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 remain visually discrete 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, enabling flexible stereo recording techniques in your sessions.
Design & Build
The C451 B measures 160 mm in height and features a cardioid polar pattern that isolates on-axis sources while rejecting off-axis leakage and room reflections. The mic accepts 9 to 52 V phantom power with low current draw (2 mA), integrating seamlessly with standard mixing consoles and audio interfaces.
Recording & Mix Integration
Transparent and extended across the spectrum, 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 tracking, while the 155 dB maximum SPL handles dynamic acoustic sources—drums, percussion, loud strings—without saturating. Switchable preattenuation pads (-10, -20 dB) and bass-cut filters (75, 150 Hz) allow you to optimize response for near-field detail or ambient room placement, tightening mix clarity and controlling proximity effects during recording.
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 |
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At a Glance
The C451 B stereo pair is a precision small-diaphragm condenser engineered for studio instrument recording, drum overheads, and ambient room capture with transparent, extended high-frequency detail. Its cardioid pattern, low noise floor, and flexible pad/filter switching make it a go-to choice for producers tracking acoustic instruments, strings, and drums who need neutral, articulate reproduction that sits cleanly in a mix. Two matched units let you set up coincident or spaced stereo configurations for drums, room, or instrument stereo pairs.
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?
You receive two matched AKG C451 B microphones, each featuring a cardioid polar pattern, switchable -10/-20 dB pads, and 75/150 Hz bass-cut filters. Both are identical units, allowing you to set up coincident or spaced stereo configurations for drums, room ambience, or paired instrument sources.
Can I use these for vocal recording?
The C451 B is optimized for instrument and drum miking, not vocals. Its extended high-frequency response and detailed articulation excel on acoustics, overheads, and room capture, but it is not recommended for lead vocal recording.
What kind of phantom power do these mics need?
The C451 B accepts 9 to 52 V phantom power with a very low 2 mA current draw, making it compatible with any standard audio interface, mixer, or preamp with phantom power. This low current draw won't strain most audio equipment.
How do the pads and filters work?
Each mic has a switchable preattenuation pad (-10 or -20 dB) to handle high-SPL sources like loud drums or amps without distortion, and a bass-cut filter at 75 or 150 Hz to reduce proximity effect or room rumble during close miking or ambience capture.
What is the maximum SPL these can handle?
The C451 B has a maximum SPL of 155 dB, meaning it can capture loud drums, cymbals, and acoustic instruments without clipping or distortion, even in live or high-impact studio situations.
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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