AKG C451 B Small-Diaphragm Condenser Reference Microphone

Welcome to the next generation of reference miking. The C451 B from AKG is a small-diaphragm condenser microphone designed around the acoustic legacy of its predecessor, the renowned C451 EB + CK1 capsule—whose stunning quality and pristine accuracy immediately made it a bestseller when it was originally introduced in 1969 and quickly became an established tour standard. The C451 B continues in this legend’s footsteps, delivering airy sound, high overload capacity, and enhanced engineering…all in a rugged build that enables this condenser mic to provide excellent sound quality even in demanding onstage applications.

The centerpiece of the C451 B is its handcrafted capsule, but that’s not the end of this mic’s premium features. It boasts a hardy sound pressure level (SPL) capacity of 155dB, making it ideal for close-miking high-energy sound sources (such as electric guitar or drums) without fear of distortion. An efficient high-pass filter with a 12dB/octave further protects against distortion on the low end of the mic’s frequency range—for example, rumble or wind noise. Inside the mic itself, its preamp electronics work without a transformer for low-noise operation. The mic’s durable housing is made to be roadworthy and incorporates surface-mount technology for an overall result of low distortion, high reliability, and lighter weight.

Included in the box with the AKG C451 B Small-Diaphragm Condenser Reference Microphone is a W90 Windscreen to minimize wind and plosives, an SA60 Stand Adaptor, and a microphone bag to protect it from dust and other environmental factors when it isn’t in use.

AKG C451 B Features

• Sound of the legendary C451 EB + CK1 capsule from 1969
• Established tour sound standard since the 1980s
• Impressive sound pressure level capability of 155dB SPL
• Highly effective high-pass filter with 12dB/octave
• Transformerless preamp and surface mount technology

• C451 B Microphone1
• W90 Windscreen1
• SA60 Stand Adaptor1
• Microphone Bag1

• Transducer TypeCondenser
• Polar PatternCardioid
• Frequency Response20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Output Impedance200 ohms
• Sensitivity9 mV/Pa
• Equivalent noise level18 dB-A
• Signal to Noise76 dB-A
• Preattenuation Pad-10; -20 dB
• Bass cut filter75; 150 Hz
• Finishsatin nickel plated
• Powering Interface
  • Voltage: 9 to 52 V
  • Current: 2 mA
• Connector3-Pin XLRM
• Dimensions
  • Height: 160 mm
  • Diameter: 19 mm
  • Net Weight: 125 g

About Condenser Microphones at Sound Productions

Achieve professional polish to your studio sound with condenser microphones from Sound Productions. A condenser microphone uses a capacitor that converts sound vibrations into electric currents. It is characterized by increased sound sensitivity than a dynamic mic, enabling it to capture more natural, detailed audio from vocals and instruments.

Use a large-diaphragm condenser mic (sometimes called a “capacitor mic”) to optimize the sound of vocals, acoustic guitar, and ambient room audio. Alternatively, choose a small diaphragm condenser mic (or “pencil mic”) for acoustic instruments including guitars, classical instruments, cymbals, and drum overheads. The smaller capsule and lightweight build make it easy to place perfectly in almost any miking application, while the consistent polar pattern makes a pair of small-diaphragm condenser mics the perfect choice for stereo miking.

Compared to the other popular option of dynamic microphones, condenser mics are louder, pick up a wider frequency response, and enjoy an expansive dynamic range—all aspects that make them ideal for studio recording.