AKG D 12 E Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

AKG D 12 E Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

Universally acknowledged as the bass-drum microphone par excellence, the AKG D-12E has won worldwide acclaim for its special ability to capture and enhance the sonic impact of this extremely low-register percussion instrument. (The versatile D·12E is not restricted to just this one application though. Other instruments that also reach down into the very lowest octave of music - the E-flat electric guitar, low-frequency driver of the Leslie, string bass, deep brass and woodwinds, etc. - are all rendered with exceptional warmth and fullness by this time-tested microphone.) Equally important is the D-12E's corresponding ability to provide such pronounced bass cleanly - without unwanted boominess or muddiness, and without susceptibility to various forms of low-frequency noise.

This difficult (and seemingly contradictory) blend of features is achieved in the D-12E through a judicious combination of design elements. To start with, a moving-coil transducer having an unusually large diameter diaphragm and highly linear large excursion performance is coupled to a special bass-resonator chamber. This assembly is then acoustically integrated with a housing of optimum size and shape for its intended application. The result (as shown in the curves and data below) is a remarkable microphone offering: (1) useable response extending down to 30 Hz; (2) pronounced but smoothly contoured proximity-effect boost extending into the bass region well below 100 Hz; (3) low-distortion output - even in close proximity to any of the low-frequency high-amplitude sound sources mentioned above; (4) good rejection of acoustic feedback and background noise at virtually all frequencies.

In addition, the D-12E's transducer element is specially spring suspended for superb isolation from the effects of handling noise, mechanical shocks and spurious low-frequency vibrations. As still another precaution, the transducer incorporates a hum-bucking winding to cancel the effects of electromagnetically induced noise from ever-present power and lighting cables as well as from dimmers, power switchboards and the like.

Specifications:

• Transducer Type: Dynamic
• Directional Characteristic: Cardioid
• Directional Reference:
  • Nickel grille = front of mic; black grille = rear of mic
• Frequency Range: 30-15,000 Hz
• Nominal Impedance at 1 kHz: 290 ohms
• Rated-Impedance Category: 250 ohms
• Recommended Load Impedance: ≥ 500 ohms
• Sensitivity at 1 kHz :
  • Open circuit : 2.2 mV/ Pa; - 53.2 dBV*
  • Maximum power level: - 53 dBm (re: 1mW/10 dynes/cm 2)
  • EIA Gm : - 145 d Bm
  • High-Z'output w/MCH20T- 20TS,-20TS (optional): - 43 dBV at 1 Pa *
  • Tolerance : +2,-1.5dB
• Sound Pressure Level for 0.5% THD :
  • 40 Hz: 120 dB; 1000 Hz, 5000 Hz : 128 dB
• Hum Sensitivity (1 mG field): -132 dBm
• Case Material : Steel-wire mesh; nickel-plated brass; blk trim
• Dimensions: See Dimensions figure
• Schematic : See Schematic figure
• Net Weight: 480g (≈17oz)
• Included Accessories:
  • SA-30 flex . snap-in stand adapter with 5/8-in . -27 thread
  • Foam-lined vinyl case
• Optional Accessories:
  • SA-26 clothespin stand adapter with 5/8-in. -27 thread
  • KM-series floor and boom stands, stand accessories
  • ST-series table stands
  • MCH-series heavy-duty microphone cable assemblies