Akg D12 Vs D112
Apart from the D12 itself, there were a number of similar (theme and variations) microphones from AKG including the D20, D25, D30 etc. Slightly different frequency responses, shock mountings and filters. In 1978 the AKG D12 was reissued as the AKG D12E and now came with an XLR socket. AKG D12 E Technical Specifications. I've got an AKG D112 while the D12 is getting repaired. To my understanding it's a bit more clicky (and physically robust) than a D12, but mellower and more natural than most other BD mics. Looks great, BTW.
There are a lot of microphones available in the market and you have to consider a lot of things when buying the right mic for your needs. In this comparison review, we will focus on two microphones: Shure BETA 52A vs AKG D112 MKII.
These are specialist kick drum microphones. But these mics can also be used for recording instruments – even vocals. We highly advised that you pair your microphones with great DAW software to help you edit and make sure your recordings are clear and on point.
Let’s take a closer look at these 2 microphones’ similarities and differences.
Specs: Shure BETA 52A vs AKG D112 MKII
We should start with these 2 mics specifications.
Shure BETA 52A
AmazonAKG D112 MKII
As you can see, both mics are dynamic microphones. These type of mics can give excellent sound quality. Also, they can handle extremely high sound levels. Dynamic mics are almost unaffected by extreme changes of temperature and even humidity. Which is advantageous for everyone.
Now, let’s look at theie impedance. Shure Beta 52A has a 150 ohms while AKG D112 MKII has 210 ohms. Technically, both are considered low-impedance. Generally, microphones are divided into 3 impedance. Namely, low (50-1000 ohms), medium (5000-15000 ohms), and lastly, high (20000+ ohms). These 2 microphones are ideal when it comes to impedance level. Because they can work directly with almost all recorders and mixers available in the market these days.
Let’s move on to their polar patterns. Shure Beta 52A is Supercardioid while AKG D112 MKII is Cardioid. For those who have no idea what polar pattern is, it is basically the microphones natural directionality. Cardioid mics have the most sensitivity at the front and the least at the back. These types of microphones are really great for loud stages. While Supercardioid mics have some pickups directly at the back. Hence, you have to make sure of your studio monitors positioned correctly. These type of mics are great when you are recording single sounds in loud environments – like a kick drum.
Features
Whether you are a professional sound engineer or just getting your first mic for recording in your home music studios for your podcast, videos, songs, etc, you’ve probably heard of both Shure and AKG. Both of them are famous in the music and/or recording industry.
Shure Beta 52A and AKG D112 MKII frequency response are ideal for kick drums and bass instruments. Both Shure Beta 52A and AKG D112 MKII can handle their lows as well as their highs. But with AKG D112 MKII, it can handle up to 17000 Hz while Shure Beta 52A can only handle up to 10000 Hz.
Beta 52A and D112 are designed to have a slight boost around 4kHZ which adds definition in low-end instruments.
In the proximity effect aspect, Beta 52A has more compared to D112 which works pretty well on kick drums. But it causes Beta 52A to be limited when used in other low-end instruments like bass guitars.
AKG D112 MKII’s frequency response is pretty broad. Like Beta 52A, D112 is also specifically created for kick drums. But the difference is D112 has a wider frequency range that makes it perfect for other low-end instruments like bass guitars.
If you are looking for high-quality mics that will not make your rich bass notes sound flat, these 2 microphones are some of the products that are worth considering.
Design
Shure Beta 52A is built like a tank that you can use indoor and outdoor without a problem with distortion. It comes with an integrated stand mount which is very easy-to-use and sturdy as well. A huge plus in this microphone is it comes with a thumbscrew for quick adjustments.
AKG D112 MKII is considered as one of the lightest studio microphones. One of the major selling points of this mic, you will be happy to know that this one doesn’t cause your full-sized boom stand to tip over! Also, it might not seem a major thing but some people might think it is important. AKG D112 MKII has an integrated standard screw thread which is connected directly to the mic stand, eliminating the need for a clip. Again, it is not something major.
Price
When we look at these 2 microphones’ prices, they are very close and so you won’t be able to use price as a key distinguishing feature.
So, this might not affect your choices that much. Again, in our product reviews, we remind you to always take note of the price. In this case, both mics are closely priced, so this might lessen the things that you have to think about when choosing the right one for you. (This only applies if your choices are between Shure Beta 52A and AKG D112 MKII only).
Shure BETA 52A vs AKG D112 MKII
With these 2 microphones close specs, features, design, and price, it might be hard for you to choose the one. So, we searched for short videos to help you out.
Bass Drum Microphone Comparison
Here’s a short and raw video comparison of Shure Beta 52A vs AKG D112 using kick drums by Overdrive Studios.
Kick Drum Microphone Comparison
This video is also short if you skip some of the first parts of this video and go straight to the review. But all in all, this video is very clear and you will be able to hear the difference between Shure Beta 52A vs AKG D112. Enjoy this video by Schinbein Drum Co.
Conclusion
Basically, both are really great microphones for recording kick drums. Choosing the best mic for you will solely depend on what you want the outcome sound to be.
If you are looking for less EQed and more boxy – the sound is like recorded in a small closet, go for AKG D112 MKII. But if you want a more high end and more EQed sound go for Shure Beta 52A.
D112 gives a more modern sound while B52 gives a more traditional sound. But remember, there might be a lot of factors that will affect the sound quality of your recordings. You have to make sure that your professional or home music studios are great for recording. The only indicator that you can use is your ears to help you choose the right one for you.
Many people will go for D112 because it has lower coloration and it is easier to tweak the tone after recording compared to Beta 52 with more coloration.
Also, these 2 mics’ prices do not differ that much. It will solely depend on your taste (ears).
Shure Beta 52A- This mic is perfect for all kinds of bass - from kick drums to bass guitars!
- Has a strong proximity effect for perfect tonal variations.
- With hardened steel mesh grill for long-lasting use.
- Advanced pneumatic shock mount system to minimize transmission of mechanical noise and vibration.
- Has a neodymium magnet for high signal to noise ratio output.
- With a built-in dynamic locking stand adapter with XLR connector.
- Has a robust construction.
- This mic is perfect for all kinds of bass - from kick drums to bass guitars!
- Flexible integrated mic mount.
- Retaining sonic strength from its predecessors.
- High SPL capability, punchy EQ, and bulletproof construction.
- A little thin resonant quality, but with a fair amount of punch.
- XLR location is a bit problematic.
- Large-diaphragm for accurate low frequencies.
- Integrated hum-compensation coil.
Akg D12 Vs D112 Vs
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