Avantone CV-12 review

Out the box

Comes in a sturdy aluminum briefcase, with a wooden insert housing the mic, shock mount, power supply, cables, and extra tubes. It’s solid and well thought‑out and gives off a professional, kit-ready feel.

The Avantone Pro CV-12 arrives in a metal case with foam cutouts for each part of the kit. Inside, the microphone is stored in its own wooden box alongside a shock mount, power supply, and the 7-pin cable.

The mic has noticeable weight and feels solid in the hand. A front-mounted switch changes between nine polar patterns, giving an immediate sense of flexibility.

Setting up is simple, although the tube design requires a short warm-up before use.

Out of the box, the sound is warm with a clear top end. On some voices, the upper range can push sibilance more than expected. The shock mount holds the mic securely but some hardware components feel lower grade. Most people start by using it on vocals, acoustic guitar, or as a room microphone.

It uses a 34 mm gold-sputtered capsule and comes fitted with a 12AX7 vacuum tube. The microphone covers a frequency range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz and can handle a maximum sound pressure level of 136 dB.

The power supply has a dedicated pattern selector, and the front of the mic also includes a switch for high-pass filtering and a -10 dB pad. Its build and included accessories make it ready for studio use without needing extra purchases.

How does it sound?

The CV-12 has a warm and full sound that works well on many signal sources.

Vocals often take on a smooth low end with a slightly lifted top, which gives presence without becoming harsh. The high frequencies have an airy quality that can help a voice sit forward in a mix.

Recording acoustic guitar outputs a clear midrange. On drum overheads or as a room mic, it captures a wide image and a natural sense of space.

The NINE polar patterns make it adaptable for different recording setups, from tight cardioid vocals to omni room capture.

Noise levels are low for a tube microphone, though there is a subtle harmonic character from the tube. This isn't neccessarily a bad thing - adds a nice colour. Which from our percpective was most welcome.

On-mic controls

The CV-12 includes nine selectable polar patterns, ranging from omni through cardioid to figure-eight, with intermediate settings in between.

This range allows for close vocal isolation, wide stereo capture, or flexible ambient pickup.

A -10 dB pad switch on the microphone helps manage louder sources without distortion, making it suitable for drums or guitar amps.

A high-pass filter switch reduces low-frequency build-up from proximity effect or room rumble. The microphone connects to its dedicated power supply using a 7-pin XLR cable, which also routes the audio signal to a standard XLR output.

The power supply houses the polar pattern selector, keeping controls within reach during recording.

CV-12 compared to similar mics

In the same price range, the CV-12 is often compared to other large-diaphragm condensers like the Rode NTK, Audio-Technica AT4040, and Aston Spirit.

• The Rode NTK shares the tube design and offers a similarly warm tone, but it has a fixed cardioid pattern and less versatility for multi-source recording.
• The AT4040 is a solid-state condenser with a cleaner, more neutral sound but lacks the harmonic colour and nine-pattern flexibility of the CV-12.
• The Aston Spirit sits between the two approaches, with selectable patterns and a more modern, detailed top end, though some find it less flattering on vocals.

Users also compare the CV-12 to much more expensive models like the AKG C-12 and Telefunken Ela M 251, mainly for its tonal similarity when upgraded with higher-quality tubes or capsules. While it does not match the detail and build of those vintage designs, it offers a closer character than most options in its price bracket.

Who should buy it?

Vocalists looking for a warm and flattering tube sound without paying for high-end vintage models. See more of the best microphones for recording vocals here.

It works well for singer-songwriters recording both vocals and acoustic instruments in the same session.

Home and project studios benefit from the nine polar patterns, which make it adaptable for a range of sources, including drum overheads, room ambience, and group vocals.

Voiceover artists may find its tonal character adds presence and depth to spoken word recordings. See our list of the best ASMR mics here.

Engineers wanting a microphone that can handle multiple roles in a small mic locker will find it useful. Those working in untreated rooms should be aware that its sensitivity and extended top end can reveal room reflections and sibilance, so placement and acoustic control are important.

The Avantone Pro CV-12 delivers a warm, clear tube sound with enough flexibility to cover many recording needs.

Its 9 polar patterns, high-pass filter, and pad make it adaptable for vocals, instruments, and room capture.