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Average Price: $578
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$100
$401+
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Based on price data from 5 merchants for "AKG C 451 B Condenser Microphone". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the reincarnation of a classic – the AKG C 451 B Condenser Microphone. This studio legend, highly celebrated for its precision and accuracy, returns with improved specifications and the same sonic quality that made its predecessor an industry staple.
The AKG C 451 B is renowned for its excellent transient response - making it a favorite for drum overheads and capturing the brilliant crash of cymbals. Its sensitivity to percussive sounds and acoustic guitar makes it an incredibly versatile addition to any studio.
Built with an exceptionally light diaphragm, the C 451 B remains almost entirely insensitive to handling noise. It's also housed in an all-metal body, ensuring excellent protection from RF interference and high reliability under various conditions.
The C 451 B features a permanently fixed capsule to the preamp, increasing the mic's stability under mechanical stress. It also includes a switchable preattenuation pad to boost its SPL capability, along with a switchable highpass filter at 75Hz or 150Hz to prevent low-end distortion.
Key Features:
- Cardioid condenser mic with outstanding transient response
- Frequency range 20Hz-20kHz
- Sensitivity 9 mV/Pa (-41dBV)
- Max. SPL 135/145/155dB (0/-10/-20dB)
- Equivalent noise level (CCIR 468-3) 29dB
- Equivalent noise level 18dBA
- Signal/noise ratio (A-weighted) 76dB
- Preattenuation pad 0dB, -10dB, -20dB selectable
- Bass filter flat, 12dB/octave at 75 or 150Hz, selectable
- Impedance <200 ohms
- Recommended load impedance >1000 ohms
- Current consumption <2 mA
- 3-pin XLR connector
- Satin nickel-plated finish
- Requires +9-volt to +52-volt phantom power
Owner's manual
AKG C 451 B Condenser Microphone User ManualProduct specs
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Max SPL | 135dB (155dB w/Pad) |
| Output Impedance | 200 ohms |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 76dB |
| Self Noise | 18dB (A weighted) |
| Low Cut Filter | 75Hz, 150Hz (-12dB/octave) |
| Pads | -10dB, -20dB |
| Connector | XLR |
| Weight | 0.27 lbs. |
FAQs
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What is the primary application for the AKG C 451 B microphone?
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The AKG C 451 B is ideal for recording hi-hats, cymbals, and shakers, as well as being used as drum overheads, particularly in stereo pairs, due to its detailed and precise sound capture.
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How does the AKG C 451 B handle high sound pressure levels?
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The AKG C 451 B can handle a maximum sound pressure level of 135dB, which can be extended to 155dB with its built-in pad, making it suitable for capturing loud sound sources without distortion.
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What polar pattern does the AKG C 451 B use and why is it important?
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The AKG C 451 B uses a cardioid polar pattern, which is important for focusing on the sound source directly in front of the microphone while reducing the pickup of ambient noise from the sides and rear.
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Does the AKG C 451 B have any built-in filters?
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Yes, the AKG C 451 B features a low cut filter with settings at 75Hz and 150Hz, allowing you to reduce low-frequency noise such as handling or room rumble.
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Is the AKG C 451 B microphone suitable for studio recording?
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Yes, the AKG C 451 B is well-suited for studio recording, offering a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz and a signal-to-noise ratio of 76dB, providing a clear and accurate audio capture for various instruments and vocals.
Videos
Podcastage
AKG P120 Condenser Mic Review / Test
AKG P120 Condenser Mic Review / Test
Podcastage
AKG C451 B ($1100) vs Behringer C-2 ($60)
CarterJRFilms
AKG C 451 B
lolo gome
Best Mics for Vocals Episode 3 - The AKG C 451 B
voicecouncil
AKG 451B Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone Review and Test
Future Shock Studios
AKG C451B Review
MicRentals.Com
AKG C451b vs Neumann KM184 - Mic Comparison
Spinlight Studio
AKG C451B vs Sennheiser E914 for Acoustic Guitar Recording
Guitar Gallery
AKG C 451 B Condenser Microphone
Musician's Friend
AKG C451B VS BEHRINGER B-5
Majestic Studio
AKG C 451B on Ac.Guitar Mitchell MD 200 SCE
AmpsOnAir
AKG C451B Stereo Bundle from THOMANN - Unboxing e DEMO TEST
Mad Steex Production
AKG C451B vs. Lauten Audio LA-120 on ACOUSTIC GUITAR | Small Condenser microphone COMPARISON
Mad Steex Production
Recording acoustic guitars comparison Neumann Km84 vs AKG 451-B vs DPA 4011-TL (No talk)
Javi Peña
SHURE KSM141 VS AKG C451B SOUND TEST (NO EFFECT!)
Tuguldur Ariunbold
AKG C451B Vs AKG C535EB
The Coreys
AKG C451B
JamnettVideos
Single AKG C451B Sound test & Unboxing with
Tuguldur Ariunbold
SLATE ML 2 vs AKG C451B
MusicNerdStuff
AKG C451B Stereo Kit Product Review! - Drum Gear Review
Dirty Bandana
Reviews
PROS
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Excels in recording acoustic instruments with an open and airy sound
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Versatile applications: vocals, acoustic guitar, hi-hat, cymbals, and more
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Built-in pads (10 or 20db) and low-cut filter enhance adaptability
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Maintains clarity and detail in recordings without being harsh
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High SPL handling makes it ideal for loud instruments like trumpets
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Comes with a windscreen for better vocal recording quality
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Good build quality and durable switches
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Provides a classic sound reminiscent of iconic recordings
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Suitable for both studio recording and live settings
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Offers great performance to price ratio
CONS
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Can be noisy with quiet sound sources
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May require additional mics for those preferring a warmer sound on certain instruments
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about AKG C 451 B Condenser Microphone.
Comparisons
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The AKG C 451 B is brighter and more detailed than an SM57 or C414, often used for acoustic instruments and overheads.
Source -
While the KM84 is known for a warmer sound, the C 451 B offers a brighter alternative for specific recording needs.
Source -
The DPA 4011 is noted as less bright than the C451B but similarly open and detailed, making it a versatile alternative for various sources.
Source -
The Austrian Audio CC8, designed by ex-AKG engineers, is inspired by the 451 but has a slightly darker raw output, offering affordable versatility with good EQ response.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Frequently used as snare mics paired with a dynamic mic like the SM57 for added detail.
Source -
Ideal for darker sources like jazz cymbals or background acoustic strumming, providing a bright, shimmering high end.
Source -
The Josephson C42 is recommended for overheads with darker cymbals, providing a bright yet not overly 'pingy' sound.
Source -
The Shure SM81, although different from the C451B, is favored for its pleasant capture on overheads, suggesting its potential in similar bright applications.
Source -
The ATM450 is suggested for its similar brilliance to the C451B without the harshness, making it suitable for those seeking a similar tonal character but smoother.
Source -
The AKG C 451 B's high max SPL allows it to function effectively as a bottom snare mic, capturing additional snare snap without distortion in confined spaces.
Source
User experience
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Despite being bright, the C 451 B is not harsh, making it a reliable choice for detailed recording.
Source
Features and functionality
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Audio-Technica AT4051b is praised for its high SPL handling, pad, and low cut switches, offering a clean capture across diverse applications like bass cabs and acoustic guitar.
Source -
The Sennheiser MKH20, a small diaphragm condenser, is highlighted for its quality, though it may be harder to find on the market now.
Source -
The AKG C 451 B's sensitivity makes it a viable option for adding depth in drum recordings when combined with proper room treatment and mic placement.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Effective drum recording often requires addressing room acoustics; low ceilings and bass wave issues may necessitate bass trapping for optimal mic performance.
Source -
Ensuring drums are properly tuned is crucial in recording setups, particularly when using sensitive mics like the AKG C 451 B to capture detailed snare sounds.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 11 Ratings
618
Solid Modernisation of the 451
Great versatile mics, with built in pads and low cut. A classic in a pair on drum overheads but suitable for a lot more too.
101
Not bad
Good on cymbals and instruments, although can be a little noisy on quiet sound sources.
Artist usage
Add artist
At 1:26 in the video what looks like AKG c451s are being used as overheads.
Used to record the bottom of the drum kit's snare.
At the 1:42 mark of this video of Ed Sheeran performing the song "Small Bump" live in the studio, the AKG C 451 B Condenser Microphone he is using to mic his acoustic guitar can be seen.
"Billy had just acquired an amazing vintage Martin that we miked with a Soundelux e251, and an AKG 451 and 414."
Used for the acoustic guitar on Sleep Through the Static, as stated by mix engineer Robert Carranza in this May 2008 Sound on Sound interview.
"Electric guitars were also pretty straightforward, with an SM57 on the amp. The acoustic guitar was usually a Gibson J45, sometimes a Cole Clark, recorded with an AKG C451. I'd screened off the acoustic guitar so it didn't bleed as much. Some songs started off acoustically, and Jack would say 'There's too much bleed on the mic, let's try an electric,' and all of a sudden the vibe of the song changed. We simply went with it. 'If I Had Eyes' was one of those songs."
The same is said by Carranza in this February 1, 2008 Mix Online article, accompanied by photographic proof.
"We set up in the room and create a live environment. I put an AKG 451 on his acoustic guitar. He is such a mellow player. Jack would sometimes play acoustic, sometimes electric, all done live in the room."
Other images of Johnson using the microphone for the album can be found here on this Morrison Hotel Gallery page, here and here.
Not this mic, but a C414 for 36 chambers.
Because he is a drummer capable of writing his own beats, Vrenna never uses loops. For programmed sounds, he often uses Battery and employs the drum sounds his synths have. “I tend to just start from some of those and layer stuff,” he remarks. “I just layer sounds underneath and then make my own stuff, and then put those through pedals.” With limited space in the crib room, Vrenna uses a compact Yamaha custom drum kit. Vrenna pads the room down when he records vocals, but then he pulls the padding off the walls for a boomier drum sound. Longtime friend and engineer Bill Kennedy, whom the drummer has known since his NIN days, helped him experiment with different ways to mike the kit and they created a good overall scheme. To record the kit, Vrenna placed a vintage AKG D-12 inside the kick and a Yamaha NS-10 (used as a mic rather than a speaker) outside the kick. “It gives you a nice sub,” he says. “You put that in front of the kick head.” For the snare, he placed a Shure SM7 on top and a Sennheiser 441 below. Sennheiser 421s are used on the two toms and either an AKG 451 or a Shure SM7 on the hi-hats. He favors the 451 because while the SM7 “gives a nice, thick chunky hi-hat, being such a small room, I kind of needed to thin it out.”
Oz Noy lists all of his current gear, including this one on his website.
Used live and in the studio for acoustic guitar. Clear sound and great range of tones.
An AKG C 451 Microphone was 1 of the amazing arsenal of microphones that were used to capture drum sounds on 5 songs on “Change Your Mind”. The Positive Mental Trip recording sessions at applehead captured all drum sounds on “smile”(Reggae), “Change Your Mind”, “Paradox”, “Good Times”, and “Break of Dawn”. These particular 5 songs recorded at Applehead are still to this day the best sounding drums recorded on any Positive Mental Trip album. On the title track “Change Your Mind” alone there are 200 tracks if one opens up the session files on that song to take a listen and an arsenal of drum mics were used. (Snare bottom and top, rack, ride, overheads etc etc.) “I’m happy with a lot of the drum sounds we have on Positive Mental Trip albums. Especcially considering we have recorded on very little budget for many many years. Those 5 songs at applehead on “Change Your Mind” definitely are the best drum sounds that will ever be on a Positive Mental Trip album. They sound amazing.” PMT Luke
Album Usage
The AKG C 451 B Condenser Microphone has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use AKG C 451 B Condenser Microphone, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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