In this guide, we will examine in detail all the points that characterize these two types of microphones. We’ll also discuss their respective strengths and limitations so that you can easily find out which of these two microphones best suits your needs.
So without further ado, check out our full review to find out about the AKG C414 XLII vs Neumann TLM 102; which microphone will win this duel!
General view of the two microphones
AKG C414 XLII vs Neumann TLM 102: which is the best professional microphone to buy?
The AKG C414 XLII and the Neumann TLM 102 are both diaphragm microphones. However, unlike the AKG C414 XLII, the Neumann TLM 102 has only one cardioid polar pattern and no pop filter.
In the case of the microphone AKG C414 XLII in contrast, it incorporates 9 polar patterns, each of which can be adjusted, but also features a pop filter and super-cardioid directivity.
AKG C414 XLII vs Neumann TLM 102 : Which microphone has the best characteristics?
Following this line, let’s take a closer look at the features that differentiate these two high-end, professional microphones. Let’s start with the Neumann TLM 102 microphone!
Neumann TLM 102: The best between recording quality and compactness
AKG C414 XLII vs Neumann TLM 102: Neumann beats AKG on audio quality
Started in 2009, the professional studio microphone Neumann TLM 102 was designed with the objective of providing professional quality sound recording while combining compactness, versatility and a better price/performance ratio.
The Neumann TLM 102 is a professional microphone for picking up not only vocals, but also various acoustic instruments such as guitars and drums. This professional microphone has everything to compete with any other type of dynamic microphone, whether it has a moving coil with magnet.
AKG C414 XLII vs Neumann TLM 102 : AKG beats Neumann in packaging
From a technical point of view, the Neumann TLM 102 is a condenser microphone with a large diaphragm. Its polar pattern shows a cardioid directivity. The only thing that we find objectionable about this microphone is its minimal packaging.
Indeed, the manufacturer could have equipped its stereo microphone with a pop filter or a windscreen. However, the Neumann TLM 102 doesn’t come with any accessory except for a foam protection in its box and an SG 2 stand support (a point which is still appreciable).
AKG C414 XLII vs Neumann TLM 102: Neumann beats AKG in compactness and performance
The Neumann TLM 102 is admittedly light and compact. However, you can be sure that when you use it, this microphone will reveal its true potential. By the way, the Neumann TLM 102 is very durable despite its light weight.
Like a dynamic microphone, the body of this microphone is equipped with a sufficiently robust metal grille. Since this is a microphone with an XLR connector, it cannot be operated without 48 V phantom power.
This is the point that differentiates it from most dynamic microphones with USB cable. The latter are equipped with Plug and Play functions and can therefore be plugged directly into a computer to operate instantly.
As well as the new version Neumann TLM 193, The Neumann TLM 102 omnidirectional microphone also has no built-in sound card. This stereo studio microphone also has no on/off switch, no attenuation buffers, and no high-pass or low-pass filter.
Focus on the sound quality of the Neumann TLM 102 microphone
AKG C414 XLII vs Neumann TLM 102: more clarity, roundness and dynamic sound for the Neumann.
In terms of audio quality, we can say that the Neumann TLM 102 adds more clarity, roundness, power and dynamism to the bass and midrange. All this with a frequency response between 20 and 100 Hz. This results in a relaxed, expressive and smooth low-frequency sound in front of the microphones of this type.
However, the sound quality of this stereo microphone is rather poor in the midrange. This limitation is especially noticeable when recording speech or conversation through this microphone.
In spite of this, the Neumann TLM 102 still provides a clear and smooth frequency peak that can be installed up to 10 kHz without causing any saturation. The sound becomes clearer and smoother as you go down to 20 kHz.
AKG C414 XLII vs Neumann TLM 102: more clarity, precision and smoothness of sound for Neumann
The Neumann TLM 102 provides a precise, fluid and percussive sound in the treble range without generating unwanted noise. The sensitivity of the microphone, the recording quality it offers and the clarity of the sound it captures are simply exceptional.
AKG C414 XLII vs Neumann TLM 102: optimal proximity effect for the Neumann
In the same way as with a dynamic or directional microphone, you can take advantage of the proximity effect using the Neumann TLM 102. This microphone is more capable of covering and picking up sound waves and vibrations over a wider bandwidth than the voice pickup obtained with a micro-USB of Blue yeti pro studio type or Snowball. And this, despite their nice spherical shape.
Although the Neumann TLM 102 requires the use of a converter to avoid any risk of overloading the phantom power supply with electric current, this professional microphone is still much more powerful and sophisticated than a lapel microphone. Likewise, no coil microphone with a USB port can match the performance and sound quality of a professional microphone like the Neumann TLM 102.
AKG C414 XLII vs. Neumann TLM 102: Neumann delivers the best audio quality in the professional studio
In its dynamic description, the Neumann TLM 102 provides incredible sonic clarity when used to capture the recording sound of an acoustic guitar. Similarly, on an electric guitar amp, this condenser microphone is capable of handling a maximum sound pressure of 144 dB.
This seems to us to be more than enough to capture or to bring out all the sounds you want with an electric guitar, even at high frequencies. Whether the electric guitar is equipped with or without a distortion or effects pedal, the sound picking up eliminates all handling noise when using a professional microphone like the Neumann TLM 102.
AKG C414 XLII vs Neumann TLM 102: Neumann perceives more clearly the powerful and percussive tones
When recording percussion instruments, we enjoyed the nice cymbal crackle that this stereo microphone allowed us to hear. We also liked the percussive tone of the snare and bass drum.
By the way, the Neumann TLM 102 gives a more or less correct recording quality for the sound picking up of an acoustic piano, despite the fact that it tends to saturate (very) slightly under the effect of certain acoustic pressures.
AKG C414 XLII vs. Neumann TLM 102: Neumann brings more versatility to the home studio
Because of its versatility and audio quality, this type of microphone is equally useful for singers and backup singers as it is for guitarists and percussionists. By the way, the clarity, power, precision and sonic dynamism of this dynamic recording instrument for sound engineers are well proven.
It should only be remembered that the Neumann TLM 102 is more expensive than most of the high-performance condenser microphones available on the market, such as the Rode NT1-A microphone and the USB Rode Nt among many others.
Technical characteristics of the Neumann TLM 102 microphone
- Type: condenser microphone with large diaphragm
- Directivity: cardioid
- Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Output impedance: 50 Ohms
- Maximum sound pressure: 144dB SPL
- Sensitivity: 11mV/Pa
- Clean sound: 12 Db-La
By the way, you can also consult our selection of best microphones for Rap or Hip-Hop. This guide offers you, how to find the best microphone for Rap, the technical characteristics to take into consideration, as well as the different types of microphones for Hip-Hop.
AKG C414: A versatile, full-range high-end microphone
The AKG C414 is a microphone model that was introduced in 1971. Since then, the AKG brand has continued to improve its own C414 microphone model. There are various variations of condenser microphone models with this C414 reference, such as the AKG C414 XLII and the AKG C414 XLS.
AKG C414 XLII vs. Neumann TLM 102: AKG offers a wider frequency range
The AKG C414 microphones have much the same characteristics, with slight differences in the response curve to the sound source. Versatility is one of the greatest strengths of the AKG C414 and all its variants from its introduction in 1971 to the present day.
AKG C414 XLII vs Neumann TLM 102 : the AKG gives a complete packaging
In contrast to the TLM 102 from Neumann, the AKG C414 XLII comes fully packaged. This high-end microphone is supplied with a PF80 pop filter, a C414 protection brace and an H85 universal shock mount, as well as a metal carrying case and a storage pouch.
AKG C414 XLII vs Neumann TLM 102: AKG responds to a very wide frequency range
As well as the previous version C214 from AKG, The AKG C414 XLII is a multi-pole patterned microphone and is designed to accommodate a wider range of sound sources. This includes: voice, acoustic guitar, piano and most woodwind instruments.
AKG C414 XLII vs Neumann TLM 102: AKG offers nine polar diagram choices
The AKG C414 is a micro pro studio condenser which offers 9 picking up modes that can be modified and amplified as desired. This is especially true for the directivity, which can be set to cardioid, super-cardioid, wide cardioid, omnidirectional, etc. This microphone even provides 4 intermediate setting modes.
This really gives you the opportunity to exploit its true potential and to feed the sound dynamics to the fullest with the possibility to explore the whole acoustic sphere. It also allows you to complete your recording equipment and thus to realize picking up audio worthy of a professional studio recording.
As with the Neumann TLM 102, this is also a stereo microphone with XLR connection, and therefore operates with a phantom power supply. Unlike the Neumann TLM 102, however, the AKG C414 XLII is equipped with a switch with LED indicator to show whether it is switched on or off. The built-in light is also used to indicate possible problems of electrical overload.
AKG C414 XLII vs Neumann TLM 102: AKG more configurable than Neumann.
On the back of the professional microphone there is an attenuation pad so that you can easily adjust the switch between 6, -12 and -18 dB. By the way, unlike the Neumann TLM 102, the AKG C414 XLII has a low-pass filter.
This gives you a free choice of frequencies for all ranges to be reduced or suppressed below 40 Hz, 80 Hz or 160 Hz. By the way, this is much better than a simple volume control of the ordinary microphone of Rode NT USB type or a headset with a microphone, even if it doesn’t require any other connection than the classic USB.
AKG C414 XLII: What about the audio quality?
The AKG C414 has two main variants, the C414 XLII and C414 XLS of AKG. Tll of them have 9 polar patterns to choose from, but with slight differences. Both models of AKG C414 microphones give a fairly good response curve, transparent and at very low pressure levels in both the bass and midrange.
AKG C414 XLII vs Neumann TLM 102: a clearly perceptible and more nuanced acoustic gain for the AKG
The AKG C414 offers more at its microphone input by boosting the frequency range to provide a nice gain in sonic presence down to about 6 kHz. This professional microphone captures the sound of an acoustic guitar with much more clarity and nuance. All this with a smoother, more harmonious soundstage. By the way, the AKG C414 XLII sounds better on an acoustic piano than the Neumann TLM 102.
AKG C414 XLII vs. Neumann TLM 102: a better planned pre-recording with the AKG
The sound quality of the AKG C414 XLII with its microphone input also gives more possibilities for mixing console settings than with the Neumann TLM 102. This second microphone is more suitable for a sound engineer than for someone who just wants to optimize the quality of his or her sound recording in the home studio.
The AKG C414 XLII is also more suitable for studio recording of voice-overs or podcasts than for singing. In addition, the AKG C414 XLII provides a more contrasting, colorful and distinctly pronounced sound than any gooseneck microphone.
AKG C414 XLII vs Neumann TLM 102: better sound dynamics with the AKG
Unlike the Neumann TLM 102, the AKG C414 XLII can also amplify the sound dynamics. This makes this microphone a must-have for anyone who wants to perform voice-overs, dialogue and podcasts.
For this very reason, this microphone is more suitable for rappers than for singers and backing singers. Radio or online TV presenters will also be better off with a professional microphone like the AKG C414 XLII.
Technical characteristics of the AKG C414 XLII microphone
- Type: stereo condenser microphone with large diaphragm
- Directivity: cardioid, super-cardioid, wide cardioid, eight, omnidirectional
- Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Output impedance: 200 Ohms
- Maximum sound pressure level: 140dB SPL
- Sensitivity: 23mV/Pa
- Clean sound: 6 Db-A
Which one to choose: AKG C414 XLII or Neumann TLM 102?
Remember that the AKG C414 XLII and the Neumann TLM 102 are both best sophisticated studio microphones and high-end microphones for use in professional studios. In the AKG C414 XLII vs. Neumann TLM 102 duel, the question now is which of these mics performs better.
To answer this, let’s first note that the AKG C414 XLII has a more sober and woody sound while the Neumann TLM 102 allows for a clearer and more accentuated sound. Acoustic guitarists, for the most part, would opt for the Neumann TLM 102, as its sonic clarity is more pronounced and better nuanced.
AKG C414 XLII vs Neumann TLM 102: which one is right for professional studio recording?
The Neumann TLM 102 sounds incredible on an electric guitar amp whether it is connected to an effects pedal or a simple distortion pedal. For recording instruments such as acoustic piano and woodwinds such as flute, however, the AKG C414 XLII provides a much better sound.
AKG C414 XLII vs Neumann TLM 102: which of these mics is more suitable for voice picking up?
Singers should consider the Neumann TLM 102 because of this stereo microphone’s reliability in enhancing the acoustic quality of the singing voice. For those who want to record voice-overs, dialogues, podcasts and rap lyrics, however, a high-end professional microphone such as the AKG C414 XLII or XLS is preferable.
AKG C414 XLII and Neumann TLM 102 in a few words
AKG C414 XLII vs. Neumann TLM 102: Which of the two microphones wins the duel? To be honest, the AKG C414 XLII and the Neumann TLM 102 provide an unparalleled picking up quality.
This means that the AKG C414 XLII is as good as the Neumann TLM 102. You just need to decide which type of microphone is best suited to your needs and budget.
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Our verdict on the two microphones!
AKG C414 XLII vs. Neumann TLM 102: which of these two high-end mics should you choose to optimize your voice recording in a professional recording studio?
Although the AKG C414 XLII is more versatile by allowing a choice of 9 possible polar pattern settings, the Neumann TLM 102 offers more clarity and precision for studio sound recording.
This can be explained by the fact that this microphone only focuses on one specific point, the “cardioid directivity”, to guarantee a precise sound recording completely free of unwanted noise.
Thanks to its ingenious design, the Neumann TLM 102 provides maximum clarity and precision in picking up sound, whether for an audition or for a recording. This makes the microphone a true ally of the sound engineer.
The specific design of the Neumann TLM 102 in terms of its cardioid polar pattern tilts the balance slightly in its favor. It should also be noted that the microphone price of the Neumann TLM 102 is more or less affordable for sophisticated professional recording equipment. This is why we have chosen to declare the Neumann TLM 102 the winner of this duel.
