If there were ever a microphone that was the epitome of classic, hi-fidelity sound, it would be the Austrian-designed C12. Originally developed by AKG Acoustics in 1953, the C12 is revered for its smooth, airy frequency response. The design of the C12 was unique in its remote capsule polarizing technology. The ability to change the capsule’s polar response variably between cardioid, omnidirectional and figure 8 (and six intermediate patterns between) from the power supply instead of with switches on board the microphone made the C12 the one of most versatile large diaphragm tube microphone of its time. Considered by many to be the finest sounding microphone ever produced, original C12 microphones are still in use in recording studios throughout the world.

Sonic Characteristic

The large diaphragm vacuum tube-based C12 is a fantastic choice for all types of instruments, lending itself especially well to drum overheads, acoustic guitar, and vocals. Its silky smooth top end provides plenty of air without sounding harsh or artificial. Its midrange speaks clearly and articulately, capturing the source with a natural presence. Its low end is tight and focused, perfectly balanced with the rest of the frequency range.

Circuit Design

At the heart of every C12 microphone is our coveted CK12 capsule, handcrafted in-house by experienced technicians with meticulous attention to detail. Years of work went into reverse-engineering this legendary capsule design, with backplates machined to match the originals and diaphragms tuned and glued by hand. The amplifier circuit utilizes a German-made Haufe T14 output transformer built to match the original, driven by a microphone grade 6072a vacuum tube. Our circuit design builds upon the original with the implementation of cathode self-biasing operation, a configuration which is quieter, more consistent over the lifetime of the tube, and requires less power supply calibration than the original fixed-bias configuration.

Construction

Every part of the C12 microphone has been reverse engineered and recreated to preserve the impressive point-to-point construction and aesthetic of the original. This elegant and open design cascades beautifully from top to bottom, revealing every detail of what is truly a handmade instrument. Headgrilles, connectors, capsule mounts, plastic decks and more are all compatible with vintage AKG C12s in need of service. Coveted by an extensive list of professional recording engineers, the TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik C12 historic reissue is an exceptional microphone that will be a treasured addition to your microphone collection for many decades to come.

Accessories

Each C12 microphone comes complete with M 910 power supply, M 810 25’ Sommer tube microphone cable, Rycote shockmount, FC10 locking flight case and WB10 wooden microphone box.