AKG D112

AKG D112｜Classic Cardioid Dynamic Microphone for Low-Frequency Instruments

A professional dynamic microphone made for kick drum and bass cabinets

The AKG D112 is a dynamic microphone from AKG with a cardioid design. It offers a frequency response20 Hz and can handle up to 168 dB Maximum SPL, making it purpose-built for high-SPL, heavy low-frequency sources such as kick drum and bass cabinets. For recording and live sound engineers who need to capture low-end impact reliably, preserve transients, and reduce distortion, the D112 has long been widely used as a kick drum microphone and low-frequency instrument microphone.

Compared with traditional general-purpose vocal or instrument microphones, the AKG D112 uses a response curve tuned specifically for low-frequency sources, a low-resonance structure, and extremely high SPL handling to deliver clearer kick drum definition and more stable bass cabinet miking performance. Compared with similar dynamic microphones, its advantages lie in its 20 Hz low-frequency extension, high transient handling, and frequency design that makes kick drum and bass easier to separate in a mix.

Who is the AKG D112 for?

AKG D112 Core Technology and Features

• Low-frequency instrument tuning:The frequency response is designed specifically for kick drum and bass cabinet miking, preserving thick low end while maintaining enough clarity for the drum attack and bass line to stand out in a mix.
• Cardioid pickup pattern:The cardioid design focuses on the source directly in front of the mic while reducing side and rear ambient noise, making bleed easier to control for both live stage and close recording applications.
• 20 Hz low-frequency extension:Official data states the response reaches down to 20 Hz, which is especially important for capturing the deepest kick drum impact, cabinet energy, and low-end air.
• 168 dB Maximum SPL:It can withstand extremely high input levels without audible distortion, remaining stable when placed in front of a kick drum head, close to a bass cabinet, or on high-SPL brass instruments.
• Extremely low distortion:Officially described as having virtually no total harmonic distortion, combined with a highly linear mechanical movement system to help reproduce strong transients and large dynamic signals without collapsing into distortion under heavy low-frequency energy.
• 168 dB dynamic range:With a typical 168 dB dynamic range and 73 dB typical signal-to-noise ratio, it maintains stable output across everything from subtle low-end movement to powerful impact.
• Built-in windscreen:The integrated windscreen helps reduce air blasts and wind noise. In addition to kick drum and bass cabinets, it is also suitable for trombone, tuba, and other high-SPL brass instruments.
• Inherits the D12 legacy:The D112 is the successor to AKG's classic early D12 low-frequency microphone and has built a long-standing reputation in studios and on stage as a familiar low-end reference for many engineers.

AKG D112 Pros and Cons