The Avant Electronics Avantone CV-12 is a large diaphragm tube microphone modeled after the famous AKG C12. The mic is definitely best suited in the recording studio, as I wouldn't use it anywhere else. The mic has three polar pick up patterns to choose from - either cardioid, omnidirectional, or figure eight. It also has patterns in between as well if I'm not mistaken. The mic has a 6072A tube inside of it. In terms of accessories, the mic comes with a power supply, a special 7 pin cable, a shock mount, a wooden case for the mic, and a larger carrying case for everything.

OVERALL OPINION

For the price, the Avant Electronics Avantone CV-12 is an absolutely awesome microphone. The parts that come with the microphone like the shock mount and the cables and all that are definitely pretty cheap feeling, but I'll take the trade off any day considering the price. While it's not really a C12, it does share a similar type of make up and style for sure. I've used the CV-12 for a few different applications, including using the set of two as drum overheads and as a vocal microphone. For both applications we were able to get some awesome results with the mic. It has a very warm and full bodied sound for sure, but don't expect the sound of a real C 12 to come out of this. The price of the CV-12 is really what puts it over the edge for me. These would be some really cool microphone if they were double the price, but being that they're available for only $500 US dollars a piece, it's really a no brainer. Whether you're looking for a budget tube microphone for your home or professional studio, the Avant Electronics Avantone CV-12 is an awesome way to go!