The original AKG C12 was discontinued in 1963 and replaced by the C12A, a more compact microphone using the same ‘brass’ capsule and transformer but incorporating a ‘NuVista’ miniature valve. These had a distinctive ‘diamond’ shape that has lasted for fifty years, with some minor alternations.

The C12A also utilised an external power supply which was fitted with a pattern switch. The mic has a distinctive stand mount/connector, which matches the body shape.

The C12A is on of the most underrated and best value classic tube mic around. It has all the warmth and sparkle traditionally associated with a C12, and which gives a mid-range presence that no Neumann can match (except the best M49s). NuVista tubes are often accused of being noisy, but we’ve never suffered a problem with them. Like all tubes, make sure you select a quiet example.