Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (9)
$8,649.00
Guitar Center
$8,649.00
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$7,500.00 8 available Used
Musician's Friend
$8,649.00
Vintage King
$8,649.00

Average Price: $8,458

High-end/Boutique

$100

$401+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "AKG C12". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Step into the realm of legendary sound with the AKG C12, a masterfully crafted condenser microphone that pays homage to its iconic predecessor from the 1950s. Revered by sound engineers worldwide, the C12 has been reborn in the form of the C12 VR, marrying vintage charm with modern innovation. Handcrafted in Vienna, this microphone is a masterpiece of engineering, designed to capture every nuance of your performance with breathtaking clarity.

The C12 VR boasts nine selectable polar patterns, including cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8, offering a world of possibilities for studio recording. From solo vocalists to full-band sessions, the C12 adapts seamlessly, making it a versatile addition to any recording setup. Equipped with the original 6072A vacuum tube and an updated edge-terminated CK12 capsule, it promises a pristine signal path with minimal noise and distortion.

Recording loud sources? No problem. The C12 VR handles high SPLs with ease, thanks to its 10/20dB pad and 100/130Hz highpass filter, ensuring your sessions remain uninterrupted. Complete with an external power supply, spider shockmount, and a robust aluminum flight case, the C12 VR is ready for any studio challenge.

Key Features:

  • 9 selectable polar patterns for optimal recording flexibility
  • Original 6072A vacuum tube and updated CK12 capsule
  • High SPL handling with 10/20dB pad
  • Dual-position highpass filter (100Hz, 130Hz)
  • Includes aluminum flight case, remote power supply, and shockmount

Product specs

Brand AKG
Model C 12 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Tube Condenser Microphone
Finish Silver
Year 1950s
Made In Austria
Categories Microphones
Electronics Analog, Tube
Microphone Type Large-Diaphragm Condenser
Polar Pattern Multipattern
Wired/Wireless Wired

FAQs

What is the primary application of the AKG C12 microphone?

The AKG C12 is primarily used in professional studio environments for recording vocals and a wide range of instruments, offering high-quality sound reproduction and versatility.

What type of polar pattern does the AKG C12 offer?

The AKG C12 features a multipattern polar pattern, allowing users to select from various directional characteristics to suit different recording scenarios.

Is the AKG C12 a tube microphone?

Yes, the AKG C12 is an analog tube microphone, which contributes to its warm and rich sonic character, highly valued in professional recordings.

How does the AKG C12 compare to the AKG C12 VR?

The AKG C12 VR is a modern replica of the original C12, maintaining the capsule sound and vacuum tube design, but with optimized self-noise and components for contemporary standards.

What accessories are included with the AKG C12 microphone?

The AKG C12 comes with a N12VR power supply, H15/T elastic shockmount suspension, 10m cable, W42 foam windscreen, and a professional aluminum carrying case.

Produce Like A Pro

Produce Like A Pro

The Magic of Tube Microphones! - Marc Daniel Nelson

Video thumbnail for The Magic of Tube Microphones! - Marc Daniel Nelson by Produce Like A Pro

The Magic of Tube Microphones! - Marc Daniel Nelson

Produce Like A Pro

Produce Like A Pro

Video thumbnail for Mic Shootout - Neumann U67, Neumann U47, AKG C12, Telefunken ELA M 251 by Orange Room

Mic Shootout - Neumann U67, Neumann U47, AKG C12, Telefunken ELA M 251

Orange Room

Orange Room

Video thumbnail for AKG C12 Classic Microphone | VintageKing.com by Vintage King

AKG C12 Classic Microphone | VintageKing.com

Vintage King

Vintage King

Video thumbnail for AKG C12 Microphone Demonstation by Musos Corner

AKG C12 Microphone Demonstation

Musos Corner

Musos Corner

Video thumbnail for AKG C12 At Chicago Recording Company: From The CRC Vault by gearwire

AKG C12 At Chicago Recording Company: From The CRC Vault

gearwire

gearwire

Video thumbnail for The BEST microphone ever? 🤔 (...it's an old AKG C12 and it sounds AWESOME!!!) by MIX66

The BEST microphone ever? 🤔 (...it's an old AKG C12 and it sounds AWESOME!!!)

MIX66

MIX66

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about AKG C12.

Comparisons

  • The C12 is noted for having a distant sound with less low and high frequencies compared to the TLM103, which is described as brighter and clearer.

    Source
  • The C12VR is outperformed by vintage C12a and modern 414 TL II mics, especially in low-end quality.

    Source
  • The Avantone CV-12 is a suggested alternative for those seeking a C12 lookalike, priced around $319 for B-stock.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Recording in larger rooms away from walls is recommended for cleaner vocals, avoiding closet recordings which often lead to boxy sound.

    Source
  • The C12VR has been noted to perform well as a center overhead mic for cello recording.

    Source

User experience

  • Many owners find the TLM103 too bright for their taste, while some comment on the C12's brightness, preferring other mics for vocals.

    Source
  • The C12VR tends to win only 1 in 5 vocal shootouts compared to other high-end mics like U87 and Manley.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Utilizing thicker panels and bass trapping in a larger room is suggested over using a reflection filter for better acoustic treatment.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The TLM103 is paired with a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, with users often debating the impact of upgrading preamps on the mic's performance.

    Source
  • The C12VR can use a second triode for 10dB hotter output, unlike the original C12 which uses only one triode.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners suggest replacing the C12VR's internal electronics and capsule for improved sound quality, despite its high price.

    Source
  • Alctron's microphone, similar to the C12, benefits from upgraded components like power rails and capacitors for better performance.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Warbler MKIII by 3U Audio is highlighted as a C12-like microphone at an attractive price of $275 USD with free shipping.

    Source

Other

  • Alctron is rumored to have produced parts for Universal Audio, offering budget-friendly alternatives with similar design traits.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul McCartney uses AKG C12

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used for the bass on The Beatles, as mentioned by sound engineer Ken Scott in this June 2012 Sound on Sound interview.

"In addition to Paul's bass being DI'd, the cabinet probably would have been miked with a 4038, [Neumann] U67 or [AKG] C12. I would have used two 4038s on the organ, 67s on John and George's guitars, and it could have been anything on George's vocal.”

See how Robert Smith uses AKG C12

Robert Smith

Singer, Guitarist

The Cure

...
Verified via Musicfanclubs

In this transcription of an article from the June 1996 issue of Sound on Sound magazine, Smith says, "I've used an AKG C12 mic since the Wish album, because for me it's much more forgiving."

See how Kevin Shields uses AKG C12

Kevin Shields

Singer, Guitarist

My Bloody Valentine

...
Verified via Tapeop

Kevin talked about this in an interview in Tape Op issue 26. "We used all the standard ones. Up until the beginning of Loveless when we just used nearly only valve mics — C12s or an old [Neumann U] 67."

See how Gustavo Cerati uses AKG C12

Gustavo Cerati

Singer, Guitarist

Soda Stereo

...
Verified via YouTube

Se puede ver a Gustavo con un AKG C12 grabando las voces para "Zona de Promesas", en Supersónico en el año 1992. Lo usó para todas las voces de "Dynamo". También se usó para grabar "Amor Amarillo". Se deduce que también se usó en "Colores Santos", y en parte de la grabación de "Sueño Stereo", aunque no encontré pruebas de uso en los 2 mencionados.

See how Tom Petty uses AKG C12

Tom Petty

Singer, Guitarist

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Mentioned by recording engineer Richard Dodd in this Sound on Sound interview about the recording of "Learning to Fly".

"When it came to his vocals, Tom had an affinity for the AKG C12, whereas [producer] Jeff [Lynne] tended to prefer the 87. So, we'd go between those on any given occasion, but in this case I'm pretty sure we used the C12. Tom was pretty automatic in terms of his vocal performances, although the final take was the only time he did the bird whistle at the end of the song. I remember laughing when he did that and telling him I loved the bird when he came back out of the booth. He said, 'You like that? Well, maybe we'll keep it.' Again, he might have been planning it for weeks, but it came across as if he just did that on the spur of the moment."

See how Bruce Springsteen uses AKG C12

Bruce Springsteen

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

In "We Are The World" - Bruce Springsteen can be seen Singing on the Telefunken (AKG) C12 Microphone in 1985

2:15 m:s

See how Steve Albini uses AKG C12

Steve Albini

Singer, Guitarist

Big Black

...
Verified via YouTube

video shot in Electrical Audio, Steve Albini's studio, mic shown at 0:40

See how Stevie Wonder uses AKG C12

Stevie Wonder

Singer, Drummer

U.S.A. for Africa

...
Verified via YouTube

In "We Are The World" - Stevie Wonder can be seen Singing on the Telefunken (AKG) C12 Microphone in 1985

5:09 m:s

See how Mick Jagger uses AKG C12

Mick Jagger

Singer

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via Photo

Post from the iorr.org (International Rolling Stones fan Club) where we can see a 1974 picture of Mick Jagger using a AKG C-12 and performing Not Fade Away at the Station Hotel in Richmond - Photo by Dezo Hoffman

See how Philip Selway uses AKG C12

Philip Selway

Singer, Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

The AKG C12 microphones can be identified in photographs taken at the library of Tottenham House in September or October 2006, during the recording sessions for "In Rainbows." These microphones were utilized as stereo overheads on Philip Selway's drum kit, in conjunction with a Neumann M49 or M50 serving as the center overhead. This setup is visually confirmed by the available image evidence.

See how Beyoncé uses AKG C12

Beyoncé

Singer

All Star Tribute

...
Verified via YouTube

She's singing into this mic around 9:06

See how Brian Wilson uses AKG C12

Brian Wilson

Singer, Bassist

The Beach Boys

...
Verified via Photo

In a 1966 studio picture taken at Western Records, Brian Wilson is seen using the AKG C12 microphone. Additionally, the AKG C12 with the optional windscreen is visible in "Good Vibrations the Lost Studio Footage" at the 0:49 mark, when the group begins to sing around it. The windscreen is clearly in use at 1:28 in the video.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use AKG C12, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Shure SM57
Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphones
3
Shure SM7
Shure SM7 Dynamic Microphones
3
Neumann U67
Neumann U67 Condenser Microphones
3
Coles Electroacoustics 4038
3
Avid Pro Tools
Avid Pro Tools DAW Software
2
AKG C414 EB
AKG C414 EB Condenser Microphones
2
Steinberg Cubase
Steinberg Cubase Music Software
2
Shure SM7B
Shure SM7B Dynamic Microphones
2
AKG K240
AKG K240 Headphones & In-Ear Monitors
2
Sennheiser MD 421-II
Sennheiser MD 421-II Dynamic Microphones
2

2 alternative and related items for AKG C12, curated by the Equipboard community.

More AKG Condenser Microphones

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Gear Guides