The AKG C414 B-ULS is one of the most recorded microphones in history, and that is not an accident. From its introduction through the end of its production run, the B-ULS was the 414 that engineers consistently reached for when they wanted accuracy, versatility, and a sound that would hold up across decades of playback. Four switchable polar patterns — omnidirectional, cardioid, hypercardioid, and figure-eight — plus two-stage pad switching at -10 and -20dB and a switchable bass rolloff at 75 or 150Hz give you a microphone that adapts to virtually any source and any placement strategy. Self-noise of 14dB A-weighted and a maximum SPL of 140dB unpadded mean it handles both the quietest acoustic sources and the loudest amplifiers without complaint.
What distinguishes the B-ULS from the later 414 variants is the output transformer. The TLII and subsequent models moved to a transformerless design in the interest of extended low-frequency response and a more neutral character. The B-ULS retains the transformer, and to many engineers' ears that adds a subtle but meaningful quality to the sound — a slight warmth and body in the midrange that sits differently in a mix than the cleaner, more clinical response of the later versions. AKG's own XLS was designed explicitly to maintain the sonic character of the B-ULS, which tells you something about what the original got right. This is the one serious engineers argue about in the best possible way.
This example is in very good condition — fully functional across all patterns, pads, and filters. Please refer to the photos for a close look at cosmetic condition. Includes the original case and mic clip.
- Make: AKG
- Model: C414 B-ULS
- Country of origin: Austria
- Type: Large-diaphragm multi-pattern condenser
- Capsule: dual back-to-back 25mm gold-sputtered diaphragms
- Polar patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure-eight
- Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
- Self-noise: 14dB (A-weighted)
- Sensitivity: 12.5mV/Pa
- Maximum SPL: 140dB (unpadded, 0.5% THD)
- Pad: -10dB, -20dB switchable
- Bass rolloff: 75Hz or 150Hz, 12dB/octave switchable
- Output: transformer-coupled XLR
- Power: 9-52V phantom power
- Modifications: none
- Includes: original case, mic clip
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value.
International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
