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AKG C 451 B

Item ID: C451B

Small-diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone with Selectable Pad and High-pass Filter

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From Our Research Team:

A Classic AKG Condenser Mic Reborn!!

AKG’s C 451 was one of the all-time great studio condenser microphones. Though the original C 451 mic ended production many years ago, it’s still an extremely popular staple in studios all over the world. The enduring popularity of the C 451 inspired AKG to bring this mic back in the C 451 B.

AKG C 451 B Condenser Microphone at a Glance:
  • Ideal for overhead drum miking and capturing rich transients
  • Sonically identical to the classic C 451 with improved design
  • Increased stability and switchable high-pass filter

Ideal for overhead drum miking and capturing rich transients
One of the C 451 B's most common applications is for drum overheads, and many engineers say there’s nothing quite like it for miking cymbals — the metallic “crash” and brilliance come through perfectly. The C 451 B is also an excellent tool for accurately capturing signals rich in transients such as instruments with a percussive sound, acoustic guitar, or for overhead miking.

Sonically identical to the classic C 451 with improved design
Sonically identical to the original, which featured the much-acclaimed CK-1 cardioid capsule, the new C 451 B is incredibly precise and accurate. AKG made the C 451 B with dramatically improved specifications. Using an extremely light diaphragm, the new C 451 B is almost totally insensitive to handling noise. Other features include an all-metal body for excellent protection from RF interference and high reliability for excellent results under almost all conditions.

Increased stability selectable pad and high-pass filter
The C 451 B capsule is permanently fixed to the preamp to increase overall stability under mechanical stress. It includes a switchable preattenuation pad to increase the C 451 B's SPL capability. A switchable high-pass filter at 75Hz or 150Hz prevents low-end distortion. The AKG C 451 B microphone makes a great addition to any professional studio or recording setup.


AKG C 451 B Condenser Microphone Features:
  • Cardioid condenser mic with outstanding transient response
  • Frequency range 20Hz-20kHz
  • Sensitivity 9 mV/Pa (-41dBV)
  • Max. SPL 135/145/155dB (0/-10/-20dB)
  • Equivalent noise level (CCIR 468-3) 29dB
  • Equivalent noise level 18dBA
  • Signal/noise ratio (A-weighted) 76dB
  • Preattenuation pad 0dB, -10dB, -20dB selectable
  • Bass filter flat, 12dB/octave at 75 or 150Hz, selectable
  • Impedance <200 ohms
  • Recommended load impedance >1000 ohms
  • Supply voltage 9 to 52 volts phantom power
  • Current consumption <2 mA
  • 3-pin XLR connector
  • Satin nickel plated finish

The AKG C 451 B condenser mic is a top studio performer!

C 451 B Image Gallery

Specification Detail
Microphone Type Condenser
Polar Pattern(s) Cardioid
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz
Max SPL 135/145/155 dB (0/-10/-20 dB) (k=0,5%)
Output Impedance <200 ohms
Signal to Noise Ratio 76 dB
Self Noise 18 dB-A
Low Cut Filter 12 dB/octave at 75 Hz or 150 Hz
Pads 10 dB, 20dB
Length 6.3"
Width .75"
Depth .75"
Weight .27 lbs.
Manufacturer Part Number 2895Z00010

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Reviews

based on 6 reviews

This Is The Mic You Are Looking For!!

by D.J. from Monterey, TN
July 21, 2011
Music Background: Recording Engineer, Live Sound Engineer, Vocalist
If you are looking for THE pencil condenser mic for your specific need, or just the first one you are going to add to your collection, you just found it. I am serious. Do not even bother looking at ... read more [+]others, because you will not find the performance and versatility this mic offers at any other price point until you get way up there in price. I have to disclose that I am a Sennheiser fanboy who never paid much attention to AKG mics, but my Sales Engineer (Ryan Sloan) recommended this to me and it hits the ball completely out of the park. First of all, the presence is simply spectacular. It doesn't matter if you are micing cymbals, a hi-hat, an accoustic guitar, a horn, whatever. It just sparkles and shines spectacularly. The fact that you can add a 10 or 20db pad makes it incredibly versitile, but the low-cut filter is amazing. If you are micing overhead cymbals or a hi-hat, cut it all the way down at 150Hz. If you are using it on an accoustic guitar and want to keep some of the low end from the body of the guitar, cut it at 75Hz instead. If you want to mic a room or choir and want all the frequency range, then don't cut it at all. It is like having several mics in one.
One last use that you may not have thought of for this type of mic---vocals. Now out of the box it is way too sensitive to sing into as it picks up every puff of air that passes by it, but I did a little experiment just for my own entertainment. I put the windscreen on it (yes, it comes with its own windscreen!) and was amazed at the clarity and crispness of my vocals. The windscreen took away nearly all of the breathing sounds to make an incredible sounding vocal. Crisp, detailed, and picked up every nuance coming out of my mouth perfectly! I realize that this is not the primary application for which this mic was developed, but I wanted to add this to my review as some potential purchasers may only have the funds to buy 1 really good mic at the time they read this. I just wanted to make sure all readers understood that this mic is not a 1-trick pony. Buy this one, and you can record what you may have thought it would take you 5 mics to adequately cover. Bottom line is that this mic is another product that far exceeds my age-old measuring stick, the PRICE TO PERFORMANCE RATIO. Just buy this mic. Be amazed just like I was! close [-]

An Industry Standard

by Jeff Kain from
December 7, 2008
Music Background: Singer/Songwriter/Producer/Engineer
The AKG C451B picks up where the C451 left off. Always an industry standard, this AKG small condenser mic is often overlooked nowadays for some of the newer ribbon mics, which are also great. This mic... read more [+] should be in the mic locker of every writer, performer and engineer. I use it to track my Martin up close for the pick sound I love in so many acoustic tracks. That's how we came to love the sound of Cat Steven's guitar on his classic recordings. Listen to his guitar in "Peace Train" and you will hear "that sound." This mic is just way too cool. I've even heard and "seen" the C451B used for NYC voice-over sessions by engineers in the know. What a gem of a mic. It's so adaptable. I can't believe there was only one review prior to mine on the C451B. Get this mic if you love high definition of your acoustic guitar. Thanks for allowing me my opinion. close [-]

Fantastic!

by Ted from San Diego, CA
October 25, 2008
Music Background: Recording Engineer, Student
I recently purchased a pair of these mics and wow. What a sound! The main 3 applications I use these for are overhead mics, Acoustic guitar coupled with another mic, and horn players also coupled with... read more [+] another mic. For me, the standout is really the Acoustic guitar. You can really get that high end shimmer while your lows are still supported.

Great mic. Buy it. You wont regret it close [-]

akg C 451B microphone

by Lee R. Glover from Austin, Texas
October 5, 2011
Music Background: Musician/vocalist
Received in record time. Great price and unit is as expected since a friend of mine has 1- C 451b and 2- C1000s. I will be buying one C1000s as soon as I can afford it. Thanks to Nathan Malone work... read more [+]ing with me so well. close [-]

Great for grand piano

by Brad Rissmiller from Mansfield, PA
May 4, 2009
Music Background: Live sound engineer for Mansfield University Jazz Band, Student
This mic is great for miking grand piano in a live big band setting. I tryed to use 3000's on the piano and was terribly disappointed till I discovered these in the mic closet.

When com... read more [+]pared to other mics I have used, these stand out in both response and isolation from the nearby drums.


Also good for solo bass trombone work. close [-]
Read more reviews

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See Also: Condensers , AKG , AKG Condenser Microphones , AKG Condenser Microphones

AKG C 451 B

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