The C414 XLS is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone that carries on the sound of the C414 B-ULS, the most popular C414 version since 1971. It is built around a linear, neutral response for detailed capture of vocals and acoustic instruments.

Nine polar patterns can be selected, including cardioid, wide cardioid, hypercardioid, figure of eight and omnidirectional. Three pre-attenuation pads (-6, -12 and -18 dB) allow close-up work or sources up to 158 dB SPL, and three switchable bass-cut filters (40, 80 and 160 Hz) deal with wind noise, subsonic rumble or proximity effect. A peak-hold LED flags even the shortest overloads, and all controls can be locked out for live sound and fixed installations.

The microphone has a balanced 3-pin male XLR output and runs on 44 to 52 V phantom power. It ships with a shock mount, pop filter, windscreen and a metal carrying case.