Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $7,520
High-end/Boutique
$100
$401+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "AKG C12 VR". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The AKG C12 VR is a testament to the timeless beauty of vintage design, meticulously handcrafted in Vienna, Austria. This large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone is the proud descendant of the legendary 1950s C12, often hailed as the holy grail among sound engineers. The C12 VR doesn't just bask in its ancestor's glory - it builds upon it. It incorporates the original 6072A vacuum tube and dual-diaphragm design, while also using an updated, edge-terminated CK12 capsule and advanced components for lower noise and distortion.
The C12 VR is more than just a microphone - it's a flexible recording tool. With nine polar patterns, you have the freedom to explore a variety of sonic possibilities. It's also versatile in handling sound pressure levels and features a 10/20dB pad, enabling you to capture loud sources without fear of overload. Additionally, the microphone includes a 100/130Hz highpass filter to roll off any structure-borne rumble.
Key Features:
- Large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone, handcrafted in Vienna, Austria
- Successor to the legendary 1950s AKG C12 microphone
- Incorporates the original 6072A vacuum tube and dual-diaphragm design
- Uses an updated, edge-terminated CK12 capsule
- Advanced components for lower noise and distortion
- Offers nine polar patterns for versatile recording
- High SPL handling with a 10/20dB pad
- Includes a 100/130Hz highpass filter
- Comes with an external power supply with polar pattern selector, a spider-type shockmount, and an aluminum flight case.
Owner's manual
AKG C12 VR User ManualProduct specs
| Microphone Type | Tube Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8 |
| Diaphragm Size | 0.98" (25mm) |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz-20kHz |
| Max SPL | 148dB |
| Output Impedance | 200 ohms |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 72dB |
| Self Noise | 32dB |
| Low Cut Filter | 100Hz (-6dB/octave), 130Hz (-12dB/octave) |
| Pads | -10dB, -20dB |
| Tube | 6072A |
| Power Source | External power supply |
| Connector | XLR |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs. |
| Included Accessories | Cable, Shock Mount, Windscreen, Aluminum Carry Case |
FAQs
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What are the primary applications for the AKG C12 VR microphone?
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The AKG C12 VR is ideal for lead vocals, brass instruments, and electric guitars, offering a legendary tube sound that enhances warmth and reduces sibilance.
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How does the AKG C12 VR microphone differ from the original C12?
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The AKG C12 VR replicates the original C12's capsule sound and uses a 6072A vacuum tube, but it has optimized components and reduced self-noise for modern standards.
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What polar patterns are available on the AKG C12 VR?
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The AKG C12 VR features nine selectable polar patterns, including cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8, controlled via a remote.
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Does the AKG C12 VR microphone come with any accessories?
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Yes, the AKG C12 VR includes a cable, shock mount, windscreen, and an aluminum carry case for protection and convenience.
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What power source does the AKG C12 VR require?
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The AKG C12 VR requires an external power supply to operate, ensuring consistent performance and reliability during recordings.
Videos
Sweetwater
Vintage AKG C12 vs. New Telefunken C12 Mic Comparison
Vintage AKG C12 vs. New Telefunken C12 Mic Comparison
Sweetwater
AKG C12VR vs Manley Gold Reference vs AKG C414 TLII (David Royer Mod) Microphone Shootout
The OC Recording Company, Inc.
Mic shootout: AKG C12VR and clones by Side-b Studio (Tim Campbell Capsules)
Side-b Studio
AKG Professional Studio Microphones: Vocal Comparison – with Emily Williams
Noisegate
RECORDING Video Review: A Family of AKG C Series Microphones Compared
RecordingMag
Secret Sauce - AKG C12VR Tube Microphone
Arch Audio Recording Studio, Chattanooga, TN
Reviews
PROS
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Harmonic characteristics provide an almost 3D sound
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Exceptionally warm yet maintains pristine clarity
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Ideal choice for vocals among high-end microphones
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Enhances any acoustic instrument recording
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Superior performance recognized in Grammy-winning projects
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Preferred over other top-tier microphones like Neumann U87 in blind tests
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Reduces sibilance effectively, improving vocal tracks
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Described as providing a 'warmer and magical' sound quality
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Outperforms even modified high-end competitors
CONS
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about AKG C12 VR.
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
John Mayer was using the AKG C12 microphone for recording an acoustic version of "Something like Olivia". The microphone can be seen the whole Video, especially at 1:47
In this article by Sound on Sound producer James Ford stated : ""Quite a lot of the tracks that we did were literally Alex playing guitar and singing and then me playing piano or Bill Ryder?Jones [ex?the Coral] playing guitar. But all around the one mic, a C12, straight into the Pultec and then straight onto the mono half?inch machine.." when recording the Arctic Monkey's 2011 album Suck It and See
This article from the June 1996 issue of Sound On Sound magazine lists the C12 as being among Robert's microphones during the recording of their album Wild Mood Swings.
GC: What mic do you prefer for the vocals?
Mascis: An old AKG D12.
"The streamlined approach to vocals helps; Coleman will tell you that a good large-diaphragm condenser microphone like the C12 through the Avalon 737 is a pleasantly neutral signal path." - via Sound On Sound interview with Pharrell's engineer Andrew Coleman
This microphone can be seen in the upper right hand corner by Jacob's head, throughout the live stream. He's used it since before In My Room, and transitioned to using his modified U87Ai when he got that in early 2018. The microphone has since been seen as his vocal microphone at the piano. After the power supply got fried, he switched to the Neumann for one performance and the AEA ribbon ever since.
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This Instagram post from his studio has three photos, two of which show the AKG C12 VR in front of his mixer.
The above article describes Arnalds using this mic in his studio.
In the Sound On Sound article "Secrets Of The Mix Engineers: Kevin Churko," it's noted that Ozzy Osbourne was already using the AKG C12 VR microphone before Kevin Churko began working with him. This highlights the microphone's role in Osbourne's recording setup.
Tim Armstrong says he's used an AKG C 12 in this interview with Guitar Center.
Album Usage
The AKG C12 VR has been featured on the following albums:
Into The Unknown
Floor Jansen (2021)
Bathtub
Jacob Collier & Becca Stevens (2017)
In My Room
Jacob Collier (2016)
Title (Expanded Edition)
Meghan Trainor (2015)
All About That Bass
Meghan Trainor (2014)
Suck It and See
Arctic Monkeys (2011)
Under Rug Swept
Alanis Morissette (2002)
Lost and Gone Forever
Guster (1999)
Wild Mood Swings
The Cure (1996)
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 VR, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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