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AKG C 451 B

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

Item ID: C451B

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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!
Specification Detail
Circuit N/A
Dimensions N/A
Freq. Response 20Hz - 20kHz
Impedance N/A
Kind Small-Diaphragm Condenser
Low Cut Filter -12 dB/8va at 75 and 150 Hz
Max. SPL 135 dB SPL
Noise 18 dB -A
Notes Reissue of classic microphone
Pads -10, -20 dB
Phantom Power N/A
Polar Pattern Cardioid

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Reviews
based on 4 customer reviews

inSync Review

by: Brad Lyons
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to audition and use one of the most popular microphones of all time, the small diaphragm AKG C451B. The demand for the original, but discontinued C451EB was so ... read more

Sweetwater Advice

Trip Irish
Nothing sounds like the C 451 B. A great choice for sources that require a bit more air with excellent transient response.

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 [-]

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 [-]

Also popular

See Also: Condensers

AKG C 451 B

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