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AKG C451 B Reference Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Stereo Set vs AKG C314 Matched Pair Stereo Microphone Set
The C451 B is a compact small-diaphragm condenser designed for tight instrument miking and high-SPL sources like drums and percussion, while the C314 is a larger-diaphragm multi-pattern condenser built for versatile stereo imaging across a broader range of instruments. Choose the C451 B for detailed, articulate drum and percussion work; choose the C314 for flexible, full-spectrum stereo recording in studio and live settings.
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AKG C451 B Reference Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Stereo Set
AKG C314 Matched Pair Stereo Microphone Set
Specs side by side
| AKG C451 B Reference Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Stereo Set | AKG C314 Matched Pair Stereo Microphone Set | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,599.00 | $1,759.00 |
| Brand | AKG | AKG |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose AKG C451 B Reference Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone - Stereo Set
- ✓ Ultra-compact 19 mm body ideal for tight mic placement on drum kits and percussion rigs
- ✓ 155 dB maximum SPL handles loud acoustic instruments without distortion
- ✓ Articulate, high-detail transient capture perfect for drums and strings
- ✓ Switchable pad and filter options (-10/-20 dB pad, dual bass-cut filters)
Why choose AKG C314 Matched Pair Stereo Microphone Set
- ✓ Four selectable polar patterns (cardioid, supercardioid, omni, figure-8) for versatile placement
- ✓ Larger 1-inch dual-diaphragm capsule captures full, open stereo imaging
- ✓ 8 dBA noise floor is lower than C451 B, enabling cleaner quiet recordings
- ✓ Included H50 stereo bar supports X/Y and ORTF configurations out of the box
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for recording acoustic guitar and strings?
The C451 B excels at capturing articulate detail and transients from acoustic guitar and strings due to its small-diaphragm design and high-SPL capability, though the C314's larger capsule may produce a warmer, more open sound depending on polar pattern and placement choice.
Can either handle loud drums without clipping?
The C451 B handles up to 155 dB SPL maximum, making it specifically engineered for loud percussion. The C314 specifications do not list a maximum SPL rating in the provided description, suggesting it may be better suited for medium to loud sources rather than extreme peak levels.
Which pair offers more flexibility for different recording styles?
The C314 offers four selectable polar patterns and includes a stereo bar for multiple stereo configurations, making it more adaptable across vocal, acoustic, and ambient recording scenarios. The C451 B is optimized for a single cardioid pattern focused on instrument miking.
How do the noise floors compare?
The C314 has an 8 dBA self-noise floor, while the C451 B has an 18 dB-A equivalent noise floor, making the C314 significantly quieter for recording very quiet sources or in low-level acoustic environments.