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
In stock
- SKU
- AKG-C151
Description
AKG C151 Small-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
The AKG C151 is a compact pencil-style condenser engineered for precise instrument tracking and multi-mic drum or percussion sessions. Its featherweight 147 g body fits into overhead positions, snare isolations, and amp-cab placements without demanding heavy mounting infrastructure. The transformerless FET electret design captures transient detail with minimal noise floor, making it a reliable choice for session work and overdub recording where clean, articulate sources drive mix clarity.
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, allowing it to mount on a standard mic clip or thread into confined recording spaces.
Audio Performance & Specifications
The fixed cardioid polar pattern isolates primary sources and minimizes bleed from neighboring instruments during multi-track sessions, while the natural on-axis response spans 20 Hz to 20 kHz for balanced source reproduction. A maximum SPL handling of 147 dB lets the C151 tackle percussive peaks—snare strikes, hi-hat brilliance, amp transients—without clipping, and the 16 mm transformerless FET electret capsule delivers the transient speed and detail that sit well in dense arrangements.
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, compact package suited to tracking, instrument isolation, and layered recording workflows.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Country of Manufacture | China |
| Connection | Wired |
Reviews
At a Glance
The AKG C151 is a small-diaphragm condenser that excels at capturing fast transients and natural tone on drums, percussion, acoustic instruments, and amp cabinets with minimal self-noise and high SPL headroom. Its transformerless FET electret design and cardioid pattern make it a versatile, accurate tool for multi-track recording and instrument isolation in the home studio or professional tracking room. Choose it when you need clarity, speed, and controlled off-axis rejection in a compact, lightweight package that won't clutter your booth or drum cage.
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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