Avantone CV-12 Review
Multi-Pattern Large Capsule Tube Condenser Microphone
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 1,708 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Avantone CV-12. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Avantone CV-12. For example, 90% of 80 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the Avantone CV-12 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 25 Reviews
Good basis for a great-sounding mic..
Avantone Pro CV-12 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by David B. on Reverb
The Avantone CV-12 has a similar shape to AKG's original (1953) 'C12', has a mains-powered box to deliver juice to the pre-amp valve (tube) inside the mic (like the original AKG) with a nine-position switch (like the original) to change the pickup pattern between omni-directional, cardioid-only and figure-of-8 ..and all points in between. A second-hand AKG costs about £14k ($17k) ..if you can find one! A used Avantone CV-12 costs about £315. (Mine did.) About one fiftieth of the C12 price. They DO NOT sound the same ..my mint-condition (Used) CV-12 sounded rather like a Røde NT1, or an NT1000 ..plenty of sharpish top, somewhat shrill mids, and rather lacking in bass - maybe OK for some voices, or banjo, or finger-picked guitar ..but with no real 'fullness' deep down below. So I added a new 'MicParts' RK-12 capsule for $169 (£139) ..well; I snipped off and unscrewed the Avantone generic Chinese double-sided condenser capsule, and easily installed the RK-12 instead, and now have a 'beefy' stronger signal, fuller-bass, 'fully rounded' mic which has - which approaches, anyway - more of the original AKG C12 vibe. At 2nd-hand prices, the Avantone CV-12 is a decent, but slightly 'thin-sounding' general purpose mic, with plenty of cymbal-friendly top, but doesn't really distinguish itself from other made-down-to-a-price generic Chinese mics, except it has the nine not very clearly-distinguishable pickup patterns; its Omni, Cardioid & Fig-8 gradually 'smear' into each other as you dial around the control knob. The CV-12's high NEW price reflects that multi-position pickup pattern (Omni to Fig-8, via Cardioid), but I think it's unreasonably high. Choose a USED CV-12, and putting a new RK-12 (slightly larger) diaphragm inside, and those pattern differences are more distinct, the bass boost is very noticeable, the signal level (but not any noise) is raised, and you've a really worthwhile (mains-powered) all-purpose mic! To sum up: The Avantone CV-12 "as is" is a reasonable multi-pattern mic, but not much to write home about. Buying it as the basis of an UPGRADE - easily fitting a superior MicParts RK-12 capsule (..if you're competent with a very fine-tipped screwdriver and a very fine-tipped soldering iron, and with only 3 wires to solder..) - then the CV-12 + new capsule gives a great, open-sounding mic at minimal price, with a choice of easily-distinguishable pickup patterns, ready-for-anything, and a 'robust' and quite dense, full-range sound. • CV-12 on its own: two-and-a-half stars out of five. • CV-12 + cheap upgrade: FIVE stars 5***** ... More
CV-12 MULTI-PATTERN LARGE CAPSULE TUBE CONDENSER MICROPHONG
Avantone CV-12 Multi-Pattern Large Capsule Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Foxxman (Jim Nickolyn) on Guitar Center
I've used Nuemans, Shure, Telefunkens, Sonys, & Rode microphones in studios all over the U.S.A. But I must say I was pleasantly surprised at the quietness and articulation of this mic. It had a very open sound and easily captured the breath and intimacy in both male and female voices in "quite" songs. And....when pushed hard with Rock material....this mic worked flawlessly. It easily captured the "essence" of what it was being fed into it. This is now my "Go To" mic for vocals. Guitar Center....this mic ROCKS !!!!!
Good choice for voice overs
Avantone Pro CV-12 Multipattern Large Capsule Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by DAM on B&H Photo Video
I do voice overs for Radio, TV, Corporate Video etc. and was hunting for another mic to round out my arsinal and this one filled the bill. It has a warmer sound than either my dynamic or condencer mic's. I like the 9 variable patterns you can dial in. This adds adjustability that my other mics lack. I would have given it 5 stars had Avantone opted for upgrading some of the internal circuitry rather than putting money into the aluminium carrying case and lovely wooden box the mic comes cradled in, but overall I happy with my choice.
Surprisingly nice
Avantone Pro CV-12 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Joey D. on Reverb
I bought this microphone in order to do a modification. I like to test stock items, which I will be modifying, before I modify them. That way I can a/b the difference. I must say this thing sounds really good right out of the box. I am doing a modification in stages. The first stage is complete and tested. The first stage consisted of replacing the stock tube with a pre-tested 6072a Russian tube, removing caps C9 and C10, and using a power supply/pp selector box that use the complete modification upgrade from microphone-parts.com. The result: the microphone smoothed out and warmed up a little more - not a lot more but enough to tell the difference. When the parts arrive for the second stage upgrade I'll see if I can update this post. ... More
My Mic Sounds Nice, Check 1 and 2
Avantone CV-12 Multi-Pattern Large Capsule Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Pharaoh LawLess on Guitar Center
Warning: if you can not sing and have poor mic technique and etiquette this mic will expose you. You can not put this mic in front of an amateur. It has a "dark" yet pristine character to it. It's a quiet mic and it's great for me bcuz I live in noisy NYC with an above train almost right by my window. I recommend coupling this mic with a clean "colorless" mic preamp. I'm using a Daking Mic Pre 1 and Mogami cables for all connections. This mic is great for recording intimate jazz records vocally. For the price it's a very good mic. I also own a Shure SM7b, A Rode NT1000, a Oktava MK-319, a Shure SM58 and a MXL R40 ribbon mic and the CV-12 is what I use for my vocals ... More
Ads
Avantone CV-12
Avantone CV-12 Multi-Pattern Large Capsule Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Chris on Guitar Center
For the price, this is a fantastic mic. Easily worth considerably more. Durable, heavy-duty, and feature packed. The sound is pristine and warm. Exactly what you would want from a tube condensor mic.
One of the best, modern tube mics
Avantone Pro CV-12 Multipattern Large Capsule Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Ryan on B&H Photo Video
I've read reviews that this microphone is just awesome so I decided to buy and try it. They were all right. It has the warmth of tube mics but it sounds more modern than the other, more expensive tube mic that I've used before. By modern I mean it still has a lot of air and high end. It has 9 polar patterns but I use it more for EQ than anything else. The omnidirectional pattern has a nice bump on the high end so if I need the mic to sound a little brighter, I just slowly move the dial to omni mode till I get the sound I want. Everything included is of great quality - both cases, the power supply, etc. ... More
Defective
Avantone Pro CV-12 Multipattern Large Capsule Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Cheuk Fang Rich on B&H Photo Video
Heard so many good things about this mic, was really looking forward to using it. When I got mine everything looked great, powers up, all is normal...except....NO SOUND, NO SIGNAL ! Tried different cables, different Mic Pre, different input with no luck. Wrote to Avatone and they did not help ! The only good thing was that B&H immediately sent me a return form and international shipping label, offered to exchange or refund. I asked for an exchange and will give it another chance...so I don't think right now I can recommend this product. The quality control from the factory should have been better. ... More
Wow...a REAL 5 Star Mic
Avantone Pro CV-12 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Ken O. on Reverb
At this price-point,one of the best performers on the market. A joy to record acoustic guitar with, even in not-so-ideal rooms. Pair this with a good vocalist in a great sounding room, try out the different polar patterns, and you will always remember the CV-12 after that. No hype, an amazing tube mic at an equally amazing price.
Great product. This was a Christmas gift and was a huge hit.
Avantone CV-12 Multi-Pattern Large Capsule Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by guitar guy on Guitar Center
Using for home recording
Excellent VO mic for the price.
Avantone Pro CV-12 Multipattern Large Capsule Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Mike W on B&H Photo Video
I use this mic for a variety of voice work in a mediocre studio environment. I've done pro voice work in pro studios using very high quality, expensive mics and for the price, this mic compares very well. My only complaint is that it is a bit difficult to get the mic mounted in the shock mount but, not a major issue.
Very warm microphone
Avantone Pro CV-12 Multipattern Large Capsule Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Alex de la lune on B&H Photo Video
This microphone sound very good. It sound airy with a good bottom.
Best bang for buck tube mic in the market!
Avantone CV-12 Multi-Pattern Large Capsule Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Robb the songwriter on Guitar Center
The CV-12 delivers a sparkly rich tube sound at a fraction of the price of others. When I saw the CV-12 went on sale I jumped. The results... vocals cut throught the mix & shine! Great on acoustic guitars and drum overheads. A winner! #sweepstakes Avantone CV-12 is the real deal!
Bang for the Buck
Avantone Pro CV-12 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Damon W. on Reverb
Tha Avantone CV-12 is all the company claims and I believe one of the best acoustic guitar mics I've ever used. Vocals are warm with the right mix of mids, highs, & lows. Plenty of headroom and also it has such a natural sound. Great addition to my studio collection!
Bought used and did not work
Avantone CV-12 Multi-Pattern Large Capsule Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Kaden on Guitar Center
Plugged it up and unfortunately it did not work. I assume something was wrong with the wiring, because when I would touch the outside of the microphone it would shock me. I was looking forward to using it, but just took it back and got another Shure SM-7b.
Great mic for the price!
Avantone Pro CV-12 Multipattern Large Capsule Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Joel on B&H Photo Video
I use the mic for pro-level vocals in a home studio environment. I've had particularly good results with warm male vocals, great for female vox also.
Great Sounding Microphone
Avantone Pro CV-12 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Tony O. on Reverb
Thoroughly impressed with this mic. Amazing sounding at this price. Sounds great on vocals, piano, guitar... Highly recommend!
Best Vocal Microphone for Pop Under $2,800
Avantone Pro CV-12 Large Diaphragm Multipattern Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Marshall H. on Reverb
This mic sounds incredible for the price! When ran through a 1073 and a CL-1B it sounds just as good as anything you'd hear on the radio. Definitely not a U47, but this mic sounds great.
Absolutely amazing
Avantone Pro CV-12 Multipattern Large Capsule Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by JayLynn on B&H Photo Video
I just purchased this and the sound is awesome. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to upgrade their mic Arsenal!
Incredible sound!
Avantone Pro CV-12 Multipattern Large Capsule Tube Condenser Microphone
Reviewed by Gustavo on B&H Photo Video
This mic sounds amazing!!! Big product for best price!!!
