AKG C24 Stereo Tube Condenser Microphone #1326 (Vintage)

The AKG C24 is a legendary tube condenser microphone that was created as a stereo version of the C12 condenser microphone offering all of its outstanding sonic characteristics. The microphone incorporates two microphone systems arranged closely one above the other with the upper capsule rotatable 180°. Each of the capsules features 9 remotely selectable polar patterns from omnidirectional, cardioid, and bi-directional with six intermediate positions. Depending on which directional characteristics are selected and the position of each microphone system, MS and XY stereo pickup are possible.

The essential hallmark of the Mk I version of the mic is the design of the grille, which is in a diamond-shaped pattern, as opposed to the wire-mesh style of the later grille. Very little else is different between the two iterations of the microphone.

HISTORY

First appearing in 1959, the AKG C24 is essentially a stereo version of the legendary C12. In 1976, Sheffield Lab and their founder Doug Sax, (of Mastering Lab fame), made a retro-revolutionary recording of Harry James and his Big Band, using a single AKG C24 stereo tube microphone. The resulting audiophile LP, The King James Version, was a throwback to the days when a performer had to cut their music ‘live’, directly to a wax cylinder. It was only one of many releases by Sheffield Lab, but it was one of the most unusual. Setting up the band in a chapel down the road from the lab, the Sheffield team recorded the big band ‘direct to disc’. The signal went from the AKG C-24 stereo mic, through a small mixer, then straight through 600 feet of cable to a cutting lathe in the lab, to make a vinyl pressing master. Nothing else got in the way of the signal path. The results were nothing less than amazing.

Using such a large ensemble to make a truly live record was a daring experiment, a testimony to the faith that Sheffield had in the performers. Using the AKG C-24 stereo microphone to capture the sound was not daring at all, but it was a testament to the faith that Sheffield had in the abilities of this legendary microphone.

From the original brochure:

"The C24 was specially designed for intensity stereo recording techniques in the XY or MS mode. Two twin-diaphragm condenser microphone capsules are mounted within the microphone body, with a spacing of only 1 1/2", making any difference in time between the two outputs negligible. The upper microphone system may be rotated 180 degrees to provide any offset angle desired. Nine different directional patterns can be remotely selected for each of the two twin-diaphragm capsules. These patterns are identical as to their phase relationship and sensitivity and maintain their polar characteristics independent of frequency. The patterns are a) omni directional, b) cardioid and c) figure-eight, plus 6 intermediary positions.

"The stand connector is designed to facilitate rapid and accurate change-over from MS to XY stereo recording technique. A window indicates the symbol MS and upon rotating the stand connector by 45° counter-clockwise the symbol XY indicates the correct XV position.

FEATURES:

• Professional stereo condenser microphone with two coaxially situated microphone systems each working into an individual preamplifier
• Smooth top end, extended midrange and low-end
• 9 remotely selectable polar patterns per system include cardioid, omnidirectional, bi-directional, and six intermediate positions
• Rotatable upper system and two tilting positions permit MS and XY stereo recording