Another CK12 Thread - what's available in 2023?

[Delta Sigma]

With so many variables between the original CK12's variance, the different circuits people have heard originals in, the preferred CK12's our modern manufacturers prefer, the personal taste of DIY builders, and the different circuits these capsules are now going into, there's clearly only one solution:

Build a C12, 251, and a C12a. Buy one each of Beesneez, Campbell, and OPR CK12s and try them all in each circuit!

I'm only half joking, since I'm an OPR CK12 and some C12a parts away from the trifecta.

 

[ElSmurf]

Build a C12, 251, and a C12a. Buy one each of Beesneez, Campbell, and OPR CK12s and try them all in each circuit!

Does an SM204 count?

 

[kingkorg]

With so many variables between the original CK12's variance, the different circuits people have heard originals in, the preferred CK12's our modern manufacturers prefer, the personal taste of DIY builders, and the different circuits these capsules are now going into, there's clearly only one solution:

Build a C12, 251, and a C12a. Buy one each of Beesneez, Campbell, and OPR CK12s and try them all in each circuit!

I'm only half joking, since I'm an OPR CK12 and some C12a parts away from the trifecta.

It would be nice if manufacturers published half decent FR graphs so DIYers could get at least an idea what they are in for.

I can offer making the measurements free of charge and sending them back if manufacturers cover all the expenses regarding shipping back and forth + norwegian import charges. I doubt tho anyone would be interested. I'd be happy to take the measurements of the original they are based on as well.

 

[Delta Sigma]

Does an SM204 count?

If you can convince Eric to sell you a Heiserman, then you have to build an SM204

 

[Drosselmeier]

https://aliexpress.ru/item/1005005804769606.htmlhttps://aliexpress.ru/item/1005005675443517.html
SOUND

 

[MiamiBoy]

What about Mic & Mod ? They sell a €160 capsule from Replica Microphone
or the RK-12 from Microphone Parts / Roswell Pro Audio at $170

 

[soliloqueen]

Both edge terminated k67 capsules. The micparts rk12 is nice though. I've heard multiple people say that it's the only MP capsule they like and I can understand that. It's good as its own thing

 

[Richard Missimer]

I like Advanced Audio, and caps I had been getting from https://www.wgtcenter.com/ prices are low and the mics I used it in did well with it.

 

[OneRoomStudio]

I like Advanced Audio, and caps I had been getting from https://www.wgtcenter.com/ prices are low and the mics I used it in did well with it.

The AA CK12 is a Chinese edge-terminated K67, like the M&M and RK12 mentioned above. None of those are true CK12's. They may sound good, but they are different from a CK12 - just like an M7 is different from a K47.

The only "true" CK12's available right now are listed in the first post in this thread. It looks like OPR may have some stock now too.

 

[kingkorg]

I like Advanced Audio, and caps I had been getting from https://www.wgtcenter.com/ prices are low and the mics I used it in did well with it.

Welcome, and excuse me for knee jerk reaction, but it's a funny first post.

 

[cortez07]

"Terrapin Audio CK12"

 

[OneRoomStudio]

"Terrapin Audio CK12"

Funny, I just posted about using a Terrapin transformer in a 87-ish build. I’ve had the transformer for years and didn’t realize Terrapin was still around. I’m excited to see what comes of this.

 

[cortez07]

but the photo looks like the one

Funny, I just posted about using a Terrapin transformer in a 87-ish build. I’ve had the transformer for years and didn’t realize Terrapin was still around. I’m excited to see what comes of this.

Yeah, but it looks like the same capsule from the Chinese company selling a CT12 replica on AliExpress www.aliexpress.com/item/3256805618454854.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.3d2818fcl4HzdC&mp=1&gatewayAdapt=glo2ita. Well, anyway, how did the Terrapin transformer perform?

 

[blackfinder]

hello guys! i need a little help after reading this thread

A friend gifted me an old AKG C414 B-ULS from very early '90 with what looks like a faulty capsule and i'm looking to find a deign replacement to get it back to work.
It's the last model with transformer inside and is equiped with the CK12 nylon capsule.

The AKG capsule used into the current 414 seems not compatible due to completely different mounting system, but i'm also wondering about improving the sound eventually...


which CK12 style capsule would be compatible AND will improve my 414 B-ULS ?

 

[ZHOUJUN]

hello guys! i need a little help after reading this thread

A friend gifted me an old AKG C414 B-ULS from very early '90 with what looks like a faulty capsule and i'm looking to find a deign replacement to get it back to work.
It's the last model with transformer inside and is equiped with the CK12 nylon capsule.

The AKG capsule used into the current 414 seems not compatible due to completely different mounting system, but i'm also wondering about improving the sound eventually...


which CK12 style capsule would be compatible AND will improve my 414 B-ULS ?

According to my experience, the AKG 414 ULS capsule is rarely damaged，As long as the sputtered coating does not fall off seriously or is damaged, try checking the circuit.

 

[garp]

Is it just me or these glued reversed film capacitors and the overall build looks like some ... sh....t ?

 

[cortez07]

I am talking to Terrapin Audio from Bulgaria, and they mentioned they are releasing their CK12 version, which is currently available for 350 EUR as an early sample. Once officially launched, it will be priced at 400 EUR. They have started small-batch production of the CK12 classic capsule and are also developing three special versions featuring titanium foil diaphragms and thinner Mylar diaphragms (4µ and 2µ) with nickel plating.

 

[ElSmurf]

I am talking to Terrapin Audio from Bulgaria, and they mentioned they are releasing their CK12 version

Got more info on this? The pics you added, as well as those on their FB page, are the same as the ones that popped up in this thread, from a year and a half ago.

 

[cortez07]

I don’t have more info about this, but I recently ordered their 5:1 cobalt toroidal transformer specifically for the Lomo 19A19, along with a NOS 6S31B-R tube for a custom Lomo 19A19 circuit clone that Barbaric Amplification is building for me. The owner also offered me the chance to try out their CK12 capsule. He mentioned that he is currently in Serbia but primarily operates out of Bulgaria. As for the CK12 variant, it is based on the latest revisions, including the "deep chamber" and "red paint" versions, with the standard diaphragm being 6µ Mylar. My guess is that Terrapin Audio could be one of the Russian CK12 manufacturers @Tim Campbell has referenced here several times.

Got more info on this? The pics you added, as well as those on their FB page, are the same as the ones that popped up in this thread, from a year and a half ago.

 

[Tim Campbell]

I don’t have more info about this, but I recently ordered their 5:1 cobalt toroidal transformer specifically for the Lomo 19A19, along with a NOS 6S31B-R tube for a custom Lomo 19A19 circuit clone that Barbaric Amplification is building for me. The owner also offered me the chance to try out their CK12 capsule. He mentioned that he is currently in Serbia but primarily operates out of Bulgaria. My guess is that Terrapin Audio could be one of the Russian CK12 manufacturers @Tim Campbell has referenced here several times.

From the photos you posted it doesn't look like a capsule I have seen before. At 400 euro per capsule that is the same price as brands that have been manufacturing these for years and have good track records.