Modern AKG CK12s

I know there are few great options for excellent CK12-type capsules now, but being that AKG has capsules available for pretty-reasonable prices, I’m surprised I haven’t heard anyone trying them out! I’m thinking of picking one up for fun!

Could you explain a little bit more? Some links? Which capsule model?

contrary to AKG's numberings and wishful thinkings, the "nylon" capsule of recent 414's is not a CK12 by any measure..

Jakob E.

Of course not, we all know this, but isn’t that still what AKG refers to them as and is still 100% their own business?

I’m speaking of:

https://www.fullcompass.com/prod/246932-akg-2072z00050-mic-element-for-c414buls

https://www.fullcompass.com/prod/527040-akg-2072z00230-c14-xlii-capsule

https://www.fullcompass.com/prod/521125-akg-2072z00090-silver-condenser-capsule-for-c414eb?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4pL4jsm43gIVDsNkCh24nQ5XEAQYASABEgJhEfD_BwE

Ah! Teflons I was hoping that akg manufactured something new in china
One of my favourite capsules. Pretty flexible for multiple purpose microphones, with possibilities of easy physical modifications etc.
There was few different revisions, different way tuned, different finish also electret versions.
Standard, external polarised, versions aren't so far from brass CK12 in case of backplates patterns.
In case of sound they aren't definately 1:1 replacements but there's few options to get much more C12 or M250/251 type of sound from it than from any chinese edged terminated k67 called "CK12".
I did many different microphones with these transducers, here's one simple circuit:
https://groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=62423.msg791063#msg791063
I'm using this microphone for bass tracking in the studio, mostly in pair with D12/D20. Sometimes for vocals also. It beats up my modified C414EB-P48 with exactly the same capsule revision.
For start i would suggest to test with very different polarisation voltages. Some revisions can work with truly high voltage, it definately change response,  so worth to test.

I didnt know this.Are they available in Europe?

I have two cardioid electret versions from c3000b, and they work great. Can be additionally polarised as well. The problem with c3000b are electronics.

The ones i have are scooped, always need some midrange boost, but high end curve is very, very smooth. No crazy dips and valleys like with k67 capsules.

Can't be compared to CT12 for example. But still very, very useable.

Don’t know if in Europe, but I’m guessing so.

I’m really wondering what all the differences truly are between the three. I’d like to play with one, but don’t know which.

Of course, keeping an eye on what Austrian Audio is doing makes sense too! I think they said they’re releasing their first wave of products in April or something.

Recording Engineer said:

I’m really wondering what all the differences truly are between the three. I’d like to play with one, but don’t know which.

Click to expand...

According to Saturn Sound, the 2072Z0009(0) version (aka the most expensive one at Full Compass) has a more complicated backplate assembly that is intended to more closely replicate the sound of the original brass CK12. This would explain the considerable price hike over the 00050 model which was the standard nylon CK12 used for many years. So if your aim is to have the most brass-like CK12 in your microphone, that would probably be the one to get. Caveat: I have no experience directly comparing any of the three models, and for that matter haven't used a nylon equipped C414 of any sort in years, so this recommendation is based strictly on internet research regarding the differences in the capsules and not first-hand knowledge.

The mid-priced 2072Z00230 I am less certain about, other than it appears to be a direct placement for their current C414 models with the internal suspension built into the capsule housing. So whatever backplate style is in the version of the nylon CK12 are in their modern production mics -- 00050 style? 00090 style? Something else completely?

Useful links with cross-sectional diagrams:

http://www.saturn-sound.com/Curio's/akg's%202072%20z%200009%20capsule.htm (CK12 version 2072Z00090)

http://www.saturn-sound.com/Curio's/akg's%202072%20z%200005%20capsule.htm (CK12 version 2072Z00050)