Avantone CV-12

An attractive design, three basic polar patterns (+ six intermediate levels), a low-cut filter and an attenuation pad, the Avantone CV-12 has everything to please audiophiles. If you are looking for a studio microphone for professional recordings , why not opt ​​for this model?

What does this large diaphragm condenser microphone in terms of sound quality? Do its features really improve sound reproduction? In which application area is it best suited? What accessories come with this tube microphone? Through this article, discover all the answers to your questions. Here is the full review of the Avantone CV-12.

AvantoneCV-12 Microphone Overview

The Avantone CV-12, like the MXL 990 , the Sony C100 and the Presonus M7 are part of the same family. These are all large diaphragm condenser microphones. Their principle of operation is a little different from dynamic microphones. In fact, the latter generate electric current following the movements of a moving coil around a magnet .

As for condenser microphones, these consist of a capacitor whose role is to transform the charge received into an electrical signal . This will then be transmitted to the audio interface or preamp.

Unlike a dynamic microphone, a condenser microphone (or condenser microphone ) requires external power ( phantom power ) to operate. The Avantone CV-12 also comes with its own power supply. Additionally, this mic also requires a 7-pin male connector . You won't need to get one since this accessory is already included in the box.

It will therefore be impossible for you to use this condenser microphone without using an external sound card. If you want a model to connect directly to your computer, you will find what you are looking for by opting for a USB microphone.

Among the best microphones benefiting from the Plug & Play system , we can cite in particular the famous Blue Yeti, the legendary Rode NT-USB and the new Rode X XCM 50 . These are the models to choose if you are looking for a microphone for gaming , podcasting or streaming.

As for the build quality of the CV-12, with its metal body and wire mesh grille, this studio gear looks solid . It is a space-saving model since it measures only 236 mm long and 47 mm in diameter. With its 800 g, you can handle and transport it easily.

Accessories delivered with the AvantoneCV-12

In the aluminum carrying case, we find a small wooden box with a rigid shell to protect the Avantone CV-12 from dust. In addition, the microphone is accompanied by other practical accessories:

• A power supply
• A 7 pin cable
• Shock-proof suspension
• A thread adapter
• A user manual

To operate the CV-12, you need to plug the 7-pin cable into the mic's port, then connect the mic to its power supply. It is also via the latter that you can adjust the sensitivity of the microphone . We will come back to this in more detail a little further down in this article.

Avantone also accompanies the CV-12 with a shock-absorbing suspension. This accessory has the role of isolating unwanted noise such as floor vibrations. Enough to help you obtain clean sound reproduction.

All that's missing is a pop filter to start recording in the best conditions . Be sure to install this device if you want to eliminate plosives. In addition, this accessory also plays a role in protecting the capsule against splashes of humidity.

The Avantone CV-12 and its multiple choices of directivities

Most of the best studio microphones have a single polar pattern. As a reminder, the latter defines the sensitivity of the microphone in relation to the origin of the sound source. Some microphone models have 3 switchable directivities . This is particularly the case of the emblematic Neumann U67.

The Avantone CV-12 goes even further by offering 9 different directivities, namely:

• Cardioid polar pattern
• Omnidirectional directivity
• Figure 8 (or bidirectional) directivity
• 6 intermediate levels

The cardioid polar pattern makes the microphone sensitive to sounds in front of it. As for sources coming from the rear and sides, these are ignored by the microphone.

Once the omnidirectional polar pattern is engaged, the microphone will pick up sounds evenly in all directions. In other words, the microphone will be equally sensitive to sounds over a 360° angle, regardless of the position of the source in the recording room.

As for the bidirectional directivity (or figure 8) , this makes the microphone sensitive only to sounds coming from the front and back. The side sources are therefore in a blind spot and cannot be reproduced.

What about intermediate levels? Well, these positions also allow you to adjust the sensitivity of the microphone depending on the recording context. It is best to experiment with each position to identify which one brings out the sound you want to achieve.

To change the microphone sensitivity, you need to use the dial available on the rear panel of the power supply. Each directionality is represented by a diagram: an inverted heart for the cardioid, a circle for the omnidirectional and a number 8 for the figure 8.

A microphone equipped with a low-cut filter and an attenuation pad

Impossible to test the Avantone CV-12 microphone without talking about its two switches:

• The low-cut filter
• The attenuator pad – 10 dB

The low-cut filter cuts low frequencies to allow high frequencies to pass through. The cutoff point is at 80 Hz and the attenuation slope is 6 dB/octave . This switch helps improve sound quality. This makes it possible to overcome unwanted noise such as background noise and sibilance.

The SPL of the Avantone CV-12 is 136 dB . This is the maximum sound pressure level that can be absorbed by the microphone without distortion. Normally, in front of an acoustic instrument (a guitar for example), its membrane should not be subject to saturation or degradation.

However, if you plan to use this mic to capture a powerful sound (a guitar amp for example), a higher SPL will be required (see also our guide to mics for guitar recording ). So, when faced with a very loud sound source, do not forget to activate the attenuation pad . This allows the SPL of the Avantone CV-12 to be increased from 136 dB to 146 dB .

Unlike directivity settings, these switches are not manipulated via the power supply. You can activate or deactivate them directly on the front of the microphone.

Application areas of the AvantoneCV-12 microphone

The Avantone CV-12 is a versatile large-diaphragm condenser microphone . Its multiple choices of directivity allow it to adapt to a wide variety of applications.

Thanks to its cardioid polar pattern, this microphone can be used for vocal recording in a home studio . On the other hand, for live vocals, it is preferable to turn to a dynamic microphone.

Besides voice, this microphone also finds its importance when recording an acoustic instrument . You can particularly count on its performance on a guitar, piano or flute take.

Since the Avantone CV-12 can be used as an omnidirectional microphone, this model helps capture the ambiance of a room . This directionality also makes recording a choir easier.

Furthermore, this microphone allows you to record two singers at the same time . To do this, you simply have to point the dial at the number 8 to activate the bidirectional directivity. As for positioning, make sure that the two people involved are on opposite sides of the microphone.

The figure 8 is also the polar pattern to choose if you want to interview two people simultaneously.

The different directivities offered by the CV-12 also help you make stereo recordings . So you will need two models. As for the directivity of each microphone, you must adapt it according to the stereo recording technique you wish to implement. The same goes for their positioning.

For example, if you plan to record sounds in Mid/Side , you must select the cardioid polar pattern for the Mid microphone and the figure 8 for the Side microphone. The first is to point in the direction of the source to record. As for the second microphone, you must place it below the first so as to form a right angle.

Focus on the sound quality of the Avantone CV-12

The sound quality of the CV-12 is indeed there. It's a tube condenser mic that works wonders on female vocals. Moreover, it is no coincidence that Taylor Swift, the American singer, used this microphone in 2014 in her album entitled 1989.

Overall, the sound is well balanced with nice warmth. It reproduces the highs with impressive smoothness. Its sound character is very close to the Telefunken AK-47.

This microphone effectively eliminates parasitic noises such as those of a keyboard or a mouse thanks in particular to its shockproof suspension.

By selecting the cardioid polar pattern, you should expect a proximity effect when recording. This means that the bass will intensify as the singer gets closer to the mic.

Depending on the results you want to obtain, this sensitivity to the proximity effect can be seen as an advantage or a disadvantage. For example, if you want to accentuate the low frequencies when recording a singer with a thin voice, this particularity of the microphone would be welcome.

However, if you want to reduce this proximity effect, be sure to activate the low-cut filter . Note also that in omnidirectional mode, this effect disappears.

The technical characteristics of the Avantone CV-12

• Mic Type: Large Diaphragm Condenser Tube Microphone
• 9 switchable polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional (figure 8) + 6 intermediate positions
• Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±3 dB)
• Low cut filter: 80 Hz, 6 dB/octave
• Attenuator pad: – 10 dB
• Maximum sound pressure level (SPL): 136 dB (0.5% THD @ 1kHz) ; 146 dB if the pad is activated
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 78 dB
• Sensitivity: – 38 dB
• Output impedance: 250 Ohms
• Output connector: 7-pin male XLR
• Dimensions: 237mm x 46mm
• Weight: 800g
• Included accessories: power supply, shock mount, 7-pin cable, wooden microphone storage box, carrying case

Our opinion on the AvantoneCV-12 microphone

In terms of design, the Avantone CV-12 is a feast for the eyes. This model can appeal to any audiophile. Its look reminds us of the AKG C12, a high-end tube condenser microphone.

This tube microphone from Avantondelivers excellent sound reproduction, whatever the source in front of it. Compared to the AKG C214, it offers more warmth. In addition, it requires very little work in post-production.

Both switches are effective in improving sound quality. The -10 dB attenuator pad allows it to handle loud sounds. As for the low-cut filter, activating this device eliminates unwanted noise in low frequencies. Furthermore, this makes it possible to manage the proximity effect.

Another major advantage of this microphone: its versatility. Thanks to its 9 directivities to choose from, its use is not limited only to recording the voice of a single user. It is possible to record two or more sound sources simultaneously by selecting omnidirectional directivity.

This model is also easy to use. Activating or deactivating both switches is done directly on the microphone. As for changing its sensitivity relative to the source, simply turn the dial on its power supply to the desired level.

The accessories that accompany the microphone help to make recordings in optimal conditions. However, it is necessary to invest in a pop filter to protect the microphone from saliva and thus optimize its longevity.

To summarize our opinion on the Avantone CV-12, here are its advantages and disadvantages:

Most :

• Excellent sound quality
• Practical and good quality accessories included
• Impeccable design
• Versatile
• Easy to use
• Attractive value for money

The lessers :

• No pop filter

Our verdict on the Avantone CV-12: given its strengths, we can only recommend this studio microphone. Versatile and with good sound quality, this model perfectly meets professional audio needs.

Avantone CV-12 Demo

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