AKG C451 B Reference Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Stereo Set
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- SKU
- 2895H00210
. Description
AKG C451 B Reference Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Stereo Set
The AKG C451 B is a compact, lightweight small-diaphragm condenser built for precision instrument miking and room capture. Its satin nickel-plated finish and slender 19 mm diameter body make it unobtrusive on mic stands, delivering articulate, detailed reproduction across the full audio spectrum. This stereo set pairs two matched units for coincident or spaced stereo configurations in the studio or live setting.
Design & Build
Engineered for durability and minimal visual footprint, the C451 B measures 160 mm in height and features a cardioid polar pattern for focused on-axis rejection. The mic accepts 9 to 52 V phantom power with low current draw (2 mA), making it compatible with standard console and interface supplies.
Audio Performance
Transparent and extended, this microphone captures 20 Hz to 20 kHz with 9 mV/Pa sensitivity and a 76 dB signal-to-noise ratio. The 18 dB-A equivalent noise floor remains inaudible during typical recording sessions, while the 155 dB maximum SPL handles acoustic instruments and drums without distortion. Switchable preattenuation pads (-10, -20 dB) and bass-cut filters (75, 150 Hz) provide flexible tonal shaping for near-field and ambient placement.
Key Features
- Cardioid polar pattern for directional pickup and side-rejection
- Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: 9 mV/Pa
- Equivalent Noise Level: 18 dB-A
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 76 dB-A
- Maximum SPL: 155 dB
- Switchable preattenuation pad: -10, -20 dB
- Bass-cut filter: 75, 150 Hz
- Phantom power: 9 to 52 V, 2 mA
- Balanced 3-pin XLR male output
- Electrical impedance: 200 Ohms
- Recommended load impedance: 1000 Ohms
This stereo pair delivers the transparent, neutral response and flexible switching options that make the C451 B a studio standard for drum overheads, acoustic guitars, strings, and room ambience.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | Hungary |
Reviews
At a Glance
The AKG C451 B is a legendary small-diaphragm condenser microphone built for live drums, percussion, acoustic guitar, and strings with a roadworthy design that handles brutal stage conditions. Its 155 dB SPL capability, low noise floor, and airy, articulate tone with tight transient detail make it a touring standard trusted since the 1980s. This stereo pair delivers the same sonic character that made the original 1969 C451 EB a bestseller—handcrafted capsules, transformerless preamp, and rock-solid reliability night after night.
Who This Is For
| Best suited for | Studio Sessions, Home Recording, Live Performance, Drum overheads, Acoustic instrument miking |
|---|---|
| Tonal character | Transparent, articulate, extended high-frequency response, neutral, detailed |
| Less specialized for | Vocal recording, Bass guitar amplifiers (it will do it; instruments voiced for that style do it more easily) |
| Skill level | Intermediate / Advanced / Professional |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's included in this stereo set?
This is a matched pair of AKG C451 B small-diaphragm condensers, each with cardioid polar pattern, balanced XLR output, and the same legendary capsule design from the original 1969 C451 EB.
Can the C451 B handle high-volume drums and percussion live?
Yes—it has an impressive 155 dB SPL capability and a highly effective high-pass filter with 12 dB attenuation, plus a switchable pad (-10 to -20 dB preattenuation) to handle even the loudest live sources without distortion.
What's the noise performance like for quiet acoustic sources?
The C451 B has an 18 dB-A equivalent noise level and a low-noise transformerless preamp design, making it ideal for capturing the subtlety and detail of acoustic guitar and strings in both live and studio settings.
How does the C451 B compare to the Shure KSM137 or Neumann KM137?
All three are professional small-diaphragm condensers; the C451 B is distinguished by its legendary 1969 capsule design, road-tested tour standard status, and extreme SPL handling (155 dB), making it particularly favored for live drums and percussion.
Is this microphone suitable for vocal recording?
No—the C451 B is designed for drums, percussion, acoustic guitar, and strings; its presence peak and transient detail are optimized for instruments, not lead or harmony vocals.
Do I pay sales tax on this order?
Sales tax is collected only on orders shipped to California; orders shipped to any other US state are not charged sales tax at checkout when you buy direct from our website. At a typical 7% rate that is an estimated $112 less at checkout than the same listed price on a marketplace, which collects sales tax as the facilitator in most states. Buyers remain responsible for any use tax their state applies. Free US shipping and 30-day returns are included.
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