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For some reason I really want to buy one of these. Anyone know the difference between the D12 and the D12E? Other then the xlr connector. Obviously the original D12 is more "collectible" but I'm not so worried about that. I'm just afraid that AKG screwed with a good thing and changed something crucial to the designs kick drum handling magic.

Anyone know?


PS I searched but didn't find anything on this specific topic.

I think...

D12 - cable lead attached to the mic - sometimes a brass frame

D12E - XLR on mic body - plastic frame

I know a lot of people who post here aren't crazy about these mics but I remember liking the one I used to use at Pachyderm... although maybe I would hate it if I used it now... who knows? I'm doing a session down there later in the month... I think I'll try it out again.

Yeah I've never used one. Someone was hyping this mic to me recently and somehow I've developed a weird need to buy one.

Maybe the anti-D12 contingent around here will talk me out of it and save me $500.

Midrangey, bass light and prone to popping/clipping. Not really of any use to me.

But they are collectible, so any money you waste on one can be recovered from some other sucker.

steve wrote:Midrangey, bass light and prone to popping/clipping. Not really of any use to me.

But they are collectible, so any money you waste on one can be recovered from some other sucker.

what kick mic ya like?

that damned fly wrote:what kick mic ya like?

D112, RE20, fet 47, M88, M380, 421, M201... There are a lot of them.

steve wrote:Midrangey, bass light and prone to popping/clipping. Not really of any use to me.

This is pretty typical as they have a tendency to go bad with age. I have one which sounds like this and was pretty disappointed with it. I have tried a good working one though which had plenty of low-end and sounded good on some vocals, so they are not all bad.

Thanks,

I think you guys just saved me $300 to $500.

My favorite kick drum mic is the M380. I just love the fuck out of that mic in a kick drum. Plus it's such an odd duck.

Are there any other bidirectional dynamic mics?

One more against the D12, a friend of mine bought one that sounds exactly as Steve described. No point searching for and paying big money for a vintage item if it doesn't last...

steve wrote:Midrangey, bass light and prone to popping/clipping. Not really of any use to me.

But they are collectible, so any money you waste on one can be recovered from some other sucker.