The Naked D12E
Right now i’m repairing 2 AKG D12 microphones. AKG started building these in 1953. I have with me a one whose serial number is 0582!!! (At least as old as my mother)
There are many versions of the D12, produced over a long period of time. The main variations were in the capsules and transformers, which allowed for different impedance ratings (60Ω, 200Ω, 250Ω and ‘high’ impedances). Some versions had no transformer, and many in circulation today have been modified to be that way. With nearly six decades of use, abuse and maintenance, it doesn’t take long to see why these microphones can sound quite different from each other.
These are 200Ω, no transformer.
D12E back
These are the screws you have to mess with to get the thing tuned. That was quite a challenge! After tuning i fixed the screws with some nail polish.
D12E capsule front with cover
D12E filament coil
D12 serial number 582
D12 serial number 51252
So this one was particularly bad, and i didn’t manage to get it 100%. It had a spiky thing (like dryed weed, or some nature like thing) stuck between the capsule grid and the capsule. It did not appear to have damaged the capsule, but with this sort of sensible things your never quite sure.
D12E Capsule Cover
Dirt on a D12 capsule
60 years of rust and dust!
Fipz out!
Can these be repaired without parts?
LikeLike
What do you mean?
LikeLike
Does anyone have any information regarding a replacement capsule/diaphragm for a AKG D12E mic? I am still looking and asking. George Feb. 18th 2017
LikeLike
Hi George.
There are no original capsules avaiable.
What some people do is replace with the diaphragm with a similar sized one from another AKG microphone.
LikeLike
hello, geoarge, about 20 years ago i made some diaphragms and coils for d12s i still have the tools today
LikeLike
Hi Marcel, I am repairing a D12 and would love to buy a new voice coil from you. Please get in touch!
Jamie
LikeLike
hello jamie, the coils i made 20 years ago were 200 ohms. is that what you need?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Marcel,
Yes it is the 200 ohm coils that I need.
Do you still have stock? I’m based in UK.
Many thanks,
Jamie
LikeLike
I would love this as well! I’m based in the US!
Please let me know too! Thank you!
LikeLike
Hello everyone,
I have a D12/200 Ohms that is missing the transformer/bass resonator (I’m not sure which of these two parts or if both of them go inside the mic), I would appreciate if someone help me to figure this out and let me know where can I get the missing parts to restore this lovely mic.
thanks,
Camilo C.
LikeLike
Hi,
i’ve two D20s whose diaphrams are broken.
If you can hear me marcel, it would love to buy two diaphragms which i can affix to the working filament coil.
Best regards
Frank
LikeLike
Hi Marcel, Do you still have a 200 Ohms diaphragms / coils for sale?
I’m looking for one to repair my old D12
LikeLike