S-12 Microphone Kit
Best high fidelity audio for DIY enthusiasts and budget conscious producers.
Experience premium DIY audio with this all-inclusive solid-state microphone kit, inspired by the renowned AKG C414. It delivers a warm, smooth character with exceptional detail, perfect for capturing vocals, acoustic instruments, and drum overheads. Featuring a transformerless circuit with audiophile-grade components, it offers high sensitivity and a remarkably low noise floor. The kit includes everything needed for assembly, guided by a comprehensive, full-color manual, making it a rewarding project for creating a high-quality condenser microphone.
$579.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1188
/ 3374
#1188 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-16%
Below average
Sensitivity
35
/ mV/Pa or better
Who it's for
- Home studio owners seeking premium sound without a premium price tag.
- Audio enthusiasts and students eager to learn microphone engineering principles.
- Creative producers desiring a custom-tuned microphone for specific recording needs.
Who should skip it
- Beginners without prior electronics experience or soldering proficiency.
- Musicians needing a ready-to-use microphone for urgent recording sessions.
- Users expecting full manufacturer warranty and immediate technical support for their finished product.
Performance breakdown
Sonic Fidelity
Delivers a warm, detailed character reminiscent of high-end studio classics.
Assembly Accessibility
Comprehensive manual makes complex circuitry approachable for intermediate DIY enthusiasts.
Component Quality
Audiophile-grade parts ensure professional-level signal integrity and longevity.
Noise Floor
Remarkably quiet operation captures delicate sources without unwanted electronic hiss.
Versatility
Configurable switching allows for flexible polar patterns or pad adjustments.
Sensitivity
High output levels provide excellent detail for vocals and acoustic instruments.
Key Specs
Sensitivity
35mV/Pa or better
Self-noise
<10dBA
Circuit
3rd-generation transformerless
Components
NOS JFET from Siliconix, NOS bipolar output transistors from Hitachi, Wima signal capacitors, Vishay 1% tolerance resistors
Internal switch configurable as Cardioid/Omni polar pattern switch or 10dB pad
Power Source
Phantom Power
Included Accessories
XLR Cable
Polar Pattern
Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Multi-pattern
Know before you buy
The S-12 is designed for builders with basic to intermediate soldering skills. The included full-color manual provides clear, step-by-step instructions, but you should be comfortable working with small electronic components and circuit boards.
The S-12 is inspired by the C414’s sonic profile, offering a warm, detailed character that excels on vocals and acoustic instruments. While it captures that classic aesthetic, it uses a modern, transformerless circuit to achieve lower self-noise and higher sensitivity.
The internal switch is configurable during the build process, meaning you must choose between the Cardioid/Omni polar pattern switch or the 10dB pad before you finish the assembly. You cannot toggle between these two specific functions once the microphone is fully enclosed.
You will need a high-quality soldering iron, thin-gauge solder, a set of precision screwdrivers, and wire cutters. A multimeter is also recommended to verify your work and ensure the circuit is functioning correctly before final assembly.
Yes, the S-12 is well-suited for drum overheads due to its high sensitivity and low self-noise. If you anticipate recording very loud sources, you may want to configure the internal switch as a 10dB pad to provide extra headroom.
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