AKG D12 Large Diaphragm Dynamic Microphone

The AKG D12 is a large diaphragm dynamic microphone introduced during the early era of professional sound reinforcement and recording, becoming one of AKG’s most widely recognised broadcast and instrument microphones.

AKG D12 Large Diaphragm Dynamic Microphone Details

The AKG D12 is a passive dynamic cardioid microphone designed around a large diaphragm and an internal acoustic bass chamber to deliver extended low frequency response. It was engineered for high sound pressure level handling without the need for active electronics or external power.

The microphone employs a pressure gradient transducer and a directional cardioid characteristic intended to reduce rear pickup while maintaining a stable and consistent response across its operating range.

The AKG D12 incorporates internal elastic suspension to reduce handling noise and floor borne vibration, and features an integrated grille assembly designed to provide wind and breath noise protection.

Its mechanical construction and acoustic design made it suitable for demanding professional environments including broadcast studios, live sound systems, and instrument recording.

AKG D12 Large Diaphragm Dynamic Microphone Heritage

  • 1958 to 1986

    designated as AKG D12

    Passive dynamic pressure gradient transducer with cardioid polar pattern. Large diaphragm design with acoustic bass resonance chamber. No active electronics, no phantom power requirement, and transformer balanced output depending on production period. Integrated internal shock isolation and acoustic wind screening.

    The AKG D12 was introduced in 1958 and remained in continuous production for nearly three decades. It became widely adopted in European broadcast facilities and live sound reinforcement during the 1960s and 1970s, and was later embraced in recording studios for kick drum, bass instruments, brass, and vocals. Its extended production lifespan reflects its adaptability across changing recording and reinforcement practices. The D12 was ultimately superseded by the AKG D112 in 1986, which introduced a revised acoustic design optimised specifically for bass drum applications while retaining the core large diaphragm dynamic concept established by the D12.

Specifications

Released in: 1958
Made in: Austria
  • Acoustical Operating Principle: Dynamic pressure gradient transducer
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Frequency Response: 40 Hz to 15 kHz
  • Rated Impedance: 200 ohms
  • Sensitivity: 0.16 mV/µbar
  • Connector: Hard wired cable or transformer adaptor depending on version
  • Dimensions: 142mm x 54mm x 73mm
  • Weight: 650 g
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AKG D12 Large Diaphragm Dynamic Microphone Used on these Recordings

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Elton John

Bohemian Rhapsody

Queen

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Kate Bush

Life’s Been Good

Joe Walsh

Remain in Light

Talking Heads

Jack & Diane

John Cougar

Back On The Chain Gang

The Pretenders

Tricycle

Flim & The BBs

Total Eclipse of the Heart

Bonnie Tyler

Born In The U.S.A.

Bruce Springsteen

No Jacket Required

Phil Collins

Money For Nothing

Dire Straits

I Want To Dance With Somebody

Whitney Houston

Nothing Like The Sun

Sting

Woodface

Crowded House

Digging In The Dirt

Peter Gabriel

After Ours

Ann Hampton Callaway

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The details provided above are drawn from historical documents like advertising brochures or user manuals. They’re shared without bias or review. This info is given solely for your consideration, helping you gauge its usefulness to you.

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