Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (9)
$8,649.00
Guitar Center
$8,649.00
Amazon
5.0 (2)
$8,649.00
Reverb
5.0 (3)
$5,313.98 New
$2,875.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (13)
$8,649.00
B&H
5.0 (1)
$8,649.00
Vintage King
$8,649.00

Average Price: $7,510

High-end/Boutique

$100

$401+

Price Tier

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 Manual

Product 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

What are the primary applications for the AKG C12 VR microphone?

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.

How does the AKG C12 VR microphone differ from the original C12?

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.

What polar patterns are available on the AKG C12 VR?

The AKG C12 VR features nine selectable polar patterns, including cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8, controlled via a remote.

Does the AKG C12 VR microphone come with any accessories?

Yes, the AKG C12 VR includes a cable, shock mount, windscreen, and an aluminum carry case for protection and convenience.

What power source does the AKG C12 VR require?

The AKG C12 VR requires an external power supply to operate, ensuring consistent performance and reliability during recordings.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Vintage AKG C12 vs. New Telefunken C12 Mic Comparison

Video thumbnail for Vintage AKG C12 vs. New Telefunken C12 Mic Comparison by Sweetwater

Vintage AKG C12 vs. New Telefunken C12 Mic Comparison

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for AKG C12VR vs Manley Gold Reference vs AKG C414 TLII (David Royer Mod) Microphone Shootout by The OC Recording Company, Inc.

AKG C12VR vs Manley Gold Reference vs AKG C414 TLII (David Royer Mod) Microphone Shootout

The OC Recording Company, Inc.

The OC Recording Company, Inc.

Video thumbnail for Mic shootout: AKG C12VR and clones by Side-b Studio (Tim Campbell Capsules) by Side-b Studio

Mic shootout: AKG C12VR and clones by Side-b Studio (Tim Campbell Capsules)

Side-b Studio

Side-b Studio

Video thumbnail for AKG Professional Studio Microphones: Vocal Comparison – with Emily Williams by Noisegate

AKG Professional Studio Microphones: Vocal Comparison – with Emily Williams

Noisegate

Noisegate

Video thumbnail for RECORDING Video Review: A Family of AKG C Series Microphones Compared by RecordingMag

RECORDING Video Review: A Family of AKG C Series Microphones Compared

RecordingMag

RecordingMag

Video thumbnail for Secret Sauce - AKG C12VR Tube Microphone by Arch Audio Recording Studio, Chattanooga, TN

Secret Sauce - AKG C12VR Tube Microphone

Arch Audio Recording Studio, Chattanooga, TN

Arch Audio Recording Studio, Chattanooga, TN

Reviews

PROS

  • Harmonic characteristics provide an almost 3D sound

  • Exceptionally warm yet maintains pristine clarity

  • Ideal choice for vocals among high-end microphones

  • Enhances any acoustic instrument recording

  • Superior performance recognized in Grammy-winning projects

  • Preferred over other top-tier microphones like Neumann U87 in blind tests

  • Reduces sibilance effectively, improving vocal tracks

  • Described as providing a 'warmer and magical' sound quality

  • 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.

Mods and upgrades

  • Internal micro-switch adjustment to use one triode of the 6072 tube can alter output levels; consult schematic for details.

    Source
  • Capsule replacement suggested to improve C12 VR sound; mods are popular among users.

    Source

Comparisons

  • C12 VR often loses vocal shootouts against Manley, U87, and M149, succeeding only 1 in 5 times.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Considered a decent talkback mic, but not favored for primary recording tasks.

    Source

User experience

  • C12 VR was rated highly on cello as a center overhead, but not considered indispensable.

    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 Sheryl Crow uses AKG C12 VR

Sheryl Crow

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

"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

See how Demi Lovato uses AKG C12 VR

Demi Lovato

Singer, Guitarist

Disney's Friends for Change

...
Verified via Photo

Demi Lovato posted a picture of an AKG C12 VR Microphone to her Instagram Stories while teasing her 7th Album.

See how Nick Hexum uses AKG C12 VR

Nick Hexum

Singer, Guitarist

311

...
Verified via 311

Listed on the official 311 website, http://www.311.com/band/equipment

See how Alanis Morissette uses AKG C12 VR

Alanis Morissette

Singer, Guitarist

ArtistsCAN

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Rob Cantor uses AKG C12 VR

Rob Cantor

Singer, Guitarist

Tally Hall

...
Verified via YouTube

Rob can be seen singing into an AKG C12 VR at 1:08 in this video.

See how Azealia Banks uses AKG C12 VR

Azealia Banks

Rapper

...
Verified via reddit

The AKG C12 VR can be seen on her instagram story showing off her microphone collection

See how Bebe Rexha uses AKG C12 VR

Bebe Rexha

Singer, Composer

Black Cards

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Meghan Trainor uses AKG C12 VR

Meghan Trainor

Singer

...
Verified via Sound On Sound

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."

See how Ryan Miller uses AKG C12 VR

Ryan Miller

Singer, Guitarist

Guster

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Brian Rosenworcel uses AKG C12 VR

Brian Rosenworcel

Drummer

Guster

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Becca Stevens uses AKG C12 VR

Becca Stevens

Singer, Guitarist

The Lighthouse Band

...
Verified via Photo

Frequent collaborator Jacob Collier's C12 VR was used to record parts of "Bathtub", as is visible in the behind the scenes clip from Stevens' Instagram (posted November 10, 2016).

See how Nicky Byrne uses AKG C12 VR

Nicky Byrne

Singer

Westlife

...
Verified via YouTube

During the recording of "Seasons in the Sun," Nicky Byrne used the AKG C12 VR microphone, as evidenced by the YouTube video titled "Seasons In The Sun Studio Version ~ Westlife," uploaded by dee exx.

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.

Telefunken U47
Telefunken U47 Condenser Microphones
2
Neumann KM 84
Neumann KM 84 Condenser Microphones
1
Beyerdynamic M160
Beyerdynamic M160 Ribbon Microphones
1
Lovetone Meatball
Lovetone Meatball Filter Effects Pedals
1
Electro-Voice RE20
Electro-Voice RE20 Dynamic Microphones
1
Strymon BigSky
Strymon BigSky Reverb Effects Pedals
1
TUBE-TECH CL-1B
TUBE-TECH CL-1B Effects Processors
1
Gibson ES-355 Electric Guitar
Gibson ES-355 Electric Guitar Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1

1 alternative for AKG C12 VR, curated by the Equipboard community.

AKG C12

$7,500.00 - $8,649.00

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