Audix USB12 Miniature USB Hi-Def Condenser Computer Microphone
Miniaturized USB hi-def condenser microphone with clear accurate sound for recording voice and acoustic instruments directly into a computer.
The
USB12 is a miniaturized USB condenser microphone used for recording
voice and acoustic instruments directly into a computer. Known for
its clarity, excellent transient response, SPL handling, and ease of
operation, the USB12 is designed to naturally capture and reproduce
vocals and instruments with stunning detail.
The USB12, which
is characterized with a uniformly controlled cardioid polar pattern,
provides excellent isolation and control at the sound source. With a
smooth and accurate response over a frequency range of 50 Hz - 16
kHz, the USB12 sits on top of a stable desktop base and can be
quickly and easily adjusted to any position.
The USB12 has a
16 bit sample resolution and supports 44.1k and 48k sample rates for
both playback and recording. This high definition condenser
microphone features a push-to-talk button with the option of ‘steady
on’ or ‘momentary on’ as well as a headphone jack for real time
monitoring and a bass roll-off filter to control unwanted low
frequency signals.
The USB12 includes a 6 ft USB cable, matte
black finish, and field replaceable capsule. Also available in white
(USB12-W).
Features
- Flexible goose neck design
- Records directly into computer via USB port
- Studio quality sound
- “Plug and play”
- Mac and PC compatible
- 16 bit sample resolution
- Supports 44.1k and 48k sample rates
- 12 mm high resolution condenser capsule
- Push to Talk-- ‘steady on’ or ‘momentary on’
- Bass roll-off filter
- Headphone jack for real time monitoring
- Available in black or white
Applications
Vocal recording, Instrument recording, Podcasting, Live Chat / IP Communication, Medical / Legal Reporting, Conferencing, Internet Telecommunication
Specifications
- Transducer Type: Pre-Polarized Condenser
- Frequency Response: 50 Hz - 16 kHz
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Output Impedance: 1000 ohms
- Sensitivity: 1.3 mV / Pa
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 64 dB, 1k @ 1 Pa
- Maximum SPL @ 1% THD: 115 dB
- Dynamic Range: 85dB
- Operating Voltage: 5 Volts via USB connection
- Switch Type: Membrane
- On/Off Switch Function: Push to Talk (PTT) or
- Push to Lock (PTL)
- Roll-off Filter: @150 Hz
- Sampling Rate: 16 bit, 44.1k/48k for both playback and recording
- Housing / Finish: Brass
- Matte Black
- White (USB12-W)
- Weight: 567 g / 20 ounces
- Length: 310 mm / 12.2 inches
Supplied Accessories
6’ USB cable (CBL-USB6)
External windscreen (WS20)
Model Variations
USB12-W - Same as above in white
Replacement Capsules
CPSADXC - Cardioid
CPSADXHC - Hypercardioid
CPSADXO - Omni-directional
Architects and Engineers Specifications
The microphone shall be of the pre-polarized condenser type with a modular threaded capsule available in a cardioid pattern. The microphone shall operate on 5 Volts via USB connection and the nominal output impedance shall be equal to 1000 Ohms at 1 kHz. The microphone shall have a sensitivity of 1.3 mV / Pa. The microphone shall have a maximum SPL level of 115 dB and the microphone shall have a base with a membrane on-off switch with built in options of push to talk, push to talk, and bass roll off filter. The microphone shall consist of brass parts, aluminum tubing, and coiled steel gooseneck. The dimensions of the microphone shall be 310 mm in length, 12 mm in diameter at the microphone grill and 90 mm in width at the base by 99 mm in depth. The microphone shall be the Audix USB12.
Operation
The USB12 is a miniaturized condenser microphone designed to work with a USB port on any computer. The computer must be equipped with USB 2.0 or higher.
Plugging
in the microphone: With the supplied cable, plug one end of the
cable into the
microphone and the other into the USB port on your
computer. You will get a message to the
effect of “Found New
Hardware” and the drivers will load as “C-Media USB Headphone
Set.”
Depending on the type of computer you have and software, you
will want to change the default
setting of your audio microphone to
the USB12 (C-Media).
Headphone input: By using the headphone input, you can monitor yourself in real time (without latency). You also have the option to use the headphone input or powered speakers.
Switches on underside of the base:
Push to Lock: This means that when you push the membrane switch on the front of the mic, it will turn the mic on and off in a normal fashion.
Push to Talk: This means that the mic is ONLY on when you push and hold the membrane switch. This feature (known as a “cough” switch) is handy to have, for example, in a phone conversation where you would like to control what the person on the other end of the line is hearing. Or if you are conducting or recording an interview, and you want to have a quick way to monitor and edit undesirable sounds or comments.
Bass roll-off: This switch allows you to limit or eliminate low unwanted frequencies (such as air conditioning or electronic hum).
Changing Capsules: The capsule on the USB12 is threaded and interchangeable with 2 other capsules - omni directional and hypercardioid. Capsules may be ordered separately from any authorized Audix dealer.
User Tips
Speaking distance and angle of microphone: The two flexible portions of the microphone will enable you to position the microphone to any number of angles. For the optimum sound quality, do not speak or play directly into the microphone at a close distance, but rather at a distance of 4-6 inches away.
Windscreen: The supplied windscreen should be used to help minimize pop noise and breath noise. If breath or pop noise appears to be excessive, either move further away from the microphone or try speaking over the top of the microphone rather than directly into it.
*For more user tips please visit our website at www.audixusa.com
SERVICE AND WARRANTY:
This microphone is under warranty for a period of 3 years from any and all manufacturing defects. Should your microphone fail in any way, please contact the Audix Service department at 503-682-6933. A Return Authorization number is required before returning any products.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE:
The USB12 is manufactured to exacting specs with roadworthy construction. However, the capsule is highly sensitive and should be handled with care. Avoid extreme temperatures and be sure to store your microphone in the pouch provided when not in use. Moisture of any kind can adversely affect the sound and performance of your microphone.





