Description
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 and ELA M251. Like the original AKG C12 and ELAM 251, 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 ±1.5 dB the response of the AKG CK12 capsule. The capsule in the CM12se is hand tested in our shop.
Circuit
The CM12se’s circuit has been optimized for the 6072a dual triode tube. 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. The larger BV18 transformer can handle 3dB more level than the T14 before distortion and has 3dB less output. When close-miking percussive sound sources the CM12se will recover faster from a larger transient signal 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.
Who is using AA microphones? Read more>>
Specifications
Pattern Selector: 9 patterns from the power supply.
Circuit type: 2 stage class “A” tube, CCDA transformer-coupled
Capsule: 34mm center-fed with dual back-plate and dual 6 microns skinned diaphragms
Capsule Polarization: 60V on the back-plate
Tube type: selected EH6072a
Transformer: BV18 dual bobbin with bi-metal laminations and 8:1 ratio
Transformer Distortion: <1%@20Hz/+13dBu and <0.05%@50Hz/+13dBu
Max SPL: 128dB
Frequency response: 25Hz-20kHz + or – 3db
Equivalent Noise Level: <15dB (A- weighted)
S/N Ratio: >85dB (Ref. 1Pa A-weighted)
Sensitivity: -32dBu
Output impedance: <200 ohm (load impedance <1.2K)
Output connector: Male XLR, 7-pin gold plated
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions – Let us help you capture your sound signature in its fullest detail.
Jacquire King –
“AA microphones have immediately taken a place in my mic selection for tracking. They’ve been used to recording everything from drums to vocals. I’m able to make micing choices based on my preferences for their older counterparts and have very similar sonic result. The character of each AA microphone is true enough to it’s inspiration that it’s easy to achieve the sound I know I want without the need to use much in the way of EQ. With a price much lower than vintage or other boutique mics, they are an easy choice.” Kings Of Leon – “Come Around Sundown” cm47se – BGV’s, bass amp cm12se – violin, piano, key amp, wurli cm87se – guitar amp 414 – B3 organ (leslie) Cold War Kids – “Mine Is Yours” cm47se – BGV’s, bass amp cm12se – key amp Jacquire King – Grammy Winner / Producer /Mixer / Engineer
Aiden Gilligan –
I purchased the CM12se and the results using this Mic have been stunning!! The sonic signature is sublime and build quality is fantastic!. All the major studios across London are huge fans of Advanced Audio….I was recently in RAK Studios with Robbie Nelson and he was also waxing lyrical about AA´s efforts. The harmonic capture in the low’s is wonderful…The CM12se conveys an accuracy however it adds a ‘glue’ that is bloody gorgeous!….Honestly its the same for the rest of the frequencies in the spectrum….The mids and Hi’s convey a beautiful air however still honest and in no way fatiguing. Seriously you can use the CM12se on everything…I certainly have and couldn’t be happier….The team are ace too…They really do give a shit about the customer experience….You are all aces in my book!:) Aiden Gilligan
ZTime –
What is there to say? Excellent pre-purchase response and advice. Very fast build, very well packed and expedited delivery. So what seemed to be a good price for a decent product, upon delivery and testing turned out to be one of the best purchases ever made. Great, great mic for super price. Using it on a female vocal and some speech… it brings smile to my face every time it is plugged in! BRAVOO! Thanks again! ZTime, http://ztm.fi/
Robbie Nelson –
I’ve been using the CM12se as my main drum mono drum overhead on pretty much everything I’ve done since we got it and I also used the CM67se on Bryan Ferry for part of a live sesssion and it sounded amazing. I’m pleased to say I’m still loving both mic’s. Robbie Nelson, RAK Studios, London
Will Worsely –
This mic sounds absolutely lovely (I think we might have to buy another one now to record in stereo). We are full of admiration for your fine microphones! Many thanks, Will Worsely, London. http://www.coda-cola.com