Neumann U87 vs AKG C414 XLII | Female Vocal Comparison

The Neumann U87ai vs. the AKG C414 XLII on a female vocal
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~ www.novrostudios.com
~ / novrostudios
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| Melody Portnoy |
~ www.melodyportnoy.com
Camera: Nikon D800

[@julioguitarrista]

I can't tell which one sounds better. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@keithrowe1007]

Ears forget very quickly, so use these links. You're welcome 0:15 0:48 start 0:19 0:53 Take these... 0:27 1:00 you were... 0:43 1:17 Into the...

[@endnovember6511]

Thank you sir!!

[@alvarohernandez2764]

Yess

[@MakeMajor]

thanks!!!

[@trevotrevo9822]

Bro.

[@BenjaminLandauMusic]

Bro.

[@carlosfernandes8919]

A Melhor comparação de microfones...AKG E NEWMANN...Parabéns...

[@samchoate1719]

Thank you for this comparison! Very well done and no extra junk. I’m on a hunt for a vocal mic without that cheap scratchy top end that so many affordable mics have…

[@pabloaguerofrank9326]

Son increíbles los dos!!

[@diesirea2045]

wow seriously, AKG I'm converted. A little compression in the mic but still is very tight. will make my mic comparison a lot easier now watching this. I can now appreciate why this mic is an essential tool in all serious commercial studios.

[@GamingDrummer89]

Couldn't hear any real difference between the two...didn't know that was Melody until you introduced her by name at the end! Her dad's one of my favorite drummers (got to meet him once, even!) so I'm glad to hear she's into music just like her younger brother is!

[@joseluisfernandez3453]

I had never seen a comparison between these two mics and I was shocked to admit I like the C414 XL2 more than the legendary U87 I know the C414 is legendary too and all of that, but the U87 is always seen as this impossible trophy every producer/recording engineer wants to have It definitely is a GREAT mic, I just like the C414 XL2 more

[@TheAerovons]

I have always loved Neumann mics, grew up with them in major studios. But in the 80s and 90s in Miami I produced a lot of female vocal sessions and every time the 414 won out over the studios 87.

[@ramencurry6672]

Both are great. The AKG has this musicality that’s kind of better in some ways and can most like be equalized to give it more bass if needed. However, depending on the song, either mic can be the winner.

[@Daveinet]

Yep, I worked in a studio where we had 2 U87s and 1 414. I always preferred the 414...on pretty much anything. The high frequencies are just more pure and articulate. The low end is just more open. Sorry Neumann, you are a good mic, but AKG is just better.

[@andivax]

Fun fact: U87 was designed for orchestral brass. Nice vocals, Melody! And proper mic test, thank you!

[@studio_person]

Энди всюду 🤫

[@BRADRANCH]

I love both these mics, dont let the price fool you. AKG is a great mic. Thats why you'll not find a real studio without one laying around, Sometimes its just a great choice. And like any mic, sometimes not. My voice is better with the 414. Ive tried both. The next singer that steps up to that mic may not sound great on the 414. But with her voice I prefer it. Pre amp can change the character of a mic also, The right pre with the right mic. Pick your flavor. Great job, thanks for posting this.

[@goaway2174]

Thanks for the nice comparison of these two microphones! My opinion is the AKG sounds significantly better on Melody's voice as played back on my stereo. I know the U87 is much more expensive microphone, but it isn't always the best choice on every voice.

[@sacstudiosargentina]

This is the akg c414 xl2. This mic has a boost on the highs.

[@nadler4]

Amazing how close these mics sound in this

[@shannonbiggers3312]

"Mic's" Portnoy sent me "hear". : )

[@FirstHomeStudio]

414 sounds awesome on Females...Thanks for the test...

[@NovroStudios]

For sure! I’ll have to shoot out the 414 and a bunch of other mics on a female vocal soon!

[@JohanSegeborn]

Great vocals!

[@ytb917]

recorded and sung very well. they are great boxy sounds (i like those types of sounds). but i think she would benefit from a more airy and shimmering sound. not any fault of the performance or the equipment. need a mic with more air to bring out the style of her voice.

[@artysanmobile]

Without a choice, I’d be happy using either, but I ALWAYS pick the U87 when I do have a choice. I own both mics and the U87 just gives me exactly what I want for a starting point, with nothing but a bit of limiting and FX to suit. I would go searching for that ‘body’ EQ to help the 414 and I don’t want to do that when tracking vocals.

[@heythere6983]

people who like to say Neumann is warm and full body are not really aware of what they are saying. The Neumann is mostly flat, it doesnt have emphasis on body , its just flat, with a high end response, the akg emphasizes some mids and isn't flat. Its high frequency response also goes nowhere near harsh at any points. People just parrot terms they see all over reviews and have no idea what low end emphasis is or harshness. The neumann also doesnt emphasis any frequency that will help it stand out in the midrange which is usually where the voice sits. The AKG would cut much easier, and you need to remember your probably singing over instruments and the akg would fair much better without getting lost in the mix with less EQ

[@paulcope834]

No way is the 87 flat. I'm hearing a roll off at sibilance levels.

[@claudioagmfilho]

🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷👏🏻, AKG C414 sounds better for voice. It's interesting to see how different microphone characteristics can significantly affect the mixing process. The point about the AKG being easier for voices due to its mid-range emphasis is particularly helpful for those considering how it might perform in studio setups. Do you find one generally more versatile than the other, or does it really depend on the specific application and source material?"

[@ActionDouble]

You must have sonic ears. They both sound the same to me. Hahaha

[@jonhattanrai]

Very nice comparison, I would also like to see the same comparison with a deeper voice, because on this one, the AKG sounds way better because it has less bass, but, with a deep voice probably the Neumann would sound better.

[@varunnar100]

C414 any day

[@GILLISH]

i have both these mic and use them together at the same time in mono crazy sound

[@cristian-marius-albu]

First of all thanks for the video. Interesting would be to compare the Neumann and AKG with a Gefell fet mic like M930 (modern capsule) or a MT71s or UMT70 (M7 capsule). I think they play in the same league 😉.

[@kashphlinktu]

Pretty voice

[@laParoledeVie510]

Bonjour à vous j'aurais besoin de vos conseils pour choisir un micro je cherche une couleur assez particulière je cherche un timbre assez charismatique chaleureux bien présent pour faire de la voix off sachant que j'ai une voix assez aiguë j'ai ma disposition une focus 2i2 3 gen proposez-moi un micro qui va être adapté à ma voix merci de m'aider ?

[@NovroStudios]

Hello! Without knowing your voice, this is a difficult question. There are many options to choose from. It depends on your budget and exactly what you’re trying to do. If you’re trying to do voiceover work, and at a somewhat lower budget, look into a Shure SM7B or an EV RE320.

[@4Bang9Gang]

It all depends on what is your looking for, the goal you intend to reach based on the song and artist voice being tracked. They both sound great. If I had both mic’s I would cut her voice with the C414. There is no right or wrong way. Choose what works for you. In my opinion you should have a selection of mics in your studio that bring different characteristics.

[@BRADRANCH]

Well put Kode.

[@saltedpotato3704]

I love Blackbird

[@maldonadocorrea]

Ambos son excelentes. Pero si tengo que elegir NEUMANN u87👏🏻👏🏻🇺🇾

[@ZaniArkom]

It comes down to if you want warm or bright vocals at the end of the day both are excellent vocal performing microphones, but I’m wondering how well the frequency response compares to the two I’ve used a lot of Norman, Mike and that’s what sticks out to me the most with them is howI can have the input turned down very low and my frequency response is amazing still

[@OMALIE360]

I was about to give away my C414 XL ll and get a Neumann U87. idk if that's a good idea after watching the video... Thanks for the comparison

[@JeroBagg]

The U87 is not as special of a mic as KZbin seems to make it out to be. It is very high quality but it is more or less smaller sounding (than a 414 for instance) and tends to accentuate nasalness. It's good for engineers because it allows them to manipulate the sound of it without running into too many negative artifacts.

[@rogersalles200]

when you have two fantastic mics going side by side the difference vanish completely, it all becomes choice and taste- can`t go wrong with either.

[@themarmots1]

I like c414 in the comparison

[@justduit1879]

akg amazing, love this mic

[@jonnda]

It’s subtle, but the AKG is brighter and has less low end. Not better or worse, but it could mean something when picking a mic. Of course, EQ exists.

[@MobiusMinded]

In this day and age, the wisest choice for a single mic is the Townsend Labs Sphere L22

[@marioaguilera837]

Yeah I used to think the same but I don't think spend thousand dollars on a mic that depends of a software is a good idea or even a wise choice... I think build your locker FULL of mics it is a better investment and brings you more satisfaction..

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

Townsend cannot beat both these mics.

[@JeremyLegaultMusic]

They actually sound pretty similar to me. More low mids in the U87

[@leonardtristan6873]

Nice video ! Which preamps did you use ?

[@NovroStudios]

Both mics are going into a Focusrite Red8Pre

[@DanBires]

I felt like she was a little too close and the proximity effect of her voice was getting a little muddy. Maybe back up a 3 more inches and I believe the neumann would be a bit more natural. The akg sounded great. I believe this mic is better suited for females and less of a bass sound when getting close. Man I really liked the AKG but I know that a neumann has that buttery sound. Great comparison

[@jimiboi87]

Both had that beautiful bold German midrange sound. I think overall, the Neumann was more balanced and had a bolder low end, but the akg had a particular character and sweetness to it that brought out the femininity in her vocals to me. They were both great, I think I’d cut her vocal with the 414 on this one though.

[@MrJinusean90]

C414 it's not a german mikrophone

[@artanrexhepi5221]

@@MrJinusean90 still they speak same language !

[@ramencurry6672]

The U87 kind of sounded somewhat veiled compared to the 414 and the 414 sounded slightly clearer. Either way, they’re both good sounding.

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

U87 has pleasantly flowing sound. It cannot be beaten.

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

@@MrJinusean90 I think it is German microphone. Pl. clear.

[@ManuMarkou]

Thanks for the video. I think the 414, especially the xlii brings too much harshness and is too thin. The u87 brings the body that the 414 does not have. I own both mics, and I think the 414 xlii flatters the sound at first, but is terribly difficult to mix.

[@FritzGillis]

Manu Markou right there with you dude. I heard that sibilance and had the exact same thought

[@Zarabozo]

I've always thought the XLII was a bad idea. The flatness, body and balanced highs of the C414 XLS are way superior. The sound is beautifully manageable.

[@lavers_1]

The U87 is more airy and full range, Within that the C414 sounds great for the price point and has tons of different applications as well

[@smkralik1]

Why so many pops on the C414 XLII and not on the Neumann? Is the diaphragm of the Neumann capable of more SPLs or something? It just seemed odd.

[@tom_k_d]

Neumann has the better grille construction. But max SPL is 140dB at the AKG vs just 117dB at the U87ai, which can cause trouble when tracking loud singers in proximity with the Neumann (which is not the case here) - the vintage version U87i had 5dB more headroom - wish they hadn't changed that...

[@sarielmusic92]

Hello the team, the U 87 is really the best...so sweet; so smooth like a careless......what else??

[@astralaudio101]

Both impeccable microphones. The AKG could more suitable for a female voice?.. The upper mids have more definition..

[@MusicChannel-rf5zz]

Awesome singing! Is the XL different from the C414?

[@JeroBagg]

Currently there are 2 official versions of the 414 in production. The XLS and XLII. They have different capsules. The XLII has a pronounced presence boost and the XLS doesn't.

[@ErolOzMusic]

I have the C414 XLII. It's a great mic. But listening with good monitors, I can hear the U87 sounds a little fuller, warmer, and less sibilant. I wish I could afford one... BUT, the 414 is around $1100 US and the U87 is around $3600 US. Does the U87 sound more than 3x as good?

[@ItzrealMusic]

Hell no it’s not if you know how to mix them your golden

[@ItzrealMusic]

@Luke Bannon 90% of us cant afford It shoot I had a tlm49 twice because I liked the mic tailored my voice then turned around and sold them and told myself 9 different polar patterns you can’t beat that it’s an all around mic just because you have a u87 doesn’t mean it suits your voice I was lucky doing a purchase of the tlm49 and it sounding great on me overall what I’m trying to say is just because you have some very expensive microphone it’s not for everyone especially if you can’t mix and master the mic

[@ItzrealMusic]

@Luke Bannon I agree with you 1000% it would be better but unfortunately no places let you test mic out you can rent out mics and such but it cost you to do so that being I had the at4033 dope mic was clean to me do you own a u87 ? Or is that your dream mic ? I don’t personally care for it overall my thoughts on it is people are looking at price point and that’s not always the case for when it comes down to recording some folks fail to realize that and waste money especially if your not making any money having the microphone shit I’d want to make my money back having some clients but it’s not guarantee I always keep in mind just because you have something very expensive doesn’t mean your going to make it yes it’s nice to have if it’s a dream but overall not necessary

[@definitiveenergy1]

414 on her voice.

[@skylisszthecolossus]

The 414 sounds beautiful, but U87 would be easier to stack layers of vocals with and mixdown would be faster for me..

[@maxhernandez2909]

THE C414 SOUNDS WITH A BIT OF A BOOST IN THE HIGHS, WHILE THE U87 SOUNDS MORE SMOOTH AND FLAT. ITS A MTTER OF PREFERENCE BUT ARE PRO QUALITY AND CAN'T GO WRONG WITH EITHER ONE.

[@fenderguitar9204]

Max Hernandez THANK YOU

[@eduardovarela4807]

414 i love

[@adsertheblade]

I thought the U87 sounded phatter. I may be wrong, but it felt like it was a bit louder? If not, it was definitely phatter.

[@Zarabozo]

You are failing to mention in both your video title and the video introduction that it is the AKG C414 XLII. The XLII is a frequency-bumped variation of the standard XLS, which is the model most people will assume you are referring to when only saying "AKG C414”.

[@orangemaniabrother2232]

Yeah, It's annoying when they do that, there's a bunch of C414s and these people are supposed to be experts showing us something lol

[@ErwinBadudu]

I prefer & like U87 better

[@jamesr141]

C414 sounds so much clearer and more natural but the U87 most likely mixes better.

[@MusicChannel-rf5zz]

AKG is a bit thinner on comparison .A light EQ can fix it.

[@interwurst]

the recording of the AKG is about 2,5dB lower. If you push it to equal loudness, it almost sounds like the U87.

[@guitarbreak88]

wait Mike's daughter? lol nice performance and comparison

[@ut1004bp]

You needed to lower the gain on the c414 as for a proper comparison

[@aitornavarro6597]

U87 seems to have more emphasis on low ends at least in my headphones. Like both, I guess it just depends on the voice or instrument you're recording and what sound you're trying to achieve.

[@NovroStudios]

Very true! I think the AKG punches well above its price tag. It sound phenomenal on many sources.

[@aitornavarro6597]

@@NovroStudios Definitely true, AKG is a steal at that price!! My budget "U87" is the Rode K2 for my home studio

[@guruj7655]

Fullness of neuman🔥

[@wilnypierre1945]

All these comments 😩 barely any noticeable difference between but you would not know reading these comments. Brand fans!

[@JohnnyF71]

I thought the Neumann thrashed the AKG tbh...Just so much sweeter and had such warmth and depth. The AKG is a good mic at its price point but it was soundly beaten here...literally!

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

Both mics have their own characteristic features. But U87 is all rounder.

[@thumbody1]

Both are great mics. I have each of them. The U87Ai has a little more presence in the top end and high mids. It also sounds a bit more transparent. It should. It's 3 times the price. When you get into high end audio, where both of these mics live in the grand scheme of pro audio, you pay more for smaller gains in sound quality. Either of these mics will work well. The Focusrite Red mic pre is a great unit as well but if you were to run the AKG through, lets say an API 312 mic pre, it would sound different as would the U87. It's all about choosing the right combination to get the sound you need for any particular instrument or voice so it sits well in the mix.

[@jonnymodena]

I have a very sensitive ear to tiny differences in nuances and sounds. I expected to hear two sounds that were almost indiscernable. But The Neumann u87 is soooo much cleaner of a sound than the 414. The 414 had a gritty sound where the u87 was just buttery smooth. It is the difference between a professional mic and a semi pro mic. Geez. I wish i had the money for one.

[@FritzGillis]

Beats by Jonny Modena I’m there. That’s also what I heard. All the S and T sounds were crap on the 414

[@MichaelDespairs]

UA87 Has more body/beef/proximity effect. The C414 carves out some low mids allowing more intelligibility and sparkle. I'd go with the AKG considering the cost.

[@dpinskey]

C414 XLII sounds brighter without becoming brittle adding presence and sheen to Melody’s voice. U87 is darker and seems to keep the transients more evenly weighted but diminishes the excitement of the performance in my opinion.

[@hdslave]

seems the performance itself is much more important than the mic here

[@gaborcsordas]

The u87 is just much more musical, more midrange and it just has this extra silk or whatever you want to call it. AKG is great of course, but for me it would be a no brainer to choose (no brauner? :)

[@ShoebMortoza]

To my ear AKG isna tilted egg sliding down without flipping - and the U87 is a perfect ball slopping down beautifully - it's the sound shape I am taking about

[@michieldemarey]

For me C414 sounds better here than the U87. Listened on DT 770 PRO.

[@bacopa9705]

Спасибо за обзор я разницы не услышал

[@doraysmith]

the u87 here

[@michalbochenski4329]

I mean, the C414 got the same capsule as the legendary C12

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

U87 is unbeatable. No tube or any other CM can complete U87. 414xlii is runner up but too a amzing CM.

[@theclaverman]

Thats a pretty stupid statement as there are no «Best Mic». It all depends on the source. Of course it’s not unbeatable. All depends on what you’re going to record. Neumann is a good allrounder, but for female vocals, well…Telefunken ELAM 251, Neumann U47, Neumann 67, Miktek CV4, Sony C800g, AKG C12, Soyuz 017(tube) are by most engineers considered to be much more capable microphones. Even the SM7B can on some occasions be more preferable than the U87. All depends on the source…

[@GeordieMcTavish]

so do this

[@robertbradley3320]

Her voice has so much more weight through the Neumann.

[@Romzon111]

in my akg k702 the clear winner is Neumann

[@peterm3964]

Dont forgetyou can buy TWO AKG for ONE U87

[@Tazmanian_Ninja]

The U87 is far less sibilant. At least on her voice.

[@dco_]

I hear a bit more flatter EQ band on the AKG C414 than on the U87. It almost sounds like it's compressed a bit.

[@merseybeat1963]

The AKG sounds better.

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

Nightingale.

[@huanzi1619]

The mid-tone of U87i is slightly thicker or warmer than 414 XLIII. Both of them are great Microphones.

[@crawlingman7003]

Wasn’t singer too close? Proximity effect? Sounds bassy. Maybe just my car stereo…

[@NovroStudios]

She was about 6” back from the mic. I do not think there was any proximity effect going on.

[@leeoh1504]

There's popping and static hi's on the AKG i.e "0:58" when she says "Life". It sounds better since it shines in hi's from the get-go but overall the hi's ARE NOT CLEAN. So post processing dirty/static hi's will create even more of a nasty vocal in the end whereas the U87 is just a super clean signal. Post processing with effects/mastering etc. will let the hi's shine without the backlash

[@joeschlicht]

Hate to say it because I wanted the 414 to be better, but to me the Nuemann works better here.

[@bigjohnson7415]

Listening to a $4k mic thru $20 earbuds! What's the point?

[@MonsekHevlan]

Who is doind that?

[@markurban9113]

U87 is better - which is not suprising since it costs 3x more.

[@NovroStudios]

Mark Urban It does cost more but why do you think it sounds better?

[@FritzGillis]

vst productions the Sony is awesome. A lot of getting the most out of these high end mics is the preamps tho... the moment I hear a c800 I think DIVA (singers)

[@sugarbait]

for the price C414 is the easy choice.

[@radosmusic3308]

c 414 winner

[@musicamusical1798]

AKG THE BEST

[@Fishtank186k]

I honestly think the cheaper mic sounds better.

[@aslandiesyt]

I am a singer and feel the U87 is highly overrated. the AKG in this case is superior in my opinion and more versatile

[@theclaverman]

Agree. U87 is a good allrounder, but is not my first choice for vocals.

[@rustychassis]

My MXL 990 wipes the floor with both of these, lmao jk

[@ActionDouble]

Why does the black bird need to fly into the night? Birds need to sleep at night.

[@AidarTuner]

The u87 is MUCH COOLER IN frequency response, but you put it too close to the singer, so there may be a misconception that the microphone writes muffled, not bright.

[@isfp6431]

0:15 0:48

[@Skygge.]

I was hoping she would growl... :(