Description: "The C 12 is a studio condenser microphone of the highest professional quality. It has been specially designed for use in sound recording and broadcasting studios, and is therefore the choice of many studios both at home and abroad.
Nine different directional characteristics can be selected by means of a remote control unit without any change in frequency response or sensitivity. In addition to three basic characteristics, omni-directional, cardioid and bi-directional, six intermediate patterns (including hypercardioids) are available. The S 12 control unit is connected to the N 12 power supply unit by the RL 12 remote control cable, and the power supply unit to the microphone by the MK 12 microphone cable.
The C 12 is considered “the holy grail” of microphones by audio engineers for its beautiful three-dimensional vocal quality—a result of the combination of its hand-tensioned, edge-terminated
AKG capsule and the rare GE 6072 triode tube. Original C 12s regularly sell for $10,000 to $15,000 and some have fetched upwards of $30,000—many times their original price (even factoring inflation) thanks to its combination of rarity and high performance. The unit shown in these photographs was won on eBay for $6,862 on October 23, 2005. The C 12 is still influencing the art of large-diaphragm condenser recording microphones more than fifty years after its introduction. Its CK 12 capsule was the first to have the acoustic “fingerprint” in its frequency response for which other AKG microphones have become famous: a small dip at around two kHz and a well-chosen presence rise."
Specifications: -
Frequency Range: 20 to 20,000 cps
- Frequency Response: ± 2 dB related to published curve
- Directional Characteristics (nine different positions): omni-directional. Cardioid: better than 20 dB front-to-back ratio at 180° sound incidence, bi-directional: 20 dB front-to-back ratio
- Sensitivity: 1.0 mV/µbar (–60 dB re 1 V/dyne/cm2), unloaded (200 ohms)
- Equivalent Noise Level: less than 20 dB
- Impedance: 50/200 ohms (change solder lugs)
- Tube Complement: 1 x 6072, 6.3 volts DC filament voltage, 120 volts DC plate voltage
- Mains Connection: 110/125/145/220/245 volts AC at 50/60 cps
- Stand Connector: 3⁄8", ½", 5⁄8"-27 with microphone cable MK 12
- Dimensions: 10" (255 mm) with connector, 11⁄16" diameter (43 mm)
- Weight: 1 lb. 3.2 oz. net (560 g), shipping weight 29 lbs. 12.8 ozs. (13.5 kg)
AKG C12 Historical and Application Notes
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