Mic Archive
Telefunken C12
Photo: TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik, from its catalog, p. 4.

TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik

Telefunken C12

Large-diaphragm tube condenser (6072A, self-biased), CK12-type capsule, nine patterns switched on the power supply; a replica of the 1953 AKG C12

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Omni / cardioid / figure-8
Sensitivity
−40 dBV/Pa computed
Self-noise
9 dB(A)
Max SPL
130 dB SPL
Impedance
200 Ω
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the manual, p. 11. Audio Precision plot without a title, "RMS Level -> Normalize (dB)", all curves at 0 dB at 1 kHz. Distance, room and smoothing not stated. Legend: "Cardioid".

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 manual
CapsuleTELEFUNKEN CK12, edge-terminated large dual diaphragm, made by hand in South Windsor, CT. "TELEFUNKEN CK12 – Edge Terminated Large Diaphragm"; "historically accurate replica CK12 capsule", "edge-terminated, dual diaphragm design" (p. 10); made in South Windsor (p. 9).p. 11
Sensitivity−40 dBV/Pa (10 mV/Pa). Not stated by the manufacturer: From 10 mV/Pa: 20·log10(0.010).
Self-noise9 dB(A), amplifier. "Self-Noise (Amplifier) 9 dBA".
Max SPL130 dB SPL, 1% THD. "Maximum SPL (for 1% THD) 130 dB".
Signal-to-noise ratio85 dB, A-weighted. "S/N Ratio 85 dBA".
Output impedance200 ohm
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±3 dB. "20 Hz - 20 kHz, ±3 dB".
PoweringM 910 external power supply with built-in pattern switch (115 or 230 V mains). "External Power Supply"; the M 910 is set to 115 V or 230 V (quick start, p. 4).
Connectorvintage-style swivel stand-mount connector at the mic; 7-pin XLR at the supply; XLR-3 output on the supply. M 810 cable: "historically accurate swivel stand mount connector on the microphone end and a premium Neutrik 7-pin XLR connector on the power supply end" (p. 2); a standard 3-pin mic cable from the supply to the preamp (p. 4).p. 2
Weight567 gp. 11
Dimensions250 × 42.5 mm. "250 mm L x 42.5 mm Dia" (length × diameter).
Finishgrey powder coat with the TELEFUNKEN Diamond badge. "gray powder coated body and classic TELEFUNKEN Diamond badge".p. 9
Supplied accessoriesM 910 power supply; M 810 tube mic cable (10 m); M 751 Rycote shock mount; FC10 flight case; WB10 wooden box. "What's In The Box" (pp. 2-3) and the system table (p. 12).p. 12
TubeTELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik 6072A (dual triode), self-biased (cathode bias)p. 11
TransformerHaufe T14/1
THD (amplifier)< 0.25% at 1 kHz, 1 Pa
Capsule polarisationFront diaphragm grounded, back diaphragm varied from 0 to 120 V (as in the original C12)p. 9
Power supplyM 910: fully regulated; pattern selector built in; heater voltage ramps up over 20 seconds; warm up 10 minutes before usep. 2
Stereo setC12 Stereo Set: two matched mics, M 910S dual power supply (powers both and sets both patterns), FC10S flight casep. 12
History (AKG)Introduced by AKG in 1953, designed by Konrad Wolf; about 2,000 made until 1963; also sold as the Siemens SM203 and SM204p. 8

Documents

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

Product page on telefunken-elektroakustik.comRecording Hacks

Recommended for

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