What does the C12 VR include in the box?

The microphone ships with an H15 T shockmount, MK tube cable, N12 VR power supply, and W42 windscreen — everything needed for immediate studio use.

Can I use this microphone live on stage or while touring?

No, the C12 VR is designed exclusively for studio sessions, critical recording, mixing, and mastering work; it is not engineered for live performance or touring environments.

How many polar patterns does it offer, and can I switch between them remotely?

The C12 VR has nine remotely selectable polar patterns including cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-eight, allowing you to adapt to different acoustic environments and sources without breaking the signal chain.

What kind of tube does it use, and how does that affect the sound?

The C12 VR uses a hand-built 6072A vacuum tube paired with an edge-terminated CK12 capsule to deliver warmth, musicality, and naturally colored response that complements vocals, acoustic instruments, and ensemble recordings without aggressive coloration.

Does it have controls for proximity effect and rumble?

Yes — switchable -10 dB and -20 dB preattenuation pads and bass cut filters at 100 Hz and 130 Hz give you studio-grade control over proximity effect, rumble, and low-frequency management.

Do I pay sales tax on this order?

Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $605 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.

AKG C12 VR Reference Multi-Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

The AKG C12 VR is a world-class tube condenser microphone engineered for critical recording, mixing, and mastering work. Its hand-built 6072A vacuum tube and edge-terminated CK12 capsule deliver the warmth, musicality, and transparency that define professional studio standards. This microphone captures precision and sonic character in equal measure—essential tools for sessions where every detail matters.

Capsule Design & Tube Electronics

The 1.0" diaphragm paired with a 6072A vacuum tube produces a naturally colored response that sits beautifully on vocals, acoustic instruments, and ensemble recordings without aggressive coloration. The edge-terminated construction of the CK12 capsule ensures consistent off-axis response and three-dimensional imaging across the entire frequency spectrum, translating to accurate mono and stereo pair recordings.

Flexibility & Signal Performance

Nine remotely selectable polar patterns—including cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-eight—adapt to any acoustic environment and source requirement without breaking the signal chain. A 72 dB-A signal-to-noise ratio and 22 dB-A equivalent noise level preserve low-level detail and transient information critical for mix clarity, while switchable -10 and -20 dB preattenuation pads and bass cut filters at 100 and 130 Hz provide studio-grade control over proximity effect and rumble during tracking.

Key Features

1.0" diaphragm with 6072A vacuum tube and edge-terminated CK12 capsule
9 remotely selectable polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-eight
Frequency response: 30 – 20,000 Hz
Sensitivity: 10 mV/Pa
Signal-to-noise ratio: 72 dB-A; Equivalent noise level: 22 dB-A
Switchable preattenuation pad: -10 dB and -20 dB
Bass cut filter with selectable frequencies: 100 Hz and 130 Hz
Electrical impedance: 200 Ohms; Recommended load impedance: 1000 Ohms
Balanced XLR, male, 3-pin connector
Dimensions: 225 mm height × 42 mm diameter; finish in green and gold
Includes H15 T shockmount, MK tube cable, N12 VR power supply, and W42 windscreen

The C12 VR combines transparent studio engineering with sonic character that captures source material with depth and musicality.

Condition	New
Country of Manufacture	Hungary

Best suited for	Studio Sessions, Home Recording, Vocals, Acoustic Instruments
Tonal character	Warm, musical, transparent, naturally colored, three-dimensional imaging
Less specialized for	Live Performance, Touring (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily)
Skill level	Advanced / Professional