AKG C12

The original AKG C12, manufactured in Vienna from the late 1950s through the early 1960s, uses a 6072 vacuum tube and features the famous CK12 brass capsule. It also offers nine remotely switchable polar patterns via an external power supply, making it one of the most versatile vintage tube microphones ever built.

The Telefunken ELA M 251 was actually manufactured by AKG in Vienna using the same CK12 capsule as the C12, created because Telefunken needed a premium tube microphone after Neumann ended their distribution agreement. The 251 uses a different circuit and transformer design than the C12, but both share the iconic capsule.

The AKG C12 VR is a modern reissue that attempts to recreate the original C12 using a 6072 tube and a reproduction of the CK12 capsule, but many engineers report that it sounds different from a vintage original due to variations in component sourcing and manufacturing. Original C12 units from the 1950s and 60s are extremely rare and command prices in the tens of thousands of dollars.

The AKG C12 is prized above all for lead vocals, where its detailed high end, warm tube character, and nine polar pattern options make it extraordinarily versatile. It is also excellent on acoustic instruments, drum overheads, and strings, and has appeared on countless classic recordings since its introduction.