Mic Archive
AKG C 12
Photo: AKG, from its catalog (Recording Hacks copy), p. 2.

AKG

AKG C 12

Tube (valve) condenser, large dual-diaphragm (CK 12), multi-pattern studio mic with nine patterns switched remotely

Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Omni / cardioid / hypercardioid / figure-8
Sensitivity
−40 dBV/Pa
Impedance
200 Ω
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the catalog (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1. Untitled graph; "Measured at one metre distance from the source of sound". Relative dB, 5 dB per division, no 0 dB printed. Room and smoothing not stated. Approximate reading error up to about 1.5 dB.

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the catalog (Recording Hacks copy)
CapsuleDual-diaphragm condenser capsule (pictured on page 2). The brochure shows the capsule but names no type; CK 12 is the usual name, not stated here.p. 2
Sensitivity−40 dBV/Pa (10 mV/Pa), unloaded (200 ohm). "1.0 mV/µbar (-60 db re 1 v/dyne/cm²), unloaded (200 ohms)"; 1 mV/µbar is 10 mV/Pa, converted. The early brochure (page 4): "1 mV/microbar" for 250 ohm, output level "-34 db re 1 milliwatt for a sound field of 10 dynes/sq.cm".p. 1
Output impedance200 ohm; also 50 ohm, by changing solder lugs; also [40, 250, 500], early brochure: "Output impedances 40, 250 and 500 ohms". "Impedance: 50/200 ohms (change solder lugs)".
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±2 dB related to the published curve; also [20, 15000], early brochure: 50-10,000 cps ±2.5 dB, 30-15,000 cps ±3 dB. "Frequency range: 20 ... 20 000 cps"; "Frequency response: ± 2 db related to published curve". Early brochure on page 4.
PoweringN 12 power supply, mains 110/125/145/220/245 V AC, 50/60 cps. "Mains connection".
Connectormulti-conductor MK 12 cable to the N 12 power supply; stand connector 3/8", 1/2", 5/8"-27. "Stand connector: 3/8", 1/2", 5/8"-27 with microphone cable MK 12".
Weight560 g, net; also 650, early brochure; 0.90 kg with case. "1 lb. 3.2 ozs. net (560 g), shipping weight: 29 lbs. 12.8 ozs. (13.5 kg)".
Dimensions255 × 43 mm. "10" (255 mm, with connector), 1 11/16" diameter (43 mm)": length by diameter. The early brochure gives 258 mm (shell only), 385 mm with the stand connector, 42 mm diameter.
Supplied accessoriesN 12 power supply; S 12 remote control unit; RL 12 remote control cable; NF 12 AF cable; MK 12 microphone cable with stand adapter; case. "Parts supplied". Optional: elastic suspension H 12, table stand St 301, floor stand St 200, studio-matching transformers U 3027 and U 3053, windscreen W 43.
Tube1 x 6072, 6.3 V DC filament, 120 V DC plate
Equivalent noise levelless than 20 dB
DirectivityCardioid: better than 20 dB front-back ratio at 180°; bi-directional: 20 dB front-back ratio
Pattern switchingRemote control unit S 12, connected to the N 12 power supply by the RL 12 cable; patterns can be changed during the take without clicks
Cables (early brochure)Microphone cable 20 m (65 ft, up to 200 m on request), remote control cable 10 m, AF cable 5 mp. 4
Power supply (early brochure)N 12 K portable, 200 x 120 x 140 mm, 3.5 kg; N 12 G rack-mount, 500 x 230 x 120 mm, 5.5 kg; 110-240 V, 50-60 cps
ConstructionSlim cylinder of 42 mm diameter holding the capsule, the tube and the output transformerp. 3

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © AKG, unchanged, with its original address.

Recording Hacks

Recommended for

Instruments whose sources name this mic, or an earlier version or variant of it.

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