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9 polar patternsAvant Electronics CV-12

MSRP: $499 Multi-Pattern Condenser Tube Microphone

Avant Electronics CV-12

Description

The CV-12 is a multipattern large-diaphragm tube mic in the style of the AKG C-12. In an unusual move, Avant includes two replacement tubes with the mic, enabling users to swap tubes to achieve different sounds. The three included tubes are all Russian: 6072A, ECC81 & ECC83. The Avant website contains detailed tube-swap instructions.

Avant is believed to source mics from Alctron, and so it is likely the CV-12 is an HST-11A in disguise. That said, the use of Russian 6072A tubes, not to mention the inclusion of two alternate Russian-made tubes, puts this mic at an advantage when compared to the Apex 460 and other HST-11A clones.

The CV-12 ships in a padded wooden box, and includes a suspension shockmount, dedicated power supply, power cable, and aluminum flightcase. The mic carries a 5-year warranty.

StudioAuditions

  • 6072A Tube : Smoothest of the lot, balanced warm character, very revealing on vocals
  • EEC81 Tube : Brighter response, accentuates the sizzle and the sheen
  • EEC83 Tube: Almost “gritty” character, veers into classic tube distortion territory

The Avant Electronics CV-12 is also known as: CV12.

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
  • Omnidirectional (25 - 20,000 Hz)
  • Cardioid (25 - 20,000 Hz)
  • Bidirectional (25 - 20,000 Hz)
  • Pad: -10dB (Via Switch)
  • Filter: HPF: -6dB/oct @ 80 Hz (Via Switch)
Diaphragm size Impedance Max SPL
32mm (1.26'') 250 Ohms (Low (50-1000 Ohms)) 146 dB
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
800g (28.22oz) 237mm (9.33'') 46mm (1.81'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Requires External Power Supply

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