Description

If you think that the U47 is the «king» of the microphones, then the C12 is definitely the queen. It’s unique sound, with rich low end and natural top end, has made the AKG C12 a legend in the world of microphones. The combination of the CK12 capsule, 6072 tube and a transformer-coupled output circuit makes for outstanding tone. Couple that iconic sound with a frequency range from 20 kHz all the way down to 20 Hz, and the C12 is undoubtedly one of the holy grails of large diaphragm condenser mics.

Transformer

Capsule

The original CK12 capsule is widely regarded as one of the finest condenser microphone capsules in history. The first AKG capsules had 10-micron Styroflex diaphragms, with later models changing the material to 6-micron Mylar and the size of the chamber between the backplates. The basic design remained the same: a dual-backplate, large-diaphragm capsule with twin edge-terminated diaphragms. 
In our microphones we use Campbell Transmitter's CT12 capsule - made in Denmark and modelled after AKG's legendary CK12 capsule, the CT12 captures the brilliance and warmth of our favorite examples of the original. 

Transformer

Tube

The original C12 microphones were built around a GE6072 tube. Those tubes are no longer manufactured and only very limited numbers of NOS GE6072s remain. We offer a choice of modern Russian EH12AY7/6072 or JJ6072 tubes, both of which have great tone, but we can supply microphones with NOS GE6072 on request.

Transformer

Transformer

The original microphones went through a number of different transformer variation, from the Hiller T14, to the Henry 2148 and the famous Haufe T14/1. All of these variations combine to make the C12 a microphone that truly evolved over time. In our C12 we use new German made Haufe T14/1 transformers.