2010
02.01

Red Type B / R8 vs AKG C 414 B-ULS

Category: Analysis / Tag: , , , ,  / Add Comment

After recently acquiring a Red Type B / R8 I wanted to compare it’s sound to the ole faithful 414. I also wanted to compare the mics on different sources,  that gives this drummer an excuse to noodle around on instruments I have no business otherwise touching :) . So keep that in mind while listening to these. I find I prefer the RED overall. It’s a brighter mic. The 414 was darker in color with a greater Low end/Low Mid response.

I kept the mic positioning as balanced as possible.

Signal chain = Mic – Hardy M1 – DomII – DAW. Dry recording/No EQ.


  • rhodes-414.wav

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  • rhodes-Red.wav

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  • Udu-414.wav

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  • Udu-Red.wav

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  • backpacker-414.wav

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  • backpacker-Red.wav

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5 comments so far

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  1. Reply
    Mark said: 2010.02.01 09:04

    The 414 has more proximity effect than the Blue, take that away with the high pass on the 414 and I would chose the 414 for the Rhodes and Udo and the Blue for the Back Packer.

    The 414 seems to have more depth where the Blue just sounds bright.

  2. Reply
    Mark said: 2010.02.01 09:05

    Err, make that RED not BLUE, that’s the old name. :)

  3. Reply
    CaLLa said: 2010.02.01 09:21

    Both great detail. I must admit, that I was 50/50 indecisive on the Rhodes, but else I favored the 414. In general I don’t like what the Red does at 6350 Hz too much..
    I would LOVE to hear it on a snare though!

    • Reply
      rhythminmind said: 2010.02.01 11:28

      I will try it on snare for & in front of my kick for sure.

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