The antiques in my arsenal

AKG D12 for Bass Drum and jazzy vocal.

The AKG D12 is a well-known and iconic dynamic microphone that has been widely used in the recording and broadcasting industries since its introduction in the 1950s. It’s particularly famous for its use on bass instruments, especially bass drums, due to its ability to handle low frequencies with clarity and warmth. Here are some key features and details about the AKG D12:

Key Features:

Dynamic Microphone:

The AKG D12 is a dynamic mic, which means it doesn’t require external power (phantom power) and is known for its durability and ability to handle high sound pressure levels (SPL).

Large Diaphragm:

It features a large diaphragm, which helps capture lower frequencies more effectively, making it ideal for use on bass-heavy instruments like kick drums and bass guitar cabinets.

Cardioid Polar Pattern:

The D12 has a cardioid polar pattern, which means it primarily picks up sound from the front while reducing sound from the sides and rear. This helps to minimize bleed from other instruments in a live or studio environment.

Presence Peak:

The D12 has a presence peak in the midrange, which helps provide clarity and punch, making it particularly effective at cutting through dense mixes when used on kick drums or other low-end sources.

Warm Low-End Response:

One of the standout qualities of the AKG D12 is its ability to capture a warm, rounded low end without muddiness, making it a favorite for engineers when recording bass drums.

Durability:

Like many dynamic microphones, the D12 is built to last and can handle high sound pressure levels without distortion, making it a reliable choice for both studio and live use.

Applications:

• Kick Drum: The D12’s warm low-end and midrange clarity make it one of the most popular choices for miking bass drums in both live and studio settings.
• Bass Cabinets: It’s frequently used to mic bass amplifiers for a thick, powerful sound.
• Broadcast: In the past, the D12 was also commonly used in broadcasting due to its clear voice reproduction.

Legacy and Variants:

• The AKG D12 became such a classic for bass instruments and kick drums that it has seen multiple reissues and evolutions, including the AKG D12 VR (Vintage Reissue), which includes modern features like switchable filters to offer a more versatile response.
• The original D12, known for its distinctive sound and physical design, is highly sought after, especially in vintage microphone circles, for its unique sound signature.

Overall, the AKG D12 is regarded as a legendary microphone in professional audio, particularly in the recording of low-frequency instruments. Its combination of durability, excellent bass response, and presence in the midrange makes it a go-to for engineers and musicians looking to capture powerful, detailed sounds.

The AKG D140E is a vintage dynamic microphone that was primarily designed for use with bass instruments. Like other AKG dynamic microphones from the same era, such as the AKG D12, the D140E is known for its ability to handle low-frequency sound sources with clarity and punch. Here are some key details about the AKG D140E:

Key Features:

Dynamic Microphone:

The AKG D140E is a dynamic microphone, meaning it does not require external power (phantom power) and is durable, making it suitable for both studio and live sound applications.

Designed for Bass Instruments:

This microphone was specifically engineered to capture low-frequency instruments like bass drums, bass guitar cabinets, and even tuba or other low brass instruments. Its frequency response is tuned to emphasize the low end while maintaining clarity.

Cardioid Polar Pattern:

The D140E has a cardioid pickup pattern, which helps focus on the sound source directly in front of the microphone while rejecting off-axis noise from the sides and rear. This is useful for isolating the instrument in a live setting or reducing bleed in the studio.

Warm Low-End Response:

The D140E is known for providing a warm, deep low-end sound, making it ideal for bass-heavy applications. It delivers a smooth response in the lower frequencies without sounding muddy.

Durable Build:

Like most AKG dynamic mics, the D140E is built to withstand high sound pressure levels (SPL), making it suitable for loud sources such as bass drums and electric bass amplifiers.

Applications:

• Kick Drum: Much like the AKG D12, the D140E is often used to mic bass drums, providing a powerful, punchy low-end.
• Bass Guitar Cabinets: It’s also commonly used to capture bass cabinets in both live and studio environments, delivering a strong and clear representation of the low-end frequencies.
• Low Brass Instruments: The microphone’s ability to capture low frequencies makes it suitable for brass instruments like the tuba, trombone, and other deep-sounding orchestral instruments.

Vintage Appeal:

The AKG D140E, being a vintage microphone, has become somewhat of a collector’s item, prized for its unique sonic characteristics. Like other vintage AKG models, it has a distinctive sound that many audio engineers find valuable for specific recording tasks, especially when it comes to bass instruments. However, given its age, it may be harder to find in good condition today, but it still holds a strong reputation among enthusiasts of vintage microphones.

In summary, the AKG D140E is a robust, bass-friendly dynamic microphone that continues to be appreciated for its low-end capture capabilities, making it a go-to choice for bass drums, bass guitars, and other low-frequency instruments.

AKG D707. Got it in 1979. This is THE mike for snare drum!

The AKG D707 is a dynamic vocal microphone that was designed primarily for live sound applications, such as performances and public speaking. It’s part of AKG’s line of dynamic microphones, which are known for their durability, feedback rejection, and ability to handle high sound pressure levels.

Key Features:

Dynamic Microphone:

As a dynamic microphone, the AKG D707 does not require external power (like phantom power), making it easy to use with a variety of PA systems and sound equipment.

Cardioid Polar Pattern:

The D707 features a cardioid pickup pattern, which focuses on sound from the front while rejecting sounds from the sides and rear. This makes it ideal for live sound environments, where feedback control and isolation from other instruments or noise is important.

Vocal Clarity:

It was designed to capture clear, natural vocal tones, making it popular for singers, public speakers, and performers. The cardioid pattern helps to accentuate the presence of the vocals while minimizing bleed from other instruments.

Durability:

Like many dynamic microphones, the D707 is built to withstand rough handling, which is common in live sound environments. It’s robust enough to handle drops, knocks, and the rigors of the road.

Affordable:

The AKG D707 was marketed as an affordable, reliable option for live performance use, often competing with other popular dynamic mics like the Shure SM58.

Applications:

• Live Vocal Performances: The D707 is well-suited for singers performing live due to its clear vocal reproduction and feedback rejection.
• Public Speaking: Its cardioid pickup pattern and clarity make it a good choice for speech applications, whether in small venues or large halls.
• Rehearsals: Musicians often use the D707 for band practice or small gigs due to its affordability and reliable sound performance.

While the AKG D707 may not be as well-known as some of AKG’s flagship microphones, it offers solid performance for live sound situations and is often appreciated for its value and durability. If you’re looking for a robust mic for vocal applications in live settings, the D707 could be a good choice.

The Telefunken M610 is a dynamic microphone that is part of Telefunken’s range of professional-grade microphones, designed for both live sound and studio applications. It is less well-known than some of the more iconic Telefunken models like the U47 or M80, but it carries Telefunken’s reputation for high-quality sound and durable construction.

Key Features of the Telefunken M610:

Dynamic Microphone:

The M610 is a dynamic microphone, meaning it doesn’t require phantom power to operate, and it is rugged enough to handle a wide range of environments, especially in live performance situations.

Supercardioid Polar Pattern:

The M610 has a supercardioid polar pattern, which offers even more directionality than a standard cardioid microphone. This means it focuses on sound directly in front of the mic while rejecting more sound from the sides and background, making it ideal for isolating the sound source in noisy environments.

Wide Frequency Response:

The M610 is designed to capture a wide frequency range with accuracy, making it suitable for capturing both vocals and instruments. Its ability to reproduce clear mids and highs, along with a tight low-end, makes it versatile for various applications.

Durability:

Like many other Telefunken microphones, the M610 is built to last. It’s designed to withstand the rigors of live performance, making it a go-to choice for musicians and sound engineers looking for a robust, road-ready microphone.

Natural Sound Reproduction:

The M610 is often praised for its natural sound, especially on vocals. It delivers a smooth, accurate representation of the sound source, with a bit of presence boost to help cut through a mix in live sound settings.

Applications:

• Live Vocals: The supercardioid pattern and clear midrange make the M610 ideal for live vocal performances, where it helps the voice stand out while minimizing feedback and ambient noise.
• Instrument Miking: While primarily a vocal microphone, the M610 can also be used effectively on instruments such as guitar amps, snare drums, and brass, offering a detailed, punchy sound.
• Broadcast & Podcasting: With its focused pickup pattern and clear, natural sound, the M610 can also be a good choice for spoken-word applications like broadcasting or podcasting, especially in environments with background noise.

Competitors:

The Telefunken M610 often gets compared to other dynamic microphones like the Shure SM58 or Sennheiser e935, which are also staples in live sound. However, Telefunken mics are often prized for their unique tonal character and build quality, making them stand out in more discerning or high-end applications.

Conclusion:

The Telefunken M610 is a versatile, durable, and high-quality dynamic microphone that excels in live sound applications but also holds its own in the studio. With its supercardioid polar pattern and balanced frequency response, it provides excellent isolation and clarity, making it ideal for vocalists and instrumentalists looking for a reliable microphone with a bit of extra focus and detail. Like other Telefunken products, it is a premium option, delivering excellent sound reproduction in demanding environments.

The Shure 565SD Unisphere is a dynamic vocal microphone that gained legendary status, particularly for its use in live performances. It is often compared to Shure’s iconic SM58, and in fact, it shares a lot of similarities with it. One of the most famous aspects of the Shure 565SD is that it was the microphone used by Elvis Presley and Mick Jagger during live performances in the 1960s and 70s. The mic has earned a reputation for its vintage sound quality, rugged construction, and versatility in both live and studio settings.

Key Features of the Shure 565SD Unisphere:

Dynamic Microphone:

As a dynamic microphone, the 565SD does not require phantom power, and it is built to handle high sound pressure levels (SPL). This makes it ideal for live performances where vocalists tend to project at high volumes.

Dual Impedance:

One of the standout features of the 565SD is its dual impedance capability. It can be used in both low-impedance (for modern professional audio gear) and high-impedance settings (for older equipment). The microphone has a built-in impedance switch, making it easy to switch between the two settings.

Cardioid Polar Pattern:

The cardioid pickup pattern is designed to capture sound from the front of the microphone while minimizing sound from the sides and rear. This helps to reduce feedback and unwanted ambient noise, especially in live performance settings.

On/Off Switch:

The Shure 565SD features a built-in On/Off switch, making it convenient for performers to mute the microphone when necessary. This feature is particularly useful in live performance settings and is one of the reasons why it became popular for stage use.

Durable Design:

Like most Shure microphones, the 565SD is built to be extremely durable. It has a rugged metal grille and robust internal components, making it highly resistant to damage from drops, rough handling, or the tough conditions of live performance.

Wide Frequency Response:

The microphone has a frequency response of 50 Hz to 15,000 Hz, which captures a broad range of vocal frequencies while emphasizing clarity in the midrange. It is known for its warm low-end response and a presence boost that helps vocals cut through a mix in live sound situations.

Applications:

• Live Vocals: The Shure 565SD is primarily used for live vocal performances. Its warm tone, clear mids, and rugged design make it a favorite for lead and backup vocals. The cardioid pattern helps isolate the vocalist from surrounding instruments and reduces feedback in loud environments.
• Speech and Broadcast: Because of its clear voice reproduction and on/off switch, the 565SD is also commonly used in speeches, public address systems, and broadcast settings.
• Studio Use: Although it is mainly designed for live performance, the vintage sound of the 565SD makes it an interesting choice for studio recordings when a classic, gritty vocal sound is desired.

Historical Significance:

The Shure 565SD became a legendary microphone largely due to its association with iconic musicians like Elvis Presley, Mick Jagger, and The Who. It was widely used during the late 1960s and 70s in major concerts and has maintained its reputation ever since. Its similarities to the SM58, with some vintage flair and a different visual aesthetic, make it a great option for anyone looking for a piece of rock ‘n’ roll history.

Comparisons to Shure SM58:

• Sound: The sound signature of the 565SD is quite similar to the SM58, but some users describe the 565SD as having a slightly more vintage character with a slightly more open top end.
• Design: The 565SD has a distinctive grille design with a slimmer, more vintage look compared to the bulkier, modern SM58.
• Features: The 565SD’s dual impedance and on/off switch set it apart from the SM58, which operates only in low impedance and lacks a switch in its standard version.

Conclusion:

The Shure 565SD Unisphere is a durable, versatile, and historically significant microphone that has stood the test of time. While it’s ideal for live performances due to its rugged design and clear sound, it also holds appeal for those seeking a vintage sound in studio applications. Its association with rock legends and its classic aesthetic make it a coveted mic for musicians and collectors alike.