recordinghacks

Audix CX-212

Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone

The Audix CX-212 is the three-pattern version of the CX-112 large-diaphragm condenser.

Like the 112, it uses an edge-terminated capsule design with a 6-micron, 28mm-diameter diaphragm. Capsule polarization voltage is approximately 60V, via a DC-DC converter. The output circuitry is transformerless.

The mic body is brass, with a two-layer steel mesh grille.

Two switches on the mic body control the high-pass filter and polar pattern (Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8). Note that the sensitivity for Omni and Figure-8 patterns is lower, 11mV/Pa, than the sensitivity for Cardioid (16mV/Pa).

The mic shipped with a hard mount (p/n MC-112), elastic shockmount (p/n SMT-CX112), and an aluminum roadcase (CASE-CX). It was also available as a matched stereo pair (CX-212 MP).

Sound On Sound, 2009
It has no obvious tonal leanings, and it works well on most sources, including vocals, but it is difficult to describe in words what sets it apart from other mics of its type. There’s an inherent ‘rightness’ about the sound that makes the source feel properly focused […] I think Audix have got pretty much everything right with the CX212, because it flatters vocals in a very understated way, and projects a very natural-sounding tonal balance. The high end is airy and smooth, courtesy of that gentle presence hump, and because the mic isn’t designed to sound obviously coloured, it works well on a range of acoustic instruments, including the inevitable acoustic guitar.

The CX-212 has been discontinued and replaced with CX-212B, which has higher sensitivity and lower self-noise, and uses a center-terminated capsule.

The Audix CX-212 is also known as: CX212.

Specifications

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Omnidirectional (11 mV/Pa; 30 - 20,000 Hz) Cardioid (16 mV/Pa; 30 - 20,000 Hz) Bidirectional (11 mV/Pa; 30 - 20,000 Hz)	Filter: HPF (Via Switch)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 28mm Diaphragm gauge: 6 microns	200 Ohms (Low)	Max SPL: 132 dB Self-noise: 18.0 dB(A)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
480g (16.93oz)	172mm (6.77'')	50mm (1.97'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications
Requires phantom power Phantom voltage: 48-52v

Did we get anything wrong on this page? Please let us know!