Advanced Audio Microphones CM12SE

• Manufacturer: Advanced Audio Microphones
• Model: CM12SE
• Category: Large diaphragm condenser tube microphones
• Added in our database on: 11/16/2013

Advanced Audio CM12se

The Advanced Audio CM12se is a large-format condenser tube microphone with a capsule design and tube circuitry based on those of the famous AKG C12/ELA M251. Like the original C12/ELA M251 it is an outstanding choice for vocals and acoustic instruments, including percussion, drums and grand piano, as well as for distant miking.

Capsule

The CM12se features Advanced Audio’s own AK12 capsule, an edge-fed, dual diaphragm capsule skinned with German mylar that has a frequency response matching within ±2dB the response of the AKG CK12 capsule. In the CM12se we are able to be more critical with the selection of capsule.

Cicuit

The CM12se’s circuit has been optimized for the 6072a dual triode tube, just like our CM12. The unused half of the 6072a is incorporated as a cathode follower, resulting in a much lower output impedance than that of the original circuit. This lower output impedance improves the damping factor and allows the use of a transformer with half the turns-ratio of the original C12. The result is a circuit with at least 6db more headroom than the original circuit with a better low frequency and high frequency response.

Output

The CM12se utilizes a larger BV18 dual-bobbin transformer with an 8:1 ratio as opposed to the 5:1 ratio of the BV11 used in our CM12. The larger BV18 tranformer can handle 3dB more level then the BV11 before distortion and has 3dB less output. When close miking percussive sound sources the CM12se will recover faster from a larger transient signals and drive the microphone preamp with 3dB less level than the CM12 when placed in the same position. 

The BV18 transformer is driven through a 2.2-ufd mylar capacitor to take advantage of the ability of both capsule and transformer to respond to frequencies reaching down to 10Hz.  The transformer can deliver +18dBm with less than 1% distortion across the audio spectrum.

 Specifications:

    Dual diaphragm, dual back-plate, 35mm edge fed AKG type capsule with 6-micron mylar.

    9 selectable pick-up patterns switch from the power supply.

    Class A 6072a tube circuit

    Custom dual bobin transformer with bi-metal laminations and an 8:1 ratio

    Frequency response: 15Hz to 20kHz

    Noise: -17dB (A-weighted)

    Impedance: <200 ohms 

    Distortion: 0.5% @ 125dB

    Output: +18dBm @<1% distortion into 1.2K ohms.

    Robust shock mount

    Aluminum road case