Every few years, we at SOS ask you, our readers, what you think about the content of the magazine and our web site, via on online reader survey where you can let us know what you like, what you don't like, and what you want to see us add to Sound On Sound. Your input into past reader surveys has helped us to refine and expand the magazine's content, ensuring that you get more of what suits you, and that Sound On Sound remains the world's most popular music technology magazine and web site.
Now it's that time again: the 2012 reader survey is online, at /survey, and waiting for you to tell us about your reading habits and musical activities. Your feedback is immensely valuable to us, and could well affect the future shape of SOS, so please do take a few minutes to fill it in and play your part. As a thank you for completing the survey, we'll enter you into our prize draw to win one of three fantastic AKG microphones!
1st Prize: AKG C12VR Tube Condenser Microphone
The lucky first-prize winner of the Reader Survey draw will receive an AKG C12VR tube condenser worth £4,000$5,499. The C12VR is based on the legendary and still sought-after 1953 C12, down to its distinctive, hand‑tensioned, edge-terminated CK12 capsule and 6072a vacuum tube. AKG have managed to retain the characteristic sound of the original, while incorporating a few modern tweaks, such as reduced self-noise. The mic's one‑inch, gold‑sputtered, dual-diaphragm capsule provides nine remotely selectable polar patterns that can be switched silently, and there's a selectable boost for a 10dB increase in sensitivity, a pad that will reduce output level by 10dB or 20dB, and a two‑position, high‑pass filter switch.
The C12VR is an outstanding vocal mic, but also shines on a wide variety of sources including piano and acoustic guitar, and as drum overheads. It could be yours just for giving us your opinions, so head over to /survey. Thanks, and good luck!
Runner‑up Prizes:Two AKG C214 Condenser Microphones
If you miss out on the top reader survey prize, you could still bag an AKG C214 condenser microphone, worth £449$569, which offers similar functionality and response to the renowned multi-pattern AKG C414, but in a simplified, fixed-cardioid format.
The 214 employs one side of the 414's dual-diaphragm capsule and AKG's patented Back‑Plate technology. Features include a switchable 20dB attenuation pad and low-cut switch, while the mic boasts a wide dynamic range and maximum SPL handling of 156dB. Two C214s are up for grabs by readers who fill in our survey.
To have your say, go to: /survey
Our thanks go to AKG and Sound Technology for kindly donating the prizes.
Sound Technology +44 (0)1462 480000 www.soundtech.co.uk
AKG US+1 818 920 3237 www.akg.com