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The AKG D 12 is a dynamic microphone with a cardioid polar pattern. This means that it “hears” best what happens in front of it while rejecting sound from the sides or rear. The sound entry of the D 12 is bright nickel plated. The dynamic transducer with its special “Bass Chamber” is handmade. The Bass Chamber boosts the lower frequencies in the 60 to 120 Hz range. The large diaphragm provides full, rich bass and ensures clean, undistorted reproduction at high sound levels. Its shock mount prevents pick-up of impact and structure-borne noise. A compensation winding rejects hum induction (from power lines, amplifiers, etc.) and a built-in windscreen eliminates pop noise. Its unique sound established the D 12 as the world’s standard microphone for bass drum and bass instrument pick-up. the D 12’s frequency response extends down to 40 Hz, and the slight peak in the 60 to 120 Hz range enables the microphone to do full justice to the mellow, intimate quality of the trombone, tuba, or flügelhorn. This vintage microphone is one of the three all time great dynamic cardioid kick drum mics. You've probably seen pictures of this mic in use by most of the classic English hard rock and "traditional" metal bands of the '60s, '70s, and '80s and many others as well. But it's not a one trick pony - it works well on all electric instruments and there are even pictures of Paul McCartney singing into one. The mic is notable in that it actually has a retensionable diaphragm, unlike nearly all other dynamic mics ever made. The mic was produced in several forms - the original D12 with pigtail cable and swivel mount, the newer D12e with integral XLR, the D20 with swivel, integral Tuchel connector (can be converted to XLR) and 3 position bass rolloff switch, and the D25 with integral shock mount around the main body of the mic. All have the same basic cartridge and head. These mics find frequent use on electric guitars, in addition to the expected kick, floor tom, and electric bass cabs. Do not confuse this with the current D112 - despite the similarity in names they are in no way even similar in performance. One of the all time classics.
Specifications
Transducer Principle: dynamic pressure gradient transducer Polar Pattern: cardioid Frequency Range: 30-15,000 Hz Sensitivity at 1000 Hz: 2.2 mV/Pa ± –74 dBV re 1 µbar Electrical Impedance at 1000 Hz: 260 ohms Recommended Load Impedance: 600 ohms Maximum SPL for 0.5% THD: 50 Pa ± 128 dB SPL Hum Sensitivity at 50 Hz: 10 µV/5 ± T Climactic Conditions: temperature range: –10°C to +70°C;
relative humidity at +20°C: 90% Connector Type: three-pin male standard XLR Connector Wiring: pin 1: ground, pin 2: AF (in phase), pin 3: AF (return) Housing Material: steel wire mesh 1.5 × 0.7mm Finish: front grille glossy nickel plated, rear grille matte black paint Dimensions: H 140mm (5½ in.), W 55mm (23⁄16 in.), D 76mm (3 in.) Weight: 600g (21.2 oz.) net
Manual
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