AKG C 451 EB

$325.00 to $749.00 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (3)

1 Critic Review

1 Review

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Page last updated Jun 21, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated June 21, 2026.

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5.0 (2)

$749.00

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4.5 (76)

$553.99 $543.68 $10.31 · All time low New

$499.99 Used (Like New)

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5.0 (3)

$329.99 7 available Used

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4.0 (3)

$749.00

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4.8 (152)

$329.00 $325.00 $4.00 · All time low

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£317.50

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Average Price: $539

High-end/Boutique

$100

$401+

Price Tier

In the Condenser Microphones category, AKG C 451 EB is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "AKG C 451 EB". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Discover the timeless charm of the AKG C 451 EB, a modular condenser microphone that has been capturing pure sound since the 1970s. Its versatile design allows for quick changes with different capsules to suit any recording need, making it a staple in studios worldwide. With its switchable high-pass filter, achieving the perfect sound is easier than ever, whether you’re laying down vocal tracks or capturing the subtle nuances of acoustic instruments. Dive into a world of clear, low-noise recordings with the AKG C 451 EB and elevate your music production to professional standards.

Key Features:

Modular design with CK1 cardioid capsule for versatile recording applications
Phantom-powered solid-state electronics ensure reliable performance
Switchable high-pass filter with flat response, 75Hz, and 150Hz corners for tailored sound capture
Remarkably low noise floor and high SPL handling for pristine audio quality

Product specs

Brand	AKG
Model	C 451 EB Small Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone with CK1 Capsule
Finish	Black
Year	1970s
Made In	Austria
Categories	Microphones
Electronics	Analog, Solid State
Microphone Type	Small-Diaphragm Condenser
Polar Pattern	Cardioid
Wired/Wireless	Wired

FAQs

What is the polar pattern of the AKG C 451 EB microphone?: The AKG C 451 EB features a cardioid polar pattern, which is ideal for capturing sound from the front while minimizing noise from the sides and rear.
Does the AKG C 451 EB require phantom power?: Yes, the AKG C 451 EB requires phantom power ranging from +9 volts to +52 volts for operation.
What applications is the AKG C 451 EB best suited for?: The AKG C 451 EB is particularly well-suited for recording acoustic instruments, drum overheads, and hi-hats, thanks to its small-diaphragm design and detailed sound capture.
What is the high-pass filter feature on the AKG C 451 EB?: The AKG C 451 EB includes a switchable high-pass filter, offering a 14dB/octave cut at either 75Hz or 150Hz, which helps reduce low-frequency noise and rumble.
Is the AKG C 451 EB microphone suitable for studio recording?: Yes, the AKG C 451 EB is a professional-grade condenser microphone ideal for studio recording, providing clear and accurate sound reproduction for a variety of instruments.

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about AKG C 451 EB.

Comparisons

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The Austrian Audio CC8, created by ex-AKG engineers, is inspired by the 451 and offers a slightly darker tone, more affordable than other alternatives.
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The Josephson C42 is slightly brighter and the AT4051b is slightly darker than the C451B, both offering better performance on drum overheads without harshness.
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Users who considered Neumann KM 184s found the C451B to be a more budget-friendly alternative despite some compromises in midrange presence.
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Use cases and applications

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The Shure SM81 is favored for overheads, offering a slightly less bright sound compared to the C451B but still suitable within the right context.
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The AT4051b is noted for its versatility and can handle high SPL, making it suitable for various instruments like bass cabs, snare, and acoustic guitar.
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The C451B excels in capturing shimmer and air for jangly rhythm parts, particularly effective when mixed to the sides.
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An X/Y mic placement pattern works effectively for mandolins to reduce unwanted low-mids with the C451B.
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User experience

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Owners report the DPA 4011 as open and detailed, similar to the C451B but with a smoother, less harsh brightness.
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0 0

The AKG 460, when rebuilt by a former AKG employee, offers a sound less bright than the 451, presenting an alternative for those seeking smoother tones.
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Owners find the C451B's gain structure intriguing, noting a fine line between achieving honky or harsh tones.
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Setup and maintenance

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Switching off the mic's built-in high-pass filter in favor of using one on the mic preamp, combined with a -10 dB cut, can improve sound clarity.
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Features and functionality

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The C451B is sensitive to placement and angle, significantly affecting the mic's performance and tonal output.
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Critic Reviews

Can a Neumann TLM 103 or AKG C 451 EB Mic Record an Entire Band?

mixonline.com

The AKG C 451 EB is celebrated for its versatility and natural sound reproduction, especially with acoustic instruments. While it struggles with high SPL sources like kick drums, its crisp transient capture and nearly flat frequency response make it a reliable choice for non-amplified sources. However, fragility in its capsule threads and a reputation for being "bland" might deter some users. Despite these drawbacks, the AKG C 451 EB remains a popular and dependable option for many studio applications.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

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flyingships

243

almost 10 years ago

Great vintage condenser!

This mic is the vintage version of C 451 B small-diaphragm condenser and yes it sounds even better. Year: 70th. It's a classic used a lot on overheads or as a spot mic for cymbals. Also fantastic on acoustic instruments. It is crips, clear, open and handy for placement. It's small in size, versatile, well built and has few capsules you can use with the same pre-amp. Best known are CK1 and CK2 (omni). Comes in black or silver.