Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
$9,995.00
Reverb
$9,995.00 2 available New
Thomann
$11,090.00 $10,990.00 $100.00 · All time low
Vintage King
5.0 (1)
$9,995.00

Average Price: $10,244

High-end/Boutique

$100

$401+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Telefunken C12". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Telefunken C12: Studio Superiority in a Tube Condenser Microphone

Renowned in the music industry, the Telefunken C12 tube condenser microphone is a masterpiece of sound engineering. Designed for precision, it's the perfect choice for capturing vocals, drum overheads, and acoustic instruments. The C12's multiple polar patterns are its standout feature, offering you enhanced recording flexibility. Choose between omni, cardioid, and figure-8 patterns and find the perfect setting for any acoustic environment.

The C12 doesn't just excel in versatility, it's also a beast when it comes to delivering warm, authentic sound. The 6072a tube design was specially selected to deliver that classic tube warmth, resulting in an incredibly detailed and realistic sound reproduction.

Built to replicate the original C12 microphones, the Telefunken C12 employs the same technical specifications, down to the transformer, which is made by the original manufacturer. It's not just a microphone, it's a testament to the golden era of music production.

Key Features:

  • A faithful reproduction of the classic C12 microphone
  • Delivers smooth top-end and warm sound, exclusive to tube microphones
  • Multiple selectable polar patterns: omni, cardioid, figure-8, and 6 intermediate stages
  • Built with a custom transformer that adheres to original specifications
  • Features a 6072a microphone grade tube for stellar sound and performance
  • Offers incredibly realistic and detailed sound reproduction
  • Comes with a dedicated power supply, flight case, and wooden storage box.

Product specs

Microphone Type Tube Condenser
Polar Pattern Omni, Figure 8
Diaphragm Size 1" (25.4mm)
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz
Max SPL 138dB
Output Impedance 200 ohms (50 ohms Switchable)
Self Noise 16dB (A weighted)
Tube 6072A
Power Source External power supply
Connector XLR
Weight 1.3 lbs.

FAQs

What polar patterns does the Telefunken C12 offer?

The Telefunken C12 features omni and figure-8 polar patterns, allowing it to capture sound from different directions, making it versatile for various recording scenarios.

Is the Telefunken C12 suitable for vocal recordings?

Yes, the Telefunken C12 is highly regarded for vocal recordings due to its warm and detailed sound, capturing the nuances of the human voice with exceptional clarity.

What type of tube does the Telefunken C12 use?

The Telefunken C12 utilizes a 6072A tube, which contributes to its classic, warm sound and rich harmonic detail, characteristic of vintage tube microphones.

How does the Telefunken C12 handle high sound pressure levels?

The Telefunken C12 can handle up to 138dB SPL, making it suitable for recording loud sound sources without distortion, such as drums or amplified instruments.

What is the frequency response of the Telefunken C12?

The Telefunken C12 offers a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, providing a balanced and full-range sound capture ideal for both vocals and instruments.

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 Telefunken C12 by Sweetwater

Telefunken C12

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Telefunken C12  | KMR Audio by KMR Audio

Telefunken C12 | KMR Audio

KMR Audio

KMR Audio

Video thumbnail for TELEFUNKEN C12 vs Elam 251E   I $20K - Shootout I Shred Shed by Shred Shed Studios

TELEFUNKEN C12 vs Elam 251E I $20K - Shootout I Shred Shed

Shred Shed Studios

Shred Shed Studios

Video thumbnail for TELEFUNKEN C12 microphone Male Vocal SOUL R&B by TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik

TELEFUNKEN C12 microphone Male Vocal SOUL R&B

TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik

TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Telefunken C12.

Comparisons

  • C12 is likened to a brighter, more present version of a 251, with emphasis on upper mids, potentially better for making dark sources more present.

    Source
  • The U47 is described as enlarging the source like no other, making it ideal for anchoring a record, especially for male vocals.

    Source
  • Modern mics like Lauten Eden and Lewitt 1040 are suggested as alternatives to the C12, offering similar brightness and presence.

    Source
  • The C12 is described as sounding amazing on female vocals and more laid-back male vocals but considered harsh for shouty male vocals, especially with sibilant sounds.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • U47 modified with EF12 tube by Andreas Grosser and M7 capsule reskinned by Siegfried Thiersch, noted as top-notch experts in their field.

    Source
  • The Sony C100 is noted for its "Noise Elimination Construction," similar to the C800, providing clarity without a tube preamp, especially when paired with a Neve 88Rlb.

    Source

User experience

  • The C12 can be too bright for some, particularly in the 2-4k range, whereas the U47 smooths over harshness better.

    Source
  • The Advanced Audio CM800T is recommended for its affordability and quality, with users noting satisfaction comparable to much more expensive original microphones.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • High-quality vintage U47 clones are expensive, with options like Wunder CM7 suprema and Heiserman 47 starting north of $5k.

    Source
  • The Soyuz 017 Tube is praised for capturing warmth and detail, offering a modern alternative to vintage tube microphones with a similar sonic profile.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The Warm Audio WA8000 can be modified to sound closer to a C800G by changing the tube and removing the heat sink, costing around $200 for modifications.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The EV RE 20 is highlighted for its versatility, performing well on vocals and various instruments, especially drums, due to its ability to handle high sound pressure levels.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ariana Grande uses Telefunken C12

Ariana Grande

Singer

Victorious Cast

...
Verified via Photo

Ariana posted a picture on Instagram of her at the studio singing to a Telefunken C-12 microphone.

See how Michael Jackson uses Telefunken C12

Michael Jackson

Singer, Composer

The Jackson 5

...
Verified via Photo

MJ had a Telefunken (AKG) C12 Mic in his Neverland Home Studio - Bruce also owns a Pair & these C12 Mic's & was used from time to time on MJs Vocals - Most Famous on Michael's Lead part & also on every singer of the Group of 'We Are The World'

See how Avril Lavigne uses Telefunken C12

Avril Lavigne

Singer, Guitarist

Avril Lavigne (Band)

...
Verified via Photo

Avril posted a video on her Instagram Stories while on the studio, in which we can see a Telefunken C12 Microphone on the background.

See how Blake Mills uses Telefunken C12

Blake Mills

Singer, Guitarist

Simon Dawes

...
Verified via TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik

'“I’ve put it in front of acoustic guitars a lot and I’ve been really happy. It’s also a great mic for my voice, which is a little irregular and inconsistent, and I like it as a drum overhead, as well.”'

See how Demi Lovato uses Telefunken C12

Demi Lovato

Singer, Guitarist

Disney's Friends for Change

...
Verified via Photo

Demi can be seen recording with a Telefunken C-12 on the Trailer of her upcoming documentary "Dancing With The Devil"

See how Camila Cabello uses Telefunken C12

Camila Cabello

Singer, Composer

Fifth Harmony

...
Verified via Photo

Camila performing a medley of her songs with the Telefunken C12 microphone.

See how George Clinton uses Telefunken C12

George Clinton

Singer

Funkadelic

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo from Getty Images, George Clinton can be seen using a Telefunken C12 microphone.

See how Tim McGraw uses Telefunken C12

Tim McGraw

Guitarist, Singer

Artists of Then, Now & Forever

...
Verified via YouTube

Used for McGraw's performance of "I'm Not Gonna Miss You" for the 87th Academy Awards.

See how Hiromi Uehara uses Telefunken C12

Hiromi Uehara

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Google

When performing with Chick Corea, on the "Duo"project, we can appreciate those mics on both pianos. Good old fashioned C12m with the old multipin conector and cable output on the side. In their video (Hiromi Uehara & Chick Corea) "Concierto de Aranjuez", this setup could be appreciated.

See how Enrique Iglesias uses Telefunken C12

Enrique Iglesias

Singer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the Vevo video "We Are The World 25 for Haiti," starting at 2:55, Enrique Iglesias is seen using a Telefunken C12 microphone while singing his part. This microphone is a staple in his recording setup.

See how Jovanotti uses Telefunken C12

Jovanotti

Rapper, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 6:10 in the video "La nascita di 'Ragazza Magica' - Lorenzo 2015cc" by Lorenzo Jovanotti Cherubini on YouTube, Jovanotti is seen using the Telefunken C12 microphone while trying some songs for his official recording.

See how Duki uses Telefunken C12

Duki

Singer, Rapper

...
Verified via YouTube

The artist was seen in a studio Using the Telefunken C12 at time stamp 0:35

Album Usage

The Telefunken C12 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 Telefunken C12, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Telefunken M81
Telefunken M81 Dynamic Microphones
1
Telefunken M81-SH
Telefunken M81-SH Dynamic Microphones
1
Telefunken M82 Dynamic Mic
Telefunken M82 Dynamic Mic Dynamic Microphones
1

More Telefunken Condenser Microphones

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides