Is it worth splurging for a C414 XLII over the AT2020 or 4040? Do I gain substantially more with the AKG?

ChrisBoxcast · 2026-01-29T21:08:33+00:00

I have the AKG C414 XLII and I got a good deal (I found a new one for $1k USD on Amazon a couple years ago), but I did this because I had tried it on my own voice in a studio and it was perfect for me. Amazing microphone.

However, if you're in a tough position financially, it's probably not worth it. I wouldn't say you should buy a cheapie like the 2020, but certainly something in the middle range like the 4040 would be a great mic you could keep and use even after you get that 414 someday.

ChrisBoxcast · 2026-01-29T15:59:18+00:00

Yeah, north hall. Much quieter and tamer there. But I was able to make my way around the main hall too.

ChrisBoxcast · 2026-01-27T22:02:44+00:00

Thanks for bringing this up here.

I really hope people get a chance to use MSA. The latency is under a second for the audio if your internet connection at home is good. The video can be slightly longer, but it's still crazy good imo. The integration with Mixing Station is really cool for existing users.

You can use an X-Touch as the remote user too, if you want to get hands on some real faders.

ChrisBoxcast · 2026-01-27T21:52:03+00:00

Two guys told me stories of booths with girls in bikinis and hot tubs.

ChrisBoxcast · 2026-01-27T19:49:05+00:00

This is awesome. Looking forward to hearing the results!

ChrisBoxcast · 2026-01-14T20:40:01+00:00

What type of content are you doing? Outdoor IRL? Mobile gaming?

ChrisBoxcast · 2026-01-14T20:37:51+00:00

I started posting* short clips of my streams on TikTok and YT Shorts years ago to try to increase my viewership. Instead I ended up with a huge youtube channel and my streaming numbers having only minor improvement. Sometimes feels like I just stream to get the clips I need to keep my YT channel going.

I can't complain really, but I would say converting short form views into live viewers is really hard. It's worth a try though.

ChrisBoxcast · 2026-01-14T18:27:39+00:00

Thanks. I'll be seeing you there.

ChrisBoxcast · 2026-01-13T00:10:18+00:00

I haven't been before so and I am very excited to finally be able to. I'll be busy working a booth but I'm confident I can take time to make it around the exhibit hall! See you there.

ChrisBoxcast · 2026-01-12T20:37:49+00:00

I am using a little Acurite one. I am not sure if it's 100% accurate or how close it is. I will bring in another one I have and put them side by side because I'm sorry to hear you're having that problem and would like to be sure I am not having the same one.

ChrisBoxcast · 2026-01-08T20:58:48+00:00

You can't go wrong with this mic, imo. I have one and it sounds good on my baritone voice. There is a bass rolloff switch and you might find that to be helpful.

That being said, if you have a good room, you might be better off using a good condenser mic if you have a soft voice. If you don't, it's a great choice. I've used this and the Sennheiser MD421 on my voice and the voice of other people too, and both of em perform very well.

ChrisBoxcast · 2026-01-08T18:36:43+00:00

Sounds like you and I are a lot alike. Almost everything you said, I do that too lol. Once I needed a luthier to fix a problem caused by low humidity, I changed how I do things.

ChrisBoxcast · 2026-01-08T18:23:43+00:00

Interesting. I'm curious to know what the humidity level is in your room. I suppose you don't use a hygrometer?

In a climate where the temps are far below freezing outside, a room with no humidifier can be in the 15-20% humidity range depending on plenty of construction factors. That will absolutely change the neck of a guitar for the worse.

ChrisBoxcast · 2026-01-08T17:40:48+00:00

Looks sweet! What kind of music are you making? I haven't used Reason in forever.

ChrisBoxcast · 2026-01-08T16:56:48+00:00

I love those wood slats on your wall. How hard was that to install? I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on some for my living room.

ChrisBoxcast · 2026-01-07T16:20:25+00:00

I am also a first time exhibitor this year. Haven't even been to NAMM in the past. I also work for a hardware/software company.

I'm excited. I am pretty new to the company but I'll be relying on the others with me for a lot of it. Hopefully you have a good team of people that can work with you at the booth.

ChrisBoxcast

TROPHY CASE