AKG D12 VR Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone

The AKG D12 VR is a large-diaphragm cardioid dynamic microphone. Designed specifically for kick-drum recording applications, the microphone has a thin diaphragm to enhance the low frequency performance.

Without phantom power, the microphone delivers the pure character of the sound source. With phantom power enabled, one of three switchable active-filter presets can be used to quickly adapt the microphone response to suit the desired kick-drum sound. The filter setting can be controlled using a switch on the microphone body. In this mode the output level is also reduced by 10 dB automatically.

Developed more than six decades ago, AKG achieved an international breakthrough in recording and broadcast technology with the introduction of its first dynamic microphone, the D12. The first-of-its-kind microphone became a staple in television and radio studios around the world, setting the standard for voice transmission in the 1950s and '60s. Today, AKG is proud to introduce the D12 VR large-diaphragm cardioid microphone intended specifically for kick drum live and recording applications.

D12 VR (vintage sound re-issue) offers a thin diaphragm within its capsule, which enhances low-frequency performance. With phantom power disabled, the D12 delivers accurate, pure character from the sound source. With phantom power enabled, one of three switchable active-filter presets can be used to quickly adapt the mic's response to suit the user's desired kick drum sound.

The vintage-style premium… read more bass microphone offers three active sound shapes for recording: open kick drum, closed kick drum and vintage sound. D12 is manufactured with the original AKG C414 transformer from the 1970s, reinforcing AKG's deep musical heritage.

AKG's patented implementation of an active electronic filter within a dynamic microphone continues to provide the audio industry with perfected sound. Internally, AKG's dynamic microphones process frequencies within the filter circuit and connect the audio signal in the mic's transformer. The impedance differences between the mic and tandem audio equipment are cancelled out, enabling the unit to showcase the ultimate sound, regardless of its connected device. AKG's transformers enhance the audio signal significantly, especially at high signal levels.

"With the reputation AKG's D12 brought to the recording and broadcast industry, the D12 VR embodies its predecessor with the quality and reliability AKG has been providing the audio industry for 65 years," stated Thomas Umbauer, Product Manager, PPA, AKG. "The relaunched D12 VR will give tracked drums a vintage, yet crisp and modern sound, sure to make percussion tracks shine for professionals or casual artists around the world."

Get an overview of the AKG D12VR Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone in this video demo:

Features:

- Four different sound shapes
- Ultra thin diaphragm
- Optimized bass chamber
- Original C414 transformer
- Cardioid polar pattern read less