AKG C451EB

4.5 (76)

$553.99 New

$499.99 Used (Like New)

5.0 (3)

$329.99 9 available Used

5.0 (3)

$749.00

5.0 (1)

$749.00

Average Price: $626

High-end/Boutique

$100

$401+

Price Tier

In the Condenser Microphones category, AKG C451EB 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 C451EB". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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For those in pursuit of capturing pure, unadulterated sound, the AKG C451EB stands as a testament to timeless audio engineering. This modular condenser microphone system is a favorite among recording professionals and musicians alike, celebrated for its versatility and precision. The AKG C451EB is most commonly paired with the CK1 cardioid capsule, but it invites experimentation with a variety of capsules that offer different polar patterns and acoustical characteristics.

Designed with phantom-powered solid-state electronics, this microphone ensures a pristine signal path with an exceptionally low noise floor. The switchable high-pass filter is a thoughtful addition, allowing users to toggle between flat response, a 75Hz corner, and a 150Hz corner, making it adaptable for diverse recording environments. This adaptability makes it ideal for capturing the crisp detail of acoustic guitars, the warmth of vocal performances, or the dynamic range of percussion instruments.

Key Features:

Modular condenser microphone system
Includes CK1 cardioid capsule
Phantom-powered solid-state electronics
Switchable high-pass filter with flat, 75Hz, and 150Hz settings
Extremely low noise floor and high SPL handling capability

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 primary use of the AKG C451EB microphone?: The AKG C451EB is ideal for recording acoustic instruments, drum overheads, and hi-hats due to its small-diaphragm cardioid condenser design, which captures detailed high frequencies without harshness.
Does the AKG C451EB require phantom power to operate?: Yes, the AKG C451EB requires phantom power, typically provided by mixing consoles or audio interfaces, to function properly.
What is the polar pattern of the AKG C451EB and how does it affect recording?: The AKG C451EB has a cardioid polar pattern, which effectively isolates the sound source by rejecting off-axis noise, making it ideal for focused recordings in noisy environments.
Is the AKG C451EB suitable for live sound applications?: Yes, the AKG C451EB is well-suited for live sound applications, particularly for miking instruments like guitars and cymbals, thanks to its robust build and excellent transient response.
How would you describe the sound signature of the AKG C451EB?: The AKG C451EB is known for its bright, clear sound signature, making it excellent for capturing detailed high-frequency content in recordings.

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 C451EB.

Comparisons

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The AKG C451EB is noted for being brighter and more detailed than both the SM57 and the C414, with a unique presence.
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Use cases and applications

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Frequently used on darker sounding sources like jazz cymbals or as a snare mic paired with a dynamic for more detail.
Source
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Works well for acoustic guitar when a glittery, shimmery high end is preferred, especially in background mixes.
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Ideal for micing dark sounding upright pianos from the hammer side for a distinctive tone.
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Owners find high-passing below 80Hz and scooping around 120 and 400Hz beneficial for controlling unwanted low mids.
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The AKG C451B's high max SPL makes it suitable for close micing a bottom snare, capturing snare snap effectively in tight spaces.
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User experience

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Known for being a reliable workhorse in studios, with some enthusiasts still using them after 50 years.
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Owners note a delicate balance between honky and harsh when EQ-ing, especially in the low mids.
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Beginners with less than a year of recording experience find the C451B helpful when paired with a Scarlett 18i20 interface for drum cover videos.
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Setup and maintenance

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Monitoring with headphones is crucial for optimal mic placement to avoid honky tones.
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Adding bass traps can mitigate low ceiling issues, potentially improving mic performance and drum sound quality in small rooms.
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Achieving optimal drum sound is often tied to ensuring drumheads are properly tuned, which can be overlooked by new users.
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Features and functionality

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Sensitive to placement and angle, these mics may produce proximity effects and dislike wind blasts.
Source
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Using the mic's -10 dB pad can help adjust gain and improve recording results, particularly with instruments like mandolins.
Source

Other

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Experimenting with drum kit placement and mic positioning, along with having someone else play while adjusting, is crucial for finding the best recording setup in challenging rooms.
Source

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Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

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Ryuichi Sakamoto

Keyboardist, Composer

Yellow Magic Orchestra

Verified via Muzines

As listed in this 1990 interview on the Music Magazine Archive

Daijiro Nakagawa

Guitarist, Composer

JYOCHO

Verified via Photo

In a YouTube video comment, Daijiro Nakagawa is noted to use the AKG C451EB condenser microphone.

Neeraj Khajanchi

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "プロのバンド・レコーディング全公開" by SoundRecordingJP, Neeraj Khajanchi is shown using the AKG C451EB condenser microphone. This microphone, known for its unidirectional pickup pattern and frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, is ideal for recording drum cymbals and hi-hats. It features a dynamic range of 117dB, switchable PADS of 10dB/20dB, and a high-pass filter at 75Hz or 150Hz. The AKG C451EB also includes a SA40 stand adapter, W90 windscreen, and a case, making it a versatile choice for studio recording.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Folk, World, & Country

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use AKG C451EB, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Josephson e22S Condenser Microphones

Universal Audio SOLO/610 Tube Preamp Direct Boxes

Sony DRE-S777 Effects Processors

Useful Arts BF-S Direct Boxes

Royer R-122 Ribbon Microphones

Audio-Technica AT5045 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone Condenser Microphones

Sennheiser MKH 40-P48 Condenser Microphones

A Designs REDDI Tube Direct Box Direct Boxes

Royer R-121 Ribbon Microphones

Neumann U47 FET Condenser Microphones

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