Weekly e-mail offers: Sign up today »

Cart (800) 222-4700 Español (800) 222-4701

Use Your Sweetwater Card

18 Months Interest Free Financing from AKG!

Here's your chance to pick up that coveted piece of AKG gear! Until May 31, 2012, use your Sweetwater Musician's All Access Platinum Card to purchase AKG products, and you'll pay NO INTEREST for 18 months! Minimum payments are required, and some restrictions apply. Click Here for full details.

AKG C12 VR

Item ID: C12VR

Vacuum Tube Mic with 1" Twin Diaphragm Capsule Design and 9 Selectable Polar Patterns

Special Order, But We Can Get It Fast

Because of our great relationship with AKG, we can get this item as fast as or faster than anyone else. Please note that special orders are non-returnable and non-cancelable - Order online or call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer for information.

Note: While most of the items we sell ship for free, this item does not qualify for free shipping due to special circumstances.

Get more value at Sweetwater

  • Retail Price$5499.00
  • Sweetwater Savings-$500.00
  • Tech SupportFree! SweetCare FREE Tech Support
    Trust Sweetwater's award-winning Tech Support department for FREE online and phone tech support, including our famous 20,000 article Knowledge Base. Learn more »
  • 2-Year WarrantyFree! Total Confidence Coverage FREE 2-year Warranty
    Regardless of the manufacturer's warranty, we'll protect this gear for two years.
    Learn more »
  • Sale Price:$4999.00
Many Payment Options Available

From Our Research Team:

Captures the Beauty of the Original, Legendary C12!

The AKG C 12 is one of the first famous tube microphones in the history of recording. This collector's item is still very much sought after and engineers all over the world love it for its fantastic, unique sound. Now, AKG's C 12 VR offers a remarkable renaissance of the original, with new self noise and distortion specs optimized to meet the current state of the art.

AKG C 12 VR Tube Microphone at a Glance:
  • Recreation of a legendary tube mic with improved performance
  • Combination of diaphragm and tube deliver remarkable sound
  • Filters, pads and sensitivity adjustments let you tailor the mic to your needs

The C 12 legend, now improved!
AKG's C 12 VR is similar to the original C 12, from the capsule sound to the original 6072A vacuum tube. The only difference is that its self noise and distortion specs were optimized to meet the current state of the art. The C 12 VR version is even more rugged, less susceptible to hum interference, and provides exceptionally low self noise. You'll be impressed by its remarkable performance!

A sound beyond words!
The return of the 1-inch dual-diaphragm capsule and the original 6072A vacuum tube give the C 12 VR the same sound characteristics of warmth, clarity, and presence that had made the C 12 world famous. Forget your EQ - the C 12 VR provides a perfect sound with no external processing. From omni to cardioid to figure-eight, no less than nine polar patterns are selectable on the remote control.

Rolloff, pad and sensitivity, all adjustable
With two remotely controllable bass rolloff filters, switchable preattenuation pad, and selectable 10 dB increase in nominal sensitivity, the C 12 VR will meet the most diverse challenges. The output transformer uses a special winding to minimize low-frequency distortion, and internal shock mounts effectively reduce handling noise.


AKG C 12 VR Tube Microphone Features:
  • Classic 1-inch condenser tube performance of the original AKG C 12
  • Dual diaphragm, 1" diameter gold sputtered mylar foil
  • Multiple patterns remotely controlled with silent switching
  • Polar patterns: omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8, with 6 intermediate patterns (silent switching)
  • Uses the original 6072 vacuum tube
  • Uses the original 1950's dual diaphragm design for sound that has the same warmth, clarity and presence of the original
  • Internal microphone switching for pre-attenuation of -10, -20 dB and boost of +10 dB to accommodate all studio requirements.
  • External (in control unit) two-position bass cut/roll-off
  • Frequency response 30 Hz - 20 kHz (±2.5 dB from published curves)
  • Impedance: 200 ohms (±25%) Recommended load impedance: 1000 ohms or greater
  • Output connector (from control unit): XLR (pin 2 positive)
  • Output connector (from microphone): Tuchel 12-pin
  • Sensitivity at 1 kHz: 10 mV/Pa for all patterns; -40 dB (dB re 1 V/Pa)
  • Equivalent noise level (A-weighted): 22 dB (DIN 45412)
  • Sound pressure level for 3% THD: 128 dB (equivalent to 50 Pa)
  • Pre-attenuation: -10 and -20 dB (at microphone)
  • Sensitivity increase: 10 dB (at microphone)
  • Low frequency roll-off/bass cut: two-position (at control unit)
  • Power requirement: 115/230 Vac Microphone
  • Aluminum flight case, N 12 VR remote power supply, H 15/T elastic suspension, MK 12V R 30-foot connecting cable and W 42 foam windscreen included

The AKG C 12 VR Tube Microphone: An improved version of a classic!
Specification Detail
Microphone Type Tube Condenser
Polar Pattern(s) Nine Patterns Through Cardioid, Omni, and Figure-8
Frequency Response 30Hz-20kHz
Max SPL 128/138/148 db (k=3%)
Output Impedance 200 ohms
Signal to Noise Ratio 72 dB
Self Noise 32 dB
Low Cut Filter 6 dB/octave at 100 Hz, 12 dB/octave at 130 Hz
Pads 10dB, 20 dB
Length 8.86"
Width 1.65"
Depth 1.65"
Weight 1.5 lbs.
Manufacturer Part Number 2221Z0004
What Does "Special Order" Mean?
A special-order product is one that we don't normally keep in stock. We order it from the manufacturer as soon as you order from us. We have great relationships with all the manufacturers we carry, so we can get your special order to you as fast as or faster than anyone else. Remember that special orders are non-returnable and non-cancelable, so make sure the item is right for you. A Sweetwater Sales Engineer can help you decide - call (800) 222-4700 for assistance!

Can We Help?

call toll-free (800) 222-4700 or E-mail us
to get personalized advice from a Sweetwater Sales Engineer.

Additional Online Resources:

More Recommended Accessories

Reviews

based on 6 reviews

The Best

by Matt from Nashville, TN
July 9, 2010
Music Background: Guitarist, Engineer, Producer, Vocalist
I recently purchased a C12VR... I conducted a mic shoot out as soon as it arrived. I plugged my C12VR, Neumann U87, Neumann TLM-103 Anniversary Ed., and my Rode Classic II into identical Apogee solid ... read more [+]state preamps for sound comparisons. I equalized the volume setting, and let the fun begin. In the end, the AKG C12VR and the Neumann U87(I had modified) were my finalist. It was like comparing apples to oranges (my vote was for the C12vr), so I brought in four musician friends to get their opinions. The AKG C12VR won the competition (all four picked the C12vr). The U87 sounds very "What you see is what you get". But, the C12VR makes everything sound warmer and magical. Also, the C12VR seems to cut down on sibilance, which is great. However, like all mics, EQing is a must. This is one of the best microphones in the world. I dare you to find a warmer microphone. close [-]

perfect mic

by neve from norway
July 14, 2008
Music Background: composer
AKG C12 VR is a good sounding mic. perfect warmth,presence,a nice tube sound. Dont understand the bad reviews of this mic on the net..I suppose it is just a matter of taste, but it certainly is NOT a... read more [+] C12..and I can understand when people say it Doesnt Sound Like A C12...Because it dont. Akg could perhaps called it a C(something else).. This mic is too dark to be compared to an original C12. But again, C12 VR (Vintage reissue) is something special. It cuts through the mix, and the vocals sits perfectly.
I have tried it with a Neve pre..and a ****** Behringer pre...this mic sounds unbelieveable whatever you puts it through. NR.1!!! Remarkable sound! one of my favorites! AKG RULES! close [-]

AKG C 12 VR

by Ivica Kodzoman from Split, Croatia, Europe
July 31, 2007
Music Background: Pro Musician
After a many years of searching for the „perfect mic“ I've finally got my hands on a brand new AKG C12VR and I was blown away with results!! I use it in my studio with Avalon VT 737sp and RME Fir... read more [+]eface 400....and the mic sounded perfect on everything I recorded with it, (lead vocals, back volcals, acoustic guitars, sax, etc...)...and it really translated the full range very evenly and have nice even tone and velvety warmth and presence....simply, it delivers a remarkable sound and performance!! So, in my experience and IMHO the nine remotely selectable pickup patterns make the AKG C12VR a necessity not only for vocals, but for instrumental solo recording, as well. Providing a sound beyond words, the AKG C12VR is the ultimate in microphones, trully „high-end class“ mic,...and a worthy investment for the professional artist.
I just love it!!:))) close [-]

VERY CLEAR! But a had little trouble dealing with the "lows"

by ChrisW from Nashville, TN
March 18, 2010
Music Background: Recording Engineer, Producer, Drummer
It IS a great sounding mic. Do I think it's necessarily worth 5 G's, not so much... I recorded a male vocal with it and had to toy around with EQ quite a bit to get rid of some "boomy" low end. But in... read more [+] the end, it out performed any vocal mic in my collection! close [-]

Microphone Geeks

by Dennis Dougherty from NewYork, NY
March 4, 2008
Music Background: Classical Musician, Audio Design Engr, Internationally Aclaimed Composer of Chamber Music
The AKG C12-VR is certainly a dream microphone and like any fine piece of equipment, one should be proud to have one at his/her disposal. I find this universal fascination a little puzzling however. ... read more [+] So much of the minute sound differences between this and lesser models is just too often lost in the digital medium and especially when the CD is used. As an industry we should be working towards a supperior recording/playback system. One that really captures the musical nuances this mic can detail. close [-]
Read more reviews

Also popular

See Also: Condenser Mics , AKG , AKG Condenser Microphones , AKG Condenser Microphones

Our Customers Say...

My Sales Engineer has always been really knowledgeable; he's right there with all the information I need. I've been very happy dealing with Sweetwater in general - there haven't been any negatives.
Ted Kynard, Charlotte, NC

Sweetwater Sound Inc.
5501 U.S. Hwy 30 W
Fort Wayne, IN 46818
Get Directions »

Toll Free (800) 222–4700
Español (800) 222–4701
Local (260) 432–8176
Fax (260) 432–1758
E-mail us

Phone & Retail Store Hours:
9–9 Monday–Thursday
9–8 Friday
9–7 Saturday
(All hours listed are
Eastern Standard Time.)

© 2012 Sweetwater Sound Inc. All rights reserved. Please read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Links | Press Releases