Is the C451 B good for vocal recording?

No; this microphone is optimized for instrument and drum recording with tight off-axis rejection and controlled proximity effect. For vocals, a large-diaphragm condenser is a better match.

What attenuation and filtering options does it have?

The C451 B includes a switchable preattenuation pad (-10 dB and -20 dB settings) to handle loud sources without distortion, and a bass cut filter with two selectable frequencies (75 Hz and 150 Hz) to reduce proximity effect or room rumble.

Can it handle loud drums and percussion?

Yes; maximum SPL reaches 135 dB, 145 dB, or 155 dB depending on which attenuation pad is engaged, making it suitable for close-miking drums, percussion, and amplifiers at performance levels.

What phantom power supply do I need?

The C451 B operates on standard phantom power between 9–52 V at 2 mA current draw, compatible with any professional audio interface, preamp, or mixing console with phantom power built in.

How does its size help in live or studio setups?

At 19 mm in diameter and 160 mm long, the C451 B fits into tight spaces on drum kits, inside guitar cabinets, and around orchestral instruments without blocking sight lines or taking up excess real estate on a mic stand.

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. On this item that is roughly $52 less out the door than the same listed price at a national retailer or on a marketplace. 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.

AKG C451 B Reference Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

The AKG C451 B is a compact, precision condenser engineered for studio recording and instrument miking. Its slim 19 mm barrel and 160 mm length make it ideal for close placement on drums, guitar amplifiers, and acoustic instruments without occupying excessive space or limiting mic positioning options. The cardioid polar pattern provides focused pickup with excellent off-axis rejection, making this microphone essential for isolating individual instruments in a multitrack session and controlling bleed between sources.

Recording Performance

This reference-grade condenser delivers a flat 20–20,000 Hz frequency response with low distortion across the audible spectrum. The 76 dB-A signal-to-noise ratio and 18 dB-A equivalent noise level ensure clean, detailed recordings even when capturing quieter acoustic sources, while the 135/145/155 dB maximum SPL (switchable at -0/-10/-20 dB attenuation) captures everything from delicate finger-picked guitars to hard-hit drums and percussion without breakup or distortion.

Studio-Ready Controls & Build

Housed in a satin nickel-plated finish that resists corrosion and maintains appearance through years of studio use, the C451 B features rugged construction suited to the demands of professional recording. The microphone includes dual switchable controls—a preattenuation pad (-10, -20 dB) for managing hot sources and taming peaks in dense tracks, and a bass cut filter (75, 150 Hz) for removing proximity effect during close miking or controlling low-frequency room rumble. A balanced XLR 3-pin male output integrates with any standard microphone preamp, and the unit operates on standard phantom power (9–52 V at 2 mA current consumption).

Key Features

Cardioid polar pattern for focused, directional pickup
Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz
Sensitivity: 9 mV/Pa
Signal-to-noise ratio: 76 dB-A
Equivalent noise level: 18 dB-A
Maximum SPL: 135/145/155 dB with switchable attenuation pads
Preattenuation pad: -10 dB, -20 dB
Bass cut filter: 75 Hz, 150 Hz
Balanced XLR 3-pin male output
Electrical impedance: 200 Ohms
Recommended load impedance: 1000 Ohms
Phantom power: 9–52 V, 2 mA
Satin nickel-plated finish

The C451 B combines precise audio capture, practical control options, and reliable construction in a form factor that integrates seamlessly into professional studio workflows and multitrack recording applications.

Condition	New
Country of Manufacture	Hungary