Mic Archive
AKG D 12
Photo: AKG, from its brochure coutant, p. 1.

AKG

AKG D 12

Dynamic (moving coil), cardioid, large-diaphragm side-address mic with a bass chamber; later the classic kick-drum mic (D 12 E)

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

Type
Dynamic
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−60.9 dBV/Pa
Max SPL
128 dB SPL
Impedance
60 Ω
Rated range
30 – 18k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the d12e data sheet loc, p. 1. Titled "Frequency and polar response"; relative dB (0 dB labelled). The on-axis curve sits in a shaded tolerance band (not stored); "+3dB deviation allowable within any one octave". Room and smoothing not stated.

Independent measurement: also drawn, from the Multi-Angle, Multi-Distance Microphone Impulse Response Dataset (Juan Carlos Franco Hernández, Bogdan Bacila, Tim Brookes, Enzo De Sena, University of Surrey) (CC BY 4.0): one unit, measured at 1.25 m and set to 0 dB at 1 kHz, from 136 Hz up. Not the manufacturer's curve.

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

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All specs

From the brochure coutant
CapsuleLarge diaphragm of non-metallic Makrofol, on an elastic steel suspension; hum-bucking (compensation) winding. "Diaphragm: non metallic MAKROFOL"; "Elastic steel suspension" and the circuit's compensation winding on page 1-2.p. 2
Sensitivity−60.9 dBV/Pa (0.9 mV/Pa), 1000 cps, 60 ohm version; also −55.9 dBV/Pa, 1000 cps, 200 ohm version (0.16 mV/µbar). "at 60 ohms impedance: 0.09 mv/µbar (-81 dbv re. 1 v/dyne/cm²)"; 0.09 mV/µbar is 0.9 mV/Pa, converted (20 log10 0.0009). Both versions: "Microphone rating: GM = -147 db; -55 db re. 1 mw/10 dyne/cm²".
Max SPL128 dB SPL, 0.5 % THD. "Maximum Sound Pressure Level at a distortion of 0.5%: 500 µbar (128 db SPL)".
Output impedance60 ohm, ±15 %; also 200 ohm, optional version, ±15 %. "Impedance: 60 ohms ± 15%, optionally 200 ohms ± 15%". The front page names them "two optional impedances (200 ohms, 50-250 ohms)".
Rated load impedance300 ohm, minimum actual load, 60 ohm version; also 1000 ohm, 200 ohm version. "Min. Actual Load Impedance: ≥ 300 ohms or ≥ 1000 ohms"; which goes with which version is inferred.
Rated frequency range30 Hz to 18 kHz, ±3.5 dB of the published curve. "Frequency Range: 30...18000 cps (see published frequency curve)"; the specifications text says the response "must conform to specifications within ± 3.5 db".
Connectorattached 5 m cable, free end (3-conductor for the D 12/50-250, 2-conductor for the D 12/200); swivel-joint stand connector. "Order Information".
Weight600 g, D 12/50-250; also 580, D 12/200. "Weights": 840 g with individual packing.
Dimensions142 × 54 × 73 mm. "a maximum length of 142 mm, a maximum width of 54 mm, and a maximum depth of 73 mm"; the drawing also gives 22 mm for the stem.
Supplied accessoriesSt 11 table stand; St 301 studio table stand; St 102A floor stand; St 200 studio floor stand; St 12 short floor stand; MSH 30 flexible shaft; KU 212A/200 and KU 212A/60 cable transformers (to high impedance). "Recommended Accessories".
Front-to-back ratio18 dB at 180° and 1000 cps
Microphone ratingGM = -147 dB; -55 dB re 1 mW/10 dyne/cm²
Noise levelWeighted 0.26 µV (filter CCIF 1954, DIN 45 405); unweighted 0.2 µV
Stand thread5/8"-27, 1/2"-26 and 3/8" via the universal thread adapter SHZ 4
Sound"The slight boost of frequency response near 80 cps combined with the high front-to-back ratio is the secret of the famous D 12 sound"p. 1
GrilleLight-coloured grille on the operational (front) side; built-in wind protector against wind noise, dust and iron particles
From the other (Recording Hacks copy)
Versions (service sheets)D 12/60 (1350 Z 0001), D 12/200 (1350 Z 0012), D 12/50...250 (1350 Z 0021 and 0022), D 12 HIT (1350 Z 0010, with UT 332/200 transformer plug); later D 12 E (1350 Z 0062) with an XLR connector. Capsule 1349 Z 0003 (60 ohm) or 0006 (200 ohm).p. 1
From the d12e data sheet loc
D 12 E (1981 sheet)Frequency range 30-15,000 Hz; nominal impedance 290 ohm (250 ohm category), load ≥ 500 ohm; sensitivity 2.2 mV/Pa (-53.2 dBV) open circuit, tolerance +2/-1.5 dB; EIA Gm -145 dBm; max SPL for 0.5 % THD 120 dB at 40 Hz, 128 dB at 1 and 5 kHz; hum -132 dBm (1 mG field); 480 g; about 140 x 55 x 76 mm; XLR-3 male; front-to-rear rejection over 12 dB at 1000 Hz; proximity boost +10 dB at 100 Hz at 1.5 cm.p. 1

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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