AKG
AKG C 12 VR
Tube (6072) condenser, large dual-diaphragm (CK 12), multi-pattern studio mic with nine patterns switched remotely from its N 12 VR power unit: the 1990s reissue of the C 12
Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.
Power N 12 VR power unit, 115/230 V AC +15/−10% (50-60 Hz).
- Type
- Condenser
- Pattern
- Switchable, 3
- Sensitivity
- −40 dBV/Pa
- Among 204 condensers: more output than 33%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 53%
- Self-noise
- 22 dB(A)
- Among 258 condensers: quieter than 16%
- Among 272 mics: quieter than 15%
- Max SPL
- 128 dB SPL
- Among 277 condensers: takes louder sound than 15%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 13%
- Rated range
- 30 – 20k Hz
- Released
- 1994
vs 75 side-address condensers
More output than 18% of 75 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published sensitivity, and each bar counts them; further right means more output. This mic is in blue.
vs 99 side-address condensers
Quieter than 2% of 99 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. This mic is in blue.
vs 107 side-address condensers
Takes louder sound than 21% of 107 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the quick guide, p. 9.
"Frequency Response", "Omnidirectional"; relative dB, labelled +20 to -30. Distance, room and smoothing not stated.
Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.
Polar pattern
From the quick guide, p. 9. Approximate
"Polar Response", omni: two half-plots, 0° at the bottom (left: 125/250/500/1000 Hz solid; right: 2000/4000 Hz solid, 8000 Hz dotted, 16000 Hz dash-dot). Rings labelled 0, -10, -20 (5 dB per ring); centre circle -30 dB. Measuring conditions not stated.
Approximate: reading error up to about 1.5 dB.
In practice
All specs
| From the quick guide | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsule | CK 12 dual-diaphragm capsuleSpare parts: "capsule CK 12", ordering code 2072 Z 0008. | p. 9 |
| Sensitivity | −40 dBV/Pa (10 mV/Pa)1 kHz. "10mV/Pa –40 dBV*)"; "*) The sensitivity may be increased by 10 dB with a switch on the p. c. board." | p. 7 |
| Self-noise | 22 dB(A)DIN 45412, A-weighted. "22 dB-A (acc. to DIN 45412, A weighted)". | |
| Self-noiseCCIR 468 | 32 dBDIN 45405 / CCIR 468-2 | |
| Max SPL | 128 dB SPL3% THD. "For k=3 %=128 dB SPL 50 Pa". | |
| Output impedance | 200 ohm±25% | |
| Rated load impedance | 1000 ohmrecommended | |
| Rated frequency range | 30 Hz to 20 kHz±2.5 dB from published curve | |
| Powering | N 12 VR power unit, 115/230 V AC +15/−10% (50-60 Hz)"Via the included powering unit N 12 VR"; it supplies the filament and plate voltages (page 6). | |
| Pad | −10 dBalso −20 dB. "Pre-attenuation: Switchable to –10 dB and –20 dB". | |
| Connector | large 12-pin Tuchel on the mic (MK-Tube cable to the N 12 VR); XLR-3 audio output on the power unit"Connector: Large-sized Tuchel, 12 pin"; page 6: "The audio frequency may be taken from the power unit transformer balanced by a conventional audio cable with standard XLR-type connector." | |
| Weight | 680 gnet | |
| Dimensions | 42 × 225 mm"42 ø × 225 mm"; stored as diameter × length. | |
| Supplied accessories | N 12 VR powering unit; MK-Tube 10 m connection cable; H 15/T elastic suspension; W 42 foam windscreen; heavy-duty flight case | p. 9 |
| Tube | 6072 (specially selected) | p. 6 |
| Sensitivity switch | Internal: three p.c. board switches raise the sensitivity by 10 dB | |
| Roll-off filter | Two-position filter, remotely controllable from the power unit | p. 7 |
| Pattern selection | Nine positions, remotely from the N 12 VR power unit | |
| Cable length | Beyond 20 m between mic and power unit, move the 250 mA fuse link in the N 12 VR to the "> 20 m" holder | p. 6 |
| Shipping weight | approx. 4.5 kg (~10 lbs) | p. 7 |
| FusesN 12 VR | Primary T 100 mA; anode circuit 50 mA fast-blow | p. 6 |
| From the Recording Hacks page | ||
| Released | 1994 | |
Documents
- C12 VR quickstart manual (DE, EN, FR, IT, ES, PT), 5078123 A
- AKG Acoustics C 12 VR | RecordingHacks.com
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © AKG, unchanged, with its original address.