AKG C12 

The AKG C12 is a sparkling tube condenser mic, featuring perhaps the most famous microphone capsule of all time (perhaps a dubious honor, but an honor nonetheless), the CK12. Manufactured from 1953-1963 only, the C12 is also one of the most expensive and sought-after vintage microphones. The microphone’s frequency response is characterized by a considerable bump in the “air” region of the frequency spectrum. As you can see below, the C12 is a favorite for recordings that require a clean, shimmering vocal or acoustic guitar sound.

AKG C12 VR

Today, AKG makes a revised version of the C12, dubbed the “VR” for “Vintage Reproduction.”