In the world of professional audio, few microphones are as loved as the legendary AKG C12. Known for its amazing sound and flexibility, the C12 has been used on countless famous recordings since it first came out in the 1950s. But with original C12s costing a fortune, many engineers and studios have been looking for a more affordable option that still captures the magic of this classic mic.

That’s where the Avantone CV-12 comes in – it’s a modern mic that aims to bring the vintage vibe of the C12 to a new generation of recording pros.

History and Background

The AKG C12 is a mic that everyone knows. It’s been used on countless hit records and loved by iconic artists like The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, and Stevie Wonder. The C12’s sound is legendary.

A big part of the C12’s signature sound comes from its CK12 capsule, a handmade wonder that gave anything recorded with it a rich, detailed, and larger-than-life character.

Avantone, a company known for bringing back vintage gear in a modern way, wanted to create a mic that would pay tribute to the C12 while being more affordable. The result is the CV-12, a tube condenser mic that tries to capture the essence of the original C12 using modern parts and building methods.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Avantone CV-12 looks a lot like the vintage mic that inspired it. It has a similar round body and double-mesh grille, giving it a classic look that would fit right in at any studio.

But when you look closer, you can see that the CV-12 isn’t just a visual copy of the C12 – it’s a carefully crafted tool in its own right.

The heart of the CV-12 is its capsule, which Avantone has carefully designed to match the performance of the original CK12. While the exact details of the capsule are a secret, it’s clear that Avantone has worked hard to capture the magic of the vintage capsule.

The mic’s electronics are built around a special 6072A vacuum tube, picked for its low noise and smooth, musical sound.

When it comes to build quality, the CV-12 feels solid and sturdy in your hand. The mic’s body is made from brass, which provides excellent protection against interference, while the capsule is mounted in a shock-mount to reduce handling noise.

Overall, the CV-12 has a sense of quality and attention to detail that’s impressive for its relatively affordable price.

Features and Functions

One of the things that made the original C12 so great was its flexibility, partly thanks to its ability to use different polar patterns. The Avantone CV-12 keeps this tradition alive, offering nine different polar patterns to choose from, ranging from omnidirectional to figure-8, with several options in between.

This makes the CV-12 great for a wide range of recording situations, from intimate vocal performances to big room sounds.

The CV-12 also has:

• A switchable pad (-10dB)
• A high-pass filter (80Hz)

These controls on the mic let you tweak it to handle loud sources or cut low-end rumble. The controls are easy to reach on the mic body, and the included power supply gives you clean, reliable power for the tube electronics.

Sound Quality and Performance

The real test of any mic is how it sounds, and this is where the Avantone CV-12 really shines. From the moment you first hear the CV-12, it’s clear that this is a mic with character.

The CV-12’s frequency response is smooth and even, with a gentle boost in the upper midrange that adds presence and clarity to sources without ever sounding harsh or fake.

On vocals, the CV-12 is great at capturing the small details and emotion of a performance, with a warm, full tone that fits beautifully in a mix. The mic’s slight midrange boost helps vocals cut through busy arrangements without needing a ton of EQ, while the tube electronics add a subtle sweetness and depth to the sound.

The CV-12 is also an excellent choice for recording acoustic instruments, especially strings and woodwinds. The mic’s quick response and detailed high end capture the subtleties of bowed and plucked strings with stunning realism, while its smooth off-axis response helps keep a natural tonal balance even if the mic placement isn’t perfect.

When used as a room mic or for recording loud sources like guitar amps, the CV-12’s multi-pattern options really come in handy. The mic’s figure-8 and omnidirectional settings allow for creative placement options and can help add depth and space to recordings.

Plus, the CV-12’s low noise and ability to handle high sound levels make it a great pick for capturing loud sources like guitar amps or drum overheads.

Comparisons and Alternatives

While the Avantone CV-12 is a standout mic on its own, it’s worth thinking about how it stacks up against other options out there. When it comes to modern recreations of vintage mics, the CV-12 has some competition from mics like the Warm Audio WA-12 and the Telefunken TF51.

Both of these mics try to capture the vibe of classic designs, and both have their own strengths and weaknesses.

When it comes to high-end tube condenser mics in the same price range, the CV-12 holds its own against well-respected options like the Neumann TLM 49 and the Manley Reference Cardioid. While these mics might have slightly different sound flavors, the CV-12’s flexibility and vintage-inspired character make it a compelling choice for engineers and producers looking for something a little different.

Value and Verdict

At its core, the Avantone CV-12 is an incredible value for anyone looking for a high-quality, flexible tube condenser mic. With a street price of around $1,000, the CV-12 costs way less than an original C12 or even many modern high-end condenser mics.

But despite its relatively affordable price, the CV-12 punches way above its weight in terms of sound quality, build, and features.

For home studio owners and project studios looking to add a touch of vintage magic to their recordings, the CV-12 is a tough choice to beat. Its mix of classic sound, multi-pattern flexibility, and easy-to-use controls make it a mic that can handle just about any recording task with ease.

Even for pro studios, the CV-12 is an excellent addition to any mic locker, offering a unique sound flavor that can help make their recordings stand out.

Avantone CV-12: Conclusion

In conclusion, the Avantone CV-12 is a mic that deserves the attention of any serious recording engineer or producer. By combining the vintage-inspired sound of the classic C12 with modern design and building techniques, Avantone has created a mic that is both affordable and uncompromising in its quality.

Whether you want to capture intimate vocal performances, lively instrumental recordings, or wide-open room sounds, the CV-12 has the tools and the character to get the job done. And with its affordable price and impressive feature set, it’s a mic that will likely find its way into many studios and recording setups in the years to come.

So if you’re in the market for a flexible, great-sounding tube condenser mic with a vintage feel, the Avantone CV-12 is definitely worth a look. See current price here.