Shines on Acoustic Guitar and Vocal

On acoustic guitar and on male vocals this mike is heavenly. Having nine polar pattern settings on one mike makes it indispensable. I can't think of any applications this mike wouldn't handle. My recordings have been greatly improved by the use of this mike.

Don't even think about it.....JUST GET IT!!!

I by no means am the most experienced when it comes to mics but one thing I can tell you, when you hear quality you will know. This bad boy is definitely a step in the right direction if you want professional sounding vocals (sits well in even the most crowded mixes), haven't tried it on any other sound sources though but from what i've heard it impresses on all application its intended for. AKG has not disappointed one bit, money well spent!!

The amazing C414 tradition continues - WOW!!!

I've been in the recording game since 1969 and have used the best mics in the world over the years, as well as having a very nicely equipped personal mic cabinet in my home. Aside from owning some of the traditional C414-B-ULS, when I first tried out the C414-B-TLII I was floored!!! I bought four of them back in the day - yeah they're stellar!!!
Constantly intrigued by new offerings from "reputable" mic manufacturers this AKG C414 XLII, with an amazing nine polar patterns, instantly caught my attention, as their contemporary offering to replace the discontinued TLII. Finally got one to try out and after a number of hours working with it and doing quite a few A~B tests between this and my TLII's, I have only one thing to say - WOW!!!!!
AKG has done it again, yep, incredible sound quality which exceeds that of the venerable TLII. This XLII features incredibly low noise, very high sensitivity (loud!!!), nice pad and roll-off selection, and the nine polar pattern selection. Also comes nicely nestled in a sturdy case with shockmount, windscreen, and pop-filter.
The XLII sound has all the sweetness of the TLII, but also has improved mid and upper mid detail and clarity over its predecessor.
This truly is an incredible microphone, more of them will find their way into my cabinet very soon, and I strongly suggest you get one or two for yourself!!!

AKG C414XLII

I've only used this mic for a few basic vocal and acoustic guitar recordings so far. The difference in quality compared to a $300 price range AKG I own is huge. Much less will need to be done as far as EQ and effects because even the flat recordings sound very natural yet potent. Very glad I decided on this mic.

Smooth sound with many options, but a bit boxy sounding.

I like the look and all the features of this microphone more than the actual sound. Had it for a year befor I sold it.

I found the sound to be a bit boxy, First tought it was my room.
But my other microphones doesn't sound boxy. So I think it is the microphone rather than my room (wich is well reated).

As I have another soundcard and a different preamp now I might
try it again sometime, but it's not first on my list!

I would give it 3 or 4 stars had it not been for the boxy sound.
This unfortunately destroys my experience with it.