Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $8,458
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$100
$401+
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Based on price data from 4 merchants for "AKG C12". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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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
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What is the primary application of the AKG C12 microphone?
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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.
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What type of polar pattern does the AKG C12 offer?
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The AKG C12 features a multipattern polar pattern, allowing users to select from various directional characteristics to suit different recording scenarios.
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Is the AKG C12 a tube microphone?
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Yes, the AKG C12 is an analog tube microphone, which contributes to its warm and rich sonic character, highly valued in professional recordings.
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How does the AKG C12 compare to the AKG C12 VR?
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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.
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What accessories are included with the AKG C12 microphone?
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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.
Videos
Produce Like A Pro
The Magic of Tube Microphones! - Marc Daniel Nelson
The Magic of Tube Microphones! - Marc Daniel Nelson
Produce Like A Pro
Mic Shootout - Neumann U67, Neumann U47, AKG C12, Telefunken ELA M 251
Orange Room
AKG C12 Classic Microphone | VintageKing.com
Vintage King
AKG C12 Microphone Demonstation
Musos Corner
AKG C12 At Chicago Recording Company: From The CRC Vault
gearwire
The BEST microphone ever? 🤔 (...it's an old AKG C12 and it sounds AWESOME!!!)
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
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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
User experience
Setup and maintenance
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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
Mods and upgrades
Value and pricing
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The Warbler MKIII by 3U Audio is highlighted as a C12-like microphone at an attractive price of $275 USD with free shipping.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Used for recording vocals for his album Pure Comedy
A screenshot from a video on Nigel Godrich's Twitter confirms the use of the AKG C12 microphone.
Used on Electric Ladyland, as stated by recording engineer Eddie Kramer in this November 2005 Sound on Sound interview.
While Hendrix's amp was screened off in the studio and miked with Neumann U67s, Mitch Mitchell's kit was positioned on a riser within a roofed, open-sided booth to give it depth and miked with a combination of U67s and AKG C12s.
In "We Are The World" - Ray Charles can be seen Singing on the Telefunken (AKG) C12 Microphone in 1985
4:44 m:s
A pair was used for the piano on Morph the Cat, as stated by mix engineer Elliott Scheiner in this August 2006 Sound on Sound interview.
According to Elliott Scheiner, the following mics were used on the Morph The Cat recording sessions.
- Kick drum: AKG D112.
- Snare: SM57 (only on top).
- Hi-hat: Neumann KM81 or 84.
- Toms: Audio-Technica ATM25.
- Overheads: Neumann U67.
- Room mics: Electrovoice RE20.
- Electric guitar: Shure SM57 right on speaker cone.
- Piano: 2x AKG C12 mics, about 12 inches from the strings.
- Trumpet and trombone: Coles ribbon.
- Tenor sax: Neumann U67.
- Baritone sax: Neumann FET47.
In a YouTube interview titled "Britney Spears In The Personal Zone Interview," Britney Spears discusses her recording process for her album In the Zone, which includes the track "Toxic." The interview provides insight and visual confirmation that the AKG C12 condenser microphone was used during the recording sessions, contributing to the detailed sound of the song.
According to a discussion on the Gearspace forum, Marvin Gaye used the AKG C12 microphone for the lead vocals on the track "Let's Get It On."
A C12 with a W43 windscreen was used for September of My Years, particularly on "It Was a Very Good Year", as can be seen in footage from the recording session at 0:47 and throughout.
"I've got an AKG C12 from the '50s, which I used for Alanis, and I've also got some of the gold reissue ones, which are remarkable and best for female vocals. While the original C12 I have can't be touched in terms of sound when it's in peak condition, it's very delicate — I'm constantly getting it worked on — and the reissues are quite comparable."
— Glen Ballard, songwriter and producer for Morisette's debut album Jagged Little Pill
Whitney Houston used the AKG C12 microphone to record "I Will Always Love You". This is confirmed by Music Connection Magazine, which states, "Aspen's Place Recording studios will now be offering clients the C12 tube microphone that David Foster used on Whitney Houston when she recorded 'I Will Always Love You.'"
Used for the vocals on Food and Liquor, as is visible in this photo from this February 2006 interview with mix engineer Craig Bauer.
Craig Bauer rigs up an AGC [sic] C12 for a vocal take with rapper Lupe Fiasco.
Album Usage
The AKG C12 has been featured on the following albums:
Good Vibrations
Brian Wilson (2021)
The Appetition
Raekwon (2020)
Xoxo
Jayhawks (2020)
The Beatles
The Beatles (2018)
Pure Comedy
J Tillman & Father John Misty (2017)
Stronger
NGHTMRE & A-F-R-O (2016)
Black Thoughts Vol. 2
Tyga (2014)
Philip Glass: Music In 12 Parts
Philip Glass Ensemble & Philip Glass (2013)
m b v
My Bloody Valentine (2013)
Live At The Palladium
Harry James and His Orchestra (2009)
In Rainbows
Radiohead (2007)
Morph the Cat
Donald Fagen (2006)
Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor
Lupe Fiasco (2006)
Toxic
Britney Spears (2004)
In The Zone
Britney Spears (2003)
Details
Frou Frou (2002)
Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morissette (1995)
Amor Amarillo
Gustavo Cerati (1993)
Wish
The Cure (1992)
Dynamo (Remastered)
Soda Stereo (1992)
Colores Santos
Gustavo Cerati & Daniel Melero (1992)
Into The Great Wide Open
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (1991)
Ritual De Lo Habitual
Jane's Addiction (1990)
We Are The World
U.S.A. for Africa (1985)
Let's Get It On
Marvin Gaye (1973)
September Of My Years (Expanded Edition)
Frank Sinatra (1965)
Art Pepper Meets The Rhythm Section
Art Pepper (1957)
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.
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