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.
Power N 12 power supply, mains 110/125/145/220/245 V AC, 50/60 cps.
- Type
- Condenser
- Pattern
- Switchable, 4
- Sensitivity
- −40 dBV/Pa
- Among 204 condensers: more output than 33%
- Among 311 mics: more output than 53%
- Rated range
- 20 – 20k Hz
- Released
- 1953
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.
Instruments sources recommend it for most
1 of 4; all under Recommended for.
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the catalog (Recording Hacks copy), p. 1. Approximate
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.
In practice
All specs
| From the catalog (Recording Hacks copy) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsule | Dual-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 impedance | 200 ohmalso 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 range | 20 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. | |
| Powering | N 12 power supply, mains 110/125/145/220/245 V AC, 50/60 cps"Mains connection". | |
| Connector | multi-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". | |
| Weight | 560 gnet; 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)". | |
| Dimensions | 255 × 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 accessories | N 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. | |
| Tube | 1 x 6072, 6.3 V DC filament, 120 V DC plate | |
| Equivalent noise level | less than 20 dB | |
| Directivity | Cardioid: better than 20 dB front-back ratio at 180°; bi-directional: 20 dB front-back ratio | |
| Pattern switching | Remote 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 | |
| Cablesearly brochure | Microphone cable 20 m (65 ft, up to 200 m on request), remote control cable 10 m, AF cable 5 m | p. 4 |
| Power supplyearly 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 | |
| Construction | Slim cylinder of 42 mm diameter holding the capsule, the tube and the output transformer | p. 3 |
| From the Recording Hacks page | ||
| Released | 1953 | |
Documents
- C 12 Condenser Microphone (catalogue page) and "Eine neue Aera der Mikrofontechnik" brochure
- AKG Acoustics C 12 | RecordingHacks.com
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © AKG, unchanged, with its original address.
Recommended for
By recording guides, engineers and mic makers, for this mic or an earlier version of it.