AKG C451 B Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

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.

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 C451 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 original, which featured the much-acclaimed CK-1 cardioid capsule, the new C 451 B is incredibly precise and accurate. AKG made the C451 B with dramatically improved specifications. Using an extremely light diaphragm, the new C451 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.

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 highpass 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.

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
• Current consumption <2 mA
• 3-pin XLR connector
• Satin nickel-plated finish
• Requires +9-volt to +52-volt phantom power

Specifications

• Microphone Type: Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Max SPL: 135dB (155dB w/Pad)
• Output Impedance: 200 ohms
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 76dB
• Self Noise: 18dB (A weighted)
• Low Cut Filter: 75Hz, 150Hz (-12dB/octave)
• Pads: -10dB, -20dB
• Connector: XLR
• Weight: 0.27 lbs.