AKG C151 Small-Diaphragm Cardioid Electret Condenser Microphone
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- Brand new in original box
- Full AKG manufacturer's warranty
- Free shipping in the continental US
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- SKU
- AKG-C151
Description
AKG C151 Small-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
The AKG C151 is a compact pencil-style condenser built for precision instrument miking in both live and studio settings. Its lightweight 147 g body fits easily into tight spaces—drum kits, guitar cabs, on-stage monitor rigs—without requiring external shock mounts or heavy rigging. The transformerless FET electret design delivers immediate, detailed transient capture with minimal self-noise, making it a trusted workhorse for capturing live performance detail and studio instrument sources alike.
Design & Build Quality
Constructed from 100% recycled PIR metals and alloys, this microphone combines durability with environmental responsibility. The pencil-style form factor and modest 147 g weight make positioning straightforward, placing it on a standard mic clip or threading it into confined recording spaces.
Audio Performance & Specifications
The fixed cardioid polar pattern provides controlled rejection of off-axis noise and stage wash while maintaining natural on-axis response across a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range. A maximum SPL handling of 147 dB means the C151 can capture loud transients—snare cracks, cymbal attacks, amplifier peaks—without distortion, and the 16 mm transformerless FET electret capsule delivers the clarity and speed required for accurate instrument reproduction in demanding live and studio environments.
Key Features
- 16 mm transformerless FET electret condenser capsule
- Fixed cardioid polar pattern
- Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Maximum SPL: 147 dB
- Requires +48V phantom power
- Weight: 147 g
- Pencil-style body for easy positioning
- Housing constructed from 100% recycled PIR metals and alloys
The AKG C151 delivers professional small-diaphragm condenser performance in a lightweight, durable package suited to live sound capture, instrument isolation, and location work.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | China |
| Connection | Wired |
Reviews
At a Glance
The AKG C151 is a lightweight pencil-condenser built for precise instrument miking on stage and in the studio, with 147 dB SPL handling to capture snare cracks, cymbal attacks, and amp peaks without distortion. Its compact 147 g body fits into tight spaces around drum kits and guitar rigs without heavy rigging, and the transformerless FET design delivers immediate, detailed transients with minimal noise. Choose it for gigging musicians and live-sound operators who need a dependable, fast-responding mic that cuts through loud sources and sits reliably in any venue setup.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Home Recording
- ✓ Instrument Miking
Not the best pick for
- – Vocal Recording
- – Podcast Recording
Skill level: Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What instruments or sources work best with the C151?
The C151 excels at miking drums, percussion, acoustic instruments, guitar cabinets, and other loud transient sources. Its 147 dB maximum SPL handling and fast FET capsule make it ideal for snare, kick, cymbals, and amp peaks; it is not designed for vocal or podcast recording.
Does the C151 require phantom power, and what else do I need?
Yes, it requires +48V phantom power supplied by your mixer, interface, or preamp. You will also need a standard microphone clip for mounting and an XLR cable; no external shock mount is necessary due to its lightweight design.
How does the C151 compare to the Shure SM81 or Audio-Technica AT4021?
All three are professional small-diaphragm condensers suited to instrument miking and live work. The C151 uses a transformerless FET design for immediate transient response and minimal self-noise, weighs only 147 g, and is constructed from recycled materials; direct frequency-response and noise-floor comparisons depend on your specific source and mic placement.
Will the C151 work in tight spaces like inside a drum kit or near a guitar cab?
Yes. Its pencil-style form factor and 147 g weight make it easy to position in confined areas without requiring external shock mounts or rigging, making it ideal for multi-mic drum setups and tight recording spaces.
What is the polar pattern, and how does it reject unwanted noise?
The C151 has a fixed cardioid polar pattern that provides controlled rejection of off-axis noise while maintaining a natural on-axis response, helping you isolate your source and reduce bleed in multi-mic setups.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
We collect sales tax only on orders shipped to California. Orders shipped to any other US state are charged $0 sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. Marketplaces such as eBay, Reverb and Amazon collect sales tax in nearly every state as marketplace facilitators no matter who the seller is, so the same item at the same price costs less bought direct. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included. Some states ask buyers to self-report use tax on out-of-state purchases.
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