Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $7,510
High-end/Boutique
$100
$401+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 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
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
"At the same time, Crow's acoustic guitar parts were recorded either with a U47, an AKG C12 or a Sennheiser 421, while electric guitars largely made use of a Fender Tweed amp." - via Sound on Sound
Demi Lovato posted a picture of an AKG C12 VR Microphone to her Instagram Stories while teasing her 7th Album.
Listed on the official 311 website, http://www.311.com/band/equipment
Used for the vocals on Under Rug Swept, as is visible in this photo from this article from issue 594 (December 2001) of Rolling Stone Magazine.
The AKG C12 VR can be seen on her instagram story showing off her microphone collection
Bebe Rexha posted an instagram story this Saturday (20th of February 2021) showing the AKG C12 VR microphone, which was sent to her by AKG and JBL.
During the recording session for "All About That Bass," Meghan Trainor used an AKG C12 VR microphone for her vocals, as confirmed by Sound On Sound in their article "Inside Track: All About That Bass."
Used for vocals and acoustic guitar on Lost and Gone Forever (particularly for "I Spy"), as shown in the mini-documentary "The Making of Lost and Gone Forever" at 2:25 and 3:19, respectively.
Used for the typewriter in "Barrel of a Gun", as shown in the mini-documentary "The Making of Lost and Gone Forever" at 1:42.
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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