NUDE - C12 Clone
This mic is as close a clone of the AKG C12 as I’ve had the pleasure to listen to. With this particular Clone we have not tried to clone the C12 part for part. In keeping with the NUDE value proposition of – Low Cost, Superb Sonic Quality Microphones – we’ve worked with our manufacturing partners to clone the Sonic Fingerprint of the C12. It's a big, warm but quite exacting and precise microphone with a distinct high end sparkle. It handles very high SPL so you can use it close up to amps etc. as per the original, it's a variable polar pattern microphone. The polar pattern is set on the power supply and you can get omni stepping through to figure eight with very subtle changes quite distinguishable. This microphone is an excellent addition to any studios microphone inventory. It offers that old skool tube driven big microphone sound in the tradition of AKG, Neumann and Telefunken etc. at a fraction of the cost. The variable polar pattern makes it an extremely versatile microphone that will shine across multiple applications such as recording vocals, guitar amps and any close mic’ing application requiring demanding pattern control.
The Numbers:
- Polar Pattern: variable – set on power supply – omni stepped through to fig – 8
- Capsule: Dual-sided 33mm centre-terminated gold-sputtered Mylar (6.5 micron)
- Frequency Response: 17Hz - 22kHz +/- 3dB
- Sensitivity: -40dBu Ref. 1v/pa
- Output impedance: 250 Ohms @ 1K (nominal) transformer isolated
- Maximum SPL: >136dB @ .5% THD @1000Hz
- ENL <15dBA
- S/N 80dB ref. 1Pa
- Output Connector: Male XLR 7 pin proprietary – connects to powers supply with XLR 3pin output
- Tube Type: ECC83/12ax7 (military grade mullard long plate type)
What you Get:
- Microphone ships in aluminum flight case with foam cutouts for all inclusions
- Metal suspension mount
- Foam pop filter
- 10m 7pin XLR Cable (connects microphone to Power Supply Unit)
- 1m IEC power lead
- Power Supply Unit – this unit is where polar patterns are changed and audio from the mic is output as differentially balanced 3pin XLR.
How it Sounds:
Here's a small selection of in-studio video case studies that have been made by NUDE Owners and shine a spotlight on the performance amnd capability you can expect. Browse the complete website "User-Reviews" and "Videos" section by clicking the links.
Mike Enjo - Creative Sauce
A comprehensive review of the NUDE C12 Clone
Adele - "Hello" (Cover by Stansbury)
Matt Davis - Mad Matt Sound Studios
What are NUDE Owners saying:
Here's a small selection of user-reviews that have been sent to us by NUDE Owners and which, broadly, speak to this microphone exceeding their expectations both sonically and build wise. Browse the complete website "User-Reviews" by clicking the links.
Sam Johnson - Rhythm Ace Studio - New Zealand
"...Well i have to say after a couple of packed weeks in the studio I'm so impressed with your C12 clone. It’s been in front of just about everything! I haven’t used a single other mic for vocals across 4 very different sessions ranging from a Ska / Punk band through to a very gentle jazz trio - it seems to have a brilliant ability to get out of the way whilst still giving off that gorgeous high end sheen - just the right amount of character.
Been ace as a mono drum over head as well as in a Ringo spot a few feet in front of the kit but possibly the most impressive result has been in using it as the mid mic in a M/S combo on acoustic guitar. With a 414 capturing the sides i did an actual audible yelp of joy when i bought the faders up for the first time!!! Wouldn’t ordinarily be my first mic to reach for in that role but it had been killing all other duties so i thought id give it a go - can’t imagine using any other combo now. Brilliant.
Thanks for sourcing such a lovely mic and filling that hugely needed role in the market - i’ll be back for another as I'm already salivating at the thought of a stereo pair.
Definitely feel free to point any interested NZ customers my way if they want to hear one in action in the studio or just check recordings made using it in anger.
Cheers Hugh..."
"...When mine first arrived I plugged it in for a vocal session through an Avalon 737 and then a tubetech RM8 pre/optocomp/eq chain. Both are tube pre’s. I wasn’t a fan - croaky midrange and harsh tops, especially compared to my 1970’s u87 (+$7k)...Then i ran it through a simple fat transformer preamp (JLMaudio) and oh my god it all made sense. This mic sounded sublime. Big controlled bottoms and silky open highs with a midrange slickness that sits in Paul Simon Graceland territory. No eq or de-essing in the mix other than a high-pass at 60hz. Acoustic guitar and double bass also sounded incredible...If you’re running a simple home setup with direct sound card solid state front end, this mic could change your life..."
Liam Quinn - Producer - Sydney, Australia
“...Just picked up a nude mic C12 clone and did a shootout with my Manley reference. Extremely surprised with how well the C12 stood up against it. Super silky highs without harshness and rich warm mids. Very impressive...”
Christian Ruiz - Producer - Adelaide, Australia
“...Picked up a C12 clone a few weeks ago and did a shootout against one of the most used mic's in the pop genre. It held up extremely well and blew my expectations out of the water! Such silky highs and super crisp! I'd recommend this mic to anyone looking for that perfect vocal mic...”
Shaun Sandosham - Producer - Perth, Australia
“...Recently got a c12 clone! It's actually incredible! Used it on a vocalist for a jazz sextet and I was swept away! Cannot say good enough things about this mic!...”
Nick Russell - Engineer- Kings Closet - Adelaide, Australia
“...Picked up a NUDE C12 clone a month or so ago and so far I'm very impressed. I ran a vocal shoot out against my Mojave MA200 and the NUDE had all of the warmth and depth of the Mojave, but then had the versatility of a variable polar pattern. And for just over a 1/3 of the price!! Talk about bang for buck. I'll be purchasing a SF12 clone later this year. Thanks Hugh....”
Brock Weston - Producer
“...Clients have been choosing it over far more exxy mics I own on vocals!...”
David Pendragon - Producer & Recording Engineer
“...Really good mix and I love where the vocal 'sits' in the band sound. This is the first listen I have had to this mic ( NUDE C12 ). The thing I find to be so very impressive is the ability of the microphone to remain smooth and silky while retaining the ability to 'cut ' through the mix. Very impressive. The aim of any C12 clone is the capture vocals with that creamy pure and rich top end at the same time as giving it sufficient 'bite' to never disappear into the mix. I have been fortunate to use an original AKG C12 at The Power Station in Connecticut. The NUDE C12 is not pretending to be an exact copy of that fantastic microphone. From this band's example however it certainly shows that the characteristics and the elements that made the AKG C12 one of the most desired microphones EVER are very well represented in the NUDE C12. Well done band, well done engineer and very well done NUDE!...”
Dick Busser - Recording Engineer
“...Just wish to confirm that the Mic arrived this morning.Tested it out this arvo'. Ran it through an AEA TRP, tamed by an old Ted Fletcher Joe Meek VC3. Depending on settings the TRP can get a bit edgy (great for its main use with ribbons of course). This combination just amplifies further what a beautifully fine and civilised top end your C12 clones have. Some years ago I had been lucky to snaffle a fairly rare C800 (much sweeter 'sister' to the rather raucous C800G). The C800 is IMO the best sounding valve condenser I've ever heard; but the NUDE C12 clones are nowhere near as distant as the many thousands of $$$ difference might indicate. In fact they have their own unique and beautiful voice, and it's great to get a second one now. So, thanks Hugh...”
Microphone-Specific FAQs:
Here's are some of the most asked questions from NUDE M49 Microphone customers. Browse the complete website "FAQ" by clicking the link.
What is NUDE Microphones?
NUDE Microphones is a small Australian Microphone brand based in South Australia. We design honest, high-quality recording tools for people who care about sound, not status. Our core promise is: Low Cost, Superb Sonic Quality Microphones.
Why buy a NUDE Microphone?
NUDE Microphones are designed in South Australia for people who love sound: recording musicians, producers, engineers, creatives, podcasters, schools and studios who want superb sonic quality without paying for logo tax.
Our value proposition is simple: Low Cost, Superb Sonic Quality Microphones.
You’re buying directly from people who love microphones and care about useful recording tools, honest pricing and real-world audio challenges.
Do NUDE microphones need phantom power?
The NUDE C12 Tube driven condenser microphone does not need phantom power as it has its own proprietary power supply
How can I tell which is the front of my NUDE Microphone?
For NUDE tube condenser microphones such as the NUDE C12, the front is the side that sounds clearest, fullest and most direct when the mic is set to cardioid. The NUDE 251 has its polar selection switches on the front of the microphones Power Supply Unit.
Everyone’s looking for a magic bullet but trust your ears – they are the great arbiter –
Are NUDE microphones clones?
Some NUDE microphones are inspired by classic microphone designs and familiar studio workflows, but NUDE products are not presented as original vintage models. We specify, voice and sell microphones under the NUDE brand with honest descriptions, practical engineering and a strong value proposition.
Do NUDE Microphones come with a warranty?
Yes. All NUDE Microphones are covered by a 1 year warranty against manufacturing defects. If something fails that should not fail, contact us and we’ll help make it right.
Accidental damage, drops, dents, misuse, moisture exposure, wind blasts and phantom-power damage and recording a jet engine at 1m are not manufacturing defects, but we’ll still do our best to help you find a sensible repair path.
Where can I hear NUDE microphones in action?
You can hear NUDE microphones in real-world use on the NUDE Microphones YouTube channel, customer videos, owner shootouts and social posts.
