One of the most famous tube microphones in the history of recording was the legendary AKG C 12. In spite of vast changes in microphone engineering, these microphones in good condition are still very much sought after and extremely expensive. Therefore, studio engineers vigorously demanded a rerun.
The C 12 VR is an exact replica of the original C 12, from the cap-sule sound to the original 6072A vacuum tube. The only difference is that its self noise and some components were optimized to meet the current state of the art. No less than nine remotely selectable polar patterns, the legendary large-diaphragm capsule, and an original 6072A vacuum tube provide a sound that is simply beyond words.
The capsule is a rerun of the original 1950s CK 12 design using the latest manufacturing techniques. The result is a sound with the same characteristics of warmth, clarity, and presence.
The C 12 VR comes complete with an aluminum carrying case, power supply, cable, windscreen, and spider type shock mount.
Features:
- good for recording Brass, Strings, Vocals
- Recreates the legendary C 12 tube microphone
- Nine remotely selectable polar patterns from omnidirectional to figure-eight
- Complete with many useful acces-sories and aluminum carrying case
Standard Accessories:
- Shock Mount
- Dedicated 10-m (33-ft.) cable for connecting the C 12 VR tube microphone to the N 12 VR power supply.
- Power Supply
- Dedicated foam windscreen for the C 12 VR tube microphone.
Engineering Details:
- A remotely controlled preattenuation pad can decrease the output level (sensitivity) of the microphone by 10 dB or 20 dB. The original 6072A vacuum tube, selected for low noise, is the very "heart" of the microphone.
- The 1-inch dual-diaphragm capsule permits the selection of nine different polar patterns so the C 12 VR provides excellent sound in many different applications. The diaphragm is manufactured from a special gold-sputtered plastic foil.
- P.c. switches allow you to increase the nominal sensitivity of the microphone by 10 dB. The large core section of the output transformer keeps low-frequency distortion at a minimum.
- A special shock mount protects the delicate vacuum tube from rough handling.

Specs:
- Polar pattern cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-eight, and 6 intermediate positions, remotely selectable
- Frequency range 30 to 20,000 Hz
- Max. SPL 128/138/148 db (k=3%)
- Equivalent noise level (CCIR 468-3) 32 db
- Equivalent noise level 22 dB-A
- Signal/noise ratio (A-weighted) 72 dB
- Preattenuation pad 10 dB, 20 dB, selectable
- Bass filter 6 dB/octave at 100 Hz,
- 12 dB/octave at 130 Hz
- Impedance 200 Ohm
- Recommended load impedance >1000 ohms
- Connector 12-pin DIN
- Cable 10 m (33 ft.)
- Net weight 680 g / 24 oz.
- Shipping weight 4.5 kg / 9.9 lbs.
- Patent(s) Electrostatic transducer (Patent no. AT 395.225, DE 4.103.784, JP 2.815.488)
- Acoustic resistor (Patent no. AT 400.910)
Downloads:
User manual (PDF, 123.92 KB)
Service documentation (PDF, 862.57 KB)
Datasheet (US version) (PDF, 713.37 KB)