AKG C414 comb Conversion
We were recently brought a pair of AKG C414s, the original 1971 version with C12 capsules, but missing their stand adapters. The connector on the actual microphone was an obsolete Cannon part which is now unobtainable and had issues anyway which forced AKG to develop the C414EB as a replacement.
AKG C414 comb showing original Cannon connector
After discussing the options with the customer we tested the microphones and checked that they were actually working. This was done by soldering wires to the rear of the Cannon connector to a free XLR plug. Both 414s were in perfect working order so we then made metal plates to support “Klein Tuchel” plugs and mounted them in the frame filling the hole left from the Cannon connector.
Modified C414 with Tuchel Plug
The smaller Tuchel plug protrudes from the microphone a lot less than an XLR stub plus XLR cable connector.
C414 with Tuchel to XLR cable
This left the problem of how to mount the microphones on a stand. The 30 x 40 mm base rectangle and sloping sides made the use of available shockmounts difficult so we designed and built a pair of adjustable stand adapters.
Custom C414 Stand Adapters in use as Faulkner Phased Array
The only permanent alterations made to the microphones were filing the two small lugs off the bases and filing the frame to clear two M3 fixing screws. By removing the Cannon connectors the mysterious rattle also disappeared and this was found to be due to loose unused contacts.
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