise from overshadowing the self noise of each microphone. Just a friendly serving suggestion. Thanks old man. TT

[@perryomodeizorini6952]

Big differente in price here in Japan. Around 1140 for the Austrian Audio and 630 US dollars for the AKG. Thank you for sharing your comparison.

[@gimoon0125]

That's why i bought AKG C414 from Japan 😂 The AKG is weirdly cheap in Japan.

[@nusnowman3438]

really? where in Japan can I buy c414 for 630 dollars?

[@perryomodeizorini6952]

@@nusnowman3438soundhouse japan

[@jackinvox]

On the Thomann Music site, both the AKG C414 XLS and Austrian Audio OC818 Studio are currently priced at $888 and, through 31.05.2024, the Austrian Audio microphone includes a pair of Hi-X55 Studio headphones.

[@alexanderlinkevich]

OC818 is more colored (like XLII), 414XLS is neutral!

[@fuchidawagyu7815]

I think AKG management (SAMSUNG their owners) will have regret sacking all the AKG staff that went onto to form Austrian Audio. Thats if they care about this high end quality audio ??

[@ゆきみな0816]

They don't care about it😂 There aren't any new microphones but crappy USB microphones.

[@donkeyhead68]

Here in Portugal I was able to get the Austrian Audio on sale for 800 euros.

[@andreasgilgenberg5588]

wow the 818 sounds great

[@lastsonofthewest2444]

Absolutely could hear the higher self-noise; however, it sounded cleaner (OC818) and is very easy to remove in post. Much preferred the Austrian Audio, thanks for the great review, go eat a few frozen pizzas.

[@smoovejazz9832]

even the self noise sounds smoover on the oc818

[@JeroBagg]

How are you level matching these mics? By ear or by LUFS?

[@Sagerydian]

818 is so good. Wow!

[@MegaSoteris]

Excellent my friend.The way you just talk and change between mics is excellent.Cheers .

[@R.C.Bullar]

OC818 sounds too dark in comparison.

[@kubickube7670]

Sexy hat, Bro.

[@steverok67]

On your voice, they sound nearly identical to me.

[@Adamsgotgame]

Your a menace! lol

[@BojanBojovic]

AA mics have some strange notch at around 6khz.

[@Getry]

Austrian Audio were designing the capsule for a year before even doing anything else. They installed difusior beneth the capsule to difuse early reflections from the electronic parts (usually it's reflections in that area around 6khz) So maybe it's strange noth, maybe it's not but I believe it's no coincidence. If you like it you like it. I own it and if my recordings sucks it's always because of me. Great mic.

[@kaludjuti]

Da li ih i dalje preporučuješ? Koliko je se primećuje to? Ja kontam da uzmem oc18 za kućni studio

[@meistudiony]

Sooooooooo. The big difference is the ability to change patterns after the fact with the 818. Got it! Lol

[@dkijc]

I'd say this isn't necessarily true. The work is done by the open source app! Meaning, this could be achieved by recording with any dual diaphragm/output microphones. :) So, I THINK you could achieve something close by using a pair of matched microphones back-to-back on the cardioid pattern. Give it a go!

[@meistudiony]

@@dkijc doesnt work as well. I have a townsend sphere which does the same type of thing. Which can utilize that software. Also, Ive tried using a pair of 414s the capsules cant get close enough to make it work right. The capsules (before processing) are essentially acting as an omni capsule but split between two outputs. Using 2 cardioid capsules can get kinda close to this but again, its not quite there.

[@dkijc]

@@meistudiony That sucks.. I was thinking about putting both as an omni, as well. BUT I did have a suspicion that the proximity of the capsules might cause issues :(. Thanks for letting me know! I've been meaning to try the software. I had both matched OC818 and the XLII. As much as I love new technology, I preferred the sound of the XLiis so much better. And.... I also didn't want to focus on tech when I should be making music. hahaha

[@meistudiony]

@@dkijc it does make for an interesting sound… but when you switch to fig 8 for example it doesnt quite null the sides. Experimentation is always fun and informative and can lead to some great new sounds!

[@dkijc]

@@meistudiony Great attitude. As long as there are no phasing issues, I'd say have fun!! Haha. Thanks for sharing!

[@vincenteoppolo9025]

No difference at all.no human heard a difference. I own sets of each but the oc818’s are my go to’s.

[@mobaten]

WA14 has a higher end. 18 has a boomier end. For deep and gritty voices -18. For tenor and sharper voices - 14