AKG C451B Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Precise Artistic Work Deserves Precise Artistic Craftsmanship
A classic by now, the CMS Series CK 1 capsule from AKG was a best seller from the moment it was launched in 1969. Comprising a range of interchangeable capsules and preamps as well as then innovative, dedicated accessories, the CMS Series from AKG quickly became a legend. It was discontinued in 1993.

Responding to growing demand from recording engineers, AKG decided to produce the C 451 B with identical acoustic behavior of the popular original C 451 EB + CK 1 microphone again, with dramatically improved specifications and outstanding price/performance.

The capsule of the new version is fixed permanently to the preamp to eliminate the mechanical problems of the screw joint. Using an extremely light diaphragm, the new C 451 B is almost totally insensitive to handling noise. An all-metal body provides excellent protection from RF interference and the microphone is rugged enough to give excellent results even under very harsh conditions.

The C 451 B is an excellent tool for accurately capturing signals rich in transients such as drums, overhead miking, or other instruments with a percussive sound. The airy sound, high overload limit of the capsule and electronic circuitry, and improved engineering details of the C 451 B are a solid foundation for creating another legend.

Features
Identical acoustics of the legendary CK 1

Rugged construction

Ruler-flat on-axis frequency response

Precise, nearly frequency independent cardioid

Extremely accurate signal transfer

Transformerless output stage for minimum distortion at low frequencies

Protected against electrostatic and magnetic interference

Selectable 10-dB and 20-dB preattenuation pads

Switchable highpass filter (75 Hz or 150 Hz, 12dB/octave)

Operates on phantom power to DIN/IEC between 12 V and 48 V

Complete with SA 60 stand adapter and W 90 windscreen

Each microphone comes with its own individual frequency response plot

Technical Info

Frequency Range: 20 to 20,000 Hz ±1.5 dB from published curve

Polar Pattern: Cardioid

Preattenuation: Switchable to 0 dB, -10 dB, -20 dB

Highpass Filter: Switchable to flat, 12 dB/octave at 75 Hz or 150 Hz

Sensitivity: 9 mV/Pa (-41 dBV re 1 V/Pa)

Impedance: <200 ohms

Recommended Load Impedance: >1000 ohms

Equivalent Noise Level to DIN 45 412 (A-Weighted): 18 dB-A

Dynamic Range: 117 dB max. (A-weighted)*)

Maximum SPL for 0.5% THD:
112 Pa (135 dB SPL) with 0 dB preattenuation*)
355 Pa (145 dB SPL) with 10 dB preattenuation*)
1120 Pa (155 dB SPL) with 20 dB preattenuation*)

Power Requirement: 9 to 52 V phantom power to DIN/IEC 45 596

Current Consumption: <2 mA

Operating Temperature: -20ÁC to +60ÁC

Relative Humidity: 99% (+20ÁC); 95% (+60ÁC)

Connector: 3-pin male XLR

Finish: Satin nickel-plated

Size: ø: 19 mm (0.75 in.); length: 160 mm (6.3 in.)

Net/Shipping Weight: 125 g (4.4 oz.)/760 g (1.7 lbs.)

This product conforms to EN 50 082-1 (1997) provided it is connected to CE marked equipment.

*) Values measured with 48-V phantom power. Reduce by 2 dB for 24-V or 8 dB for 12-V phantom power.