AKG C 451 B

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 acoustical behaviour 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 40 stand adapter and W 90 windscreen.
• Each microphone comes with its own individual frequency response plot.
• Also available as matched stereo pair (C 451 B/ST) including stereo bar H 50.

Specifications:

• 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: -20°C to +60°C
• Relative Humidity: 99% (+20°C); 95% (+60°C)
• Connector: 3-pin male XLR
• Finish: Satin Nickel-plated
• Size: 19 mm (0.75 in.); length: 160 mm (6.3 in.)
• Net/Shipping Weight: 125 g (4.4 oz.) / 760 g (1.7 lbs.)