LONDON — 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. This first-of-its-kind microphone became a staple studios and performance stages around the world, setting the standard for voice transmission in the 1950s and ’60s as well as becoming a standard for capturing low-freuency, high SPL sources such as bass drums. At the PLASA 2012 show, AKG debuted the new D12 VR, a large-diaphragm cardioid microphone intended specifically for kick drum applications.
Phantom Powered Dynamic Mic
D12 VR (vintage sound re-issue) offers a thin diaphragm within its newly designed 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.
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The mic offers three active sound shapes for recording: open kick drum, closed kick drum and vintage sound. The 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.
Check out this FOH-TV video of the D12 VR from the PLASA show.
“With the reputation AKG’s D12 brought to the recording and broadcast industry, the latest 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.”
