AKG C 414 EB

[frede]

I have just purchased an AKG C 414 EB on e(vil)bay. I was wondering what the technical difference is between this mic and the 414 ULS. I have heard something about a transformer?!?

Soundwise, is this a better or worse microphone than the newer models?

 

[dukasound]

[quote author="frede"]I have just purchased an AKG C 414 EB on e(vil)bay. I was wondering what the technical difference is between this mic and the 414 ULS. I have heard something about a transformer?!?

Soundwise, is this a better or worse microphone than the newer models?[/quote]

Different circuit, different capsule!
I am owner of one

 

[Tim Campbell]

If your mic has the original capsule and is in good working order you've gotten the best version of the 414 in my opinion.

 

[The Kid]

Yeah, I've got the ULS, and it is awesome, but, from what I've heard, the EB is even better! So, congratulations!

Check this out: http://www.akg.com/products/powerslave,nodeid,1,mynodeid,173,id,214,pid,214,_language,EN.html

Holy Crap! I didn't know they discontinued it!

 

[tommytones]

Yup, different capsule (hopefully) and different circuit. I have a pair of EB's and I love how they can sound.

 

[frede]

I have just opened the mic to check the capsule: It is very dirty. :sad: I guess it is dust.

How does this affect the sound/performance?
Is it possible to clean the capsule?
What is the price for a new capsule?

Hope you can help me.

 

[Kid Squid]

Hello Frede,

If the capsule is really dirty, then yes the sound will be very degraded, to the point of not even picking up sound.
The problems i have encountered are wooshing noises, distortion on peaks etc,

Stewart (Zebra 50), and some of the other guys here pointed me in the right direction to cleaning two u87's, and i've used this info to clean up my 414EB also.

do a search on u87 capsules on this forum,

If not i will try to explain the best i can.

Regards

Steve :thumb:

 

[dukasound]

Hi Steve
Send us a link about cleaning capsules.
Best
Duka

 

[zebra50]

http://www.groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=697&highlight=u87

and

http://www.josephson.com/clean.txt

 

[dukasound]

[quote author="zebra50"]http://www.groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=697&highlight=u87

and

http://www.josephson.com/clean.txt[/quote]

Thanks

 

[Kid Squid]

Straight from the Zebra's Mouth :wink:

:thumb: :guinness: :thumb:

 

[frede]

Thanks a lot for the help.

I will try to clean the capsule following those instructions.

 

[zebra50]

I've just been reading Heyne's forum. Go carefully. Try to keep the grot away from the junction where the diaphragm meets the the metal/plastic parts. You need a steady hand. I use a small, expensive sable artists brush, and distilled water if needed. Try to remove the dust with the dry brush first - maybe that's all it needs. I haven't had to resort to organic/alcohol solvents, although I have only cleaned a small number of mics & there are people with much greater experience than me.

 

[saxtim]

Just out of interest, the schematic on the Gyraf site for the 'original' 414 - is that this mic, or the 414 comb or another 414?

Does anyone have any component values or voltage measurments/any other info for the schematic on Jakob's site?

tim