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side-address large-diaphragm tube multipattern 6072 condenser hpf
Specifications and Reviews
Mods for the C 12 VR
- Hamptone
Scott Hampton repairs vintage tube mics, especially those needing new power supplies. His mic repairs involve replacing and updating selected components, fine-tuning the circuitry, and restoration of the mic's original sonic character. He can also furnish a Hamptone second-generation Tube Mic Power Supply.
Related Microphones
AKG Acoustics C 12 VR
MSRP: $5,149 Multi-Pattern Condenser Tube Microphone
Description
More than a recreation or reissue, the C12VR is nearly an exact replica of the original C12 tube microphone, down to the the original 6072A vacuum tube. Minor circuitry changes have been made to the original design to reduce self-noise.
The power supply provides nine polar patterns, from omnidirectional to figure-of-8.
The C12VR comes complete with an aluminum carrying case, power supply, cable, windscreen, and spider type shock mount.
JJ Blair/EQ MagazineThe AKG C12VR was hyped as the revival of the venerable C12, but the only thing these mics share in common is probably the shape and the 6072 tube. AKG abandoned the original CK12 capsule decades ago because of the difficulty and expense involved with manufacturing these gorgeous-sounding capsules. The modern CK12, which confusingly shares the same name as its predecessor, uses the same mechanical principle, but shares none of the sonic majesty that has given legendary status to mics employing the original, such as the Telefunken Ela M251.
The C12VR is a dark-sounding mic. I wouldn’t say that it’s wooly, but it definitely has no sparkle. What it does have however, is a nice even tone and a velvety warmth. It really sounded good on everything we recorded with it, but it did leave me wanting to EQ in some high end. It really translated the full range very evenly, which would lend itself to EQ’ing, in my experience. It’s a solid workhorse that was really good in each instance, but that price is pretty damn steep.
The AKG Acoustics C 12 VR is also known as: C 12 VR, C12VR, C12, C-12.
| Pickup Patterns | Pads & Filters |
|---|---|
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| Diaphragm size | Impedance | Max SPL |
|---|---|---|
| n/a | 200 Ohms (Low (50-1000 Ohms)) | 128 dB |
| Weight | Length | Max Diameter | Interface(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 680g (23.99oz) | 225mm (8.86'') | 42mm (1.65'') |
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