Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 10 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $388
Standard/Professional
$100
$401+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Avantone CV-12". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Experience the extraordinary performance with the Avantone CV-12, a premium tube condenser microphone that combines true professional sound with a visually stunning design. It's a nod to the vintage tube mics of the 1950s and 1960s, yet available at a much more accessible price point. This versatile microphone delivers warm, pleasing sonic character, making it a standout choice for any studio.
The body and capsule assembly of the CV-12 are precision machined from brass, giving it a solid feel and superb structural integrity. It's adorned with an elegant Cabernet Wine-Red finish and accented with polished nickel trim and grill, ensuring it looks as good as it sounds.
In addition to its remarkable sound and aesthetics, the CV-12 comes with a custom retro shock mount for precise positioning while minimizing unwanted vibrations. It's not just a microphone, it's a fusion of art and technology that delivers professional results.
Key Features:
- Large Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone
- Hand-Selected Russian 6072A tubes
- 9 Directional characteristics between omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8 (switchable on power adaptor)
- Frequency range: 25 - 20,000 Hz +/- 3 dB
- Peak SPL: 136 dB
- High-pass switch: 80 Hz 6 dB
- -10 dB Switch
- Shock mount, power adaptor, 7-pin connector cable, wooden box for microphone and transport case included
Product specs
| Microphone Type | Tube Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8 |
| Diaphragm Size | 1.25" (32mm) |
| Frequency Response | 25Hz-20kHz |
| Max SPL | 136dB (146dB w/Pad) |
| Output Impedance | 250 ohms |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 78dB |
| Self Noise | 17dB |
| Low Cut Filter | 80Hz (-12dB/octave) |
| Pads | -10dB |
| Tube | 6072A |
| Power Source | External power supply |
| Connector | XLR |
| Weight | 1.8 lbs. |
| Included Accessories | Cable, Shock Mount, Wood Box, Flight Case |
FAQs
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What polar patterns does the Avantone CV-12 offer?
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The Avantone CV-12 offers cardioid, omni, and figure-8 polar patterns, providing versatility for various recording applications and environments.
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Is the Avantone CV-12 suitable for vocal recordings?
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Yes, the Avantone CV-12 is well-regarded for vocal recordings due to its warm, full tone and ability to capture detailed nuances, making it ideal for vocals in studio settings.
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What is the frequency response range of the Avantone CV-12?
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The Avantone CV-12 has a frequency response range of 25Hz to 20kHz, allowing it to capture a wide spectrum of audio frequencies with clarity.
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Does the Avantone CV-12 require an external power supply?
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Yes, the Avantone CV-12 requires an external power supply to operate, which is included with the microphone.
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What accessories come with the Avantone CV-12?
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The Avantone CV-12 comes with a cable, shock mount, wood box, and flight case, providing everything needed for safe transport and setup.
Videos
B&H Photo Video Pro Audio
Mic Roundup Part 2: Affordable Tube Condenser Mics
Mic Roundup Part 2: Affordable Tube Condenser Mics
B&H Photo Video Pro Audio
Taylor Swift Microphone - Avantone CV-12 Tube Microphone Review -
GaragebandandBeyond
Avantone Pro CV-12 Tube Mic Review / Test (vs. AT2020, NT1, LCT840, TF51)
Podcastage
Warm Audio WA47 vs Avantone CV12 on rap vocals
CLEAN MUD VIDEOS
Avantone Pro Brings the Heft - New CLA Amp Made the Old Way & CV-12 Black Lion Audio Collaboration
Creative Sound Lab
Avantone Pro CV-12 - most popular tube mic at $499
Czar
Avantone CV 12 Microphone Review
Sacalait Productions
Taylor Swift Used This Budget Vocal Mic, Good Choice? - Avantone CV-12
Charlie Hunt
Reviews
PROS
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Warm, clear, and gorgeous sound quality
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Rivals high-end microphones, including Neumann models
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Versatile for vocals, acoustic guitar, and piano
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Offers multiple pattern options for flexibility
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Solid build quality and comes in pleasant design
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Provides a vintage and modern vibe with EQ adjustments
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Exceptional performance for its price point
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Adds warmth to vocals and acoustic instruments
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Includes durable case for transportation
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Colorful and visually appealing design
CONS
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Shockmount quality could be improved
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Sibilance handling could be better (hissy on 'S' sounds)
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Placement of XLR sockets and power switch could be more convenient
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Some users may find it too bright, requiring EQ adjustments
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7-pin XLR input on power supply feels wobbly and flimsy
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Only available in red, limiting aesthetic choices
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Avantone CV-12.
Build quality
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The cable connecting the CV-12 to its power supply isn't a standard XLR, so ensure it’s included and undamaged, as replacements may be tricky to find.
Source
Features and functionality
Use cases and applications
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Performs well on female vocals, backing vocals, garage rock, R&B, and country; less effective for male vocals and electric guitar.
Source -
Taylor Swift reportedly used the CV-12 for vocals on several older albums, highlighting its professional application.
Source -
The CV-12 has been utilized for foley work and live studio recordings, showcasing its versatility beyond typical vocal recording.
Source
Comparisons
Value and pricing
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
From her instagram: "Just got 2 super interesting Mics the left is what Taylor recorded red on and for 500 bucks that's actually a steal for a beautiful tube mix it sounds amazing (avantone cv12) the second is an insane binaural mic I'm about to test it i think it's gonna be wild -- ps don't stress re: still in studio -- I'm on the finishing touches like vocals hence mics"
"Chapman says "I recorded Taylor's voice with an Avantone CV12, which I also used on Fearless, going into a Martech MSS10 mic pre, and then a Tube?Tech CL1B compressor.All of Taylor Swift's vocals on Speak Now were recorded at the demo stage, on Nathan Chapman's Avantone CV12. All of Taylor Swift's vocals on Speak Now were recorded at the demo stage, on Nathan Chapman's Avantone CV12."
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Used for the backing vocals on "Angel Dance", as stated by tracking and mixing engineer Mike Poole in this December 2010 Sound on Sound interview.
"The Avantone CV12 on Darrell's and Robert's backing vocals is a sort of AKG C12?ish mic. It's a little bright for vocals, to my ears, but the BVs in this song were 'ahs' that needed some extra air, and I rolled the bottom end off anyway. I've also used that mic on upright bass and drums. You get a lot of bang for the buck with these Avantone mics!"
You can see 6LACK recording vocals in his kitchen.
In the description of this Video, there are all the links to the Items, that he uses. This one is a part of it
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Looks like Anthony has the Avantone Cv12 in his studio.
Gabi DeMartino uses the Avantone CV-12 microphone, as evidenced by a photo she posted where the branding is clearly visible at the bottom of the picture.
Album Usage
The Avantone CV-12 has been featured on the following albums:
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 Avantone CV-12, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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