• Please make sure that the piece of equipment your
microphone will be connected to fulfills the safety
regulations in force in your country and is fitted with a
ground lead.
1.When scrapping the equipment, separate the case, circuit
boards, and cables, and dispose of all components in accordance with local waste disposal rules.
2.The packaging of the equipment is recyclabe. To dispose of
the packaging, make sure to use a collection/recycling system provided for that purpose and observe local legislation
relating to waste disposal and recycling.
1.1 Safety
!
L
1.2 Environment
C 451 B
13
Page 4
2 Description
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Packing List
Thank you for purchasing an AKG product. Please take a few
minutes to read the instructions below carefully before op-erating the equipment. Please keep the Manual for future reference. Have fun and impress your audience!
•1 Soundtool Case (small)
•1 C 451 B with individual re-
sponse curve
•1 SA 60
•1 W 90
•Check that the packaging contains all of the items listed
above. Should any of these items be missing, please contact your AKG dealer.
2.3 Optional
Accessories
2.4 Selected Features
14
•For optional accessories, refer to the current AKG catalog or
folder, or visit www.akg.com. Your dealer will be glad to
help.
•Same transducer as in the legendary CK 1.
•Rugged construction.
•Low self-noise.
•Low current consumption.
•High reliability.
•Transformerless output stage.
•Operates on phantom power to IEC 61938.
•Built-in, switchable 10-dB or 20-dB pre attenuation pad.
•Built-in, switchable 12 dB/octave highpass filter at 75 Hz
or 150 Hz.
C 451 B
Page 5
2 Description
crophone, the C 451 EB + CK 1. The new C 451B, however,
uses a fixed capsule to eliminate the mechanical problems of
the original modular design. The microphone is the perfect
choice for any application where sounds, particularly their transient content, need to be captured with maximum accuracy.
Owing to its extremely light diaphragm, the microphone is
highly insensitive to handling noise. An all-metal body provides
efficient protection from RF interference and the microphone is
rugged enough to give excellent results even under very harsh
conditions.
A switchable 10-dB/20-dB preattenuation pad increases the
microphone's SPL capability when close-miking high-energy
sound sources or driv ing preamps or mixers with limited headroom.
A switchable highpass filter at 75 Hz or 150 Hz helps minimize
low-end distortion that may be caused, e.g., by rumble or wind
noise. The slope of the filter is approx. 12 dB/octave and its corner frequency (3 dB down point) is selectable at 75 Hz or 150 Hz.
2.5 SummaryThe C 451B is an updated rerun of a classic AKG condenser mi-
C 451 B
15
Page 6
3 Interfacing
3.1 General
Refer to sections
3.2 and 3.3.
3.2 Balanced Input
with Phantom Power
Refer to fig. 1 below.
The C 451B is a condenser microphone and therefore needs a
power supply.
The microphone provides a balanced output on a 3-pin male
XLR connector:
Pin 1: ground
Pin 2: hot
Pin 3: return
•You can connect the microphone to balanced microphone
inputs with or without phantom power. AKG phantom power
supplies allow you to connect the microphone to unbalanced inputs as well.
1.Use an XLR cable to connect the microphone to a balanced
XLR input with phantom power.
2.Switch the phantom power on. (Refer to the instruction
manual of the unit to which you connected your C 451B.)
16
C 451B
3.2
C 451B
B 18
3.3
Fig. 1: Connecting to a balanced input.
C 451 B
Page 7
3 Interfacing
1.If your mixer provides no phantom power, connect an optional AKG B 18 phantom power supply between the microphone and the mixer.
You may connect the AKG B 18 phantom power supply to
unbalanced inputs as well.
C 451B
B 18
3.3 Balanced Input
with No Phantom
Power
Refer to fig. 1 (p. 16).
3.4 Unbalanced Input
Fig. 2: Connecting to an unbalanced input.
•Use a cable with a female XLR connector and TS jack plug:
1.On the XLR connector, use a wire bridge to connect pin 1 to
pin 3 and the cable shield.
2.Connect the inside wire of the cable to pin 2 on the XLR
connector and the tip contact of the jack plug.
• Unbalanced cables may pick up interference from stray
magnetic fields near power or lighting cables, electric motors, etc. like an antenna. This may introduce hum or similar noise when you use a cable that is longer than 16 feet
(5 m).
Refer to fig. 2 above.
Note:
C 451 B
17
Page 8
4 Using Your Microphone
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Proximity Effect
The rod-shaped body, accurate response, and many matching
accessories from AKG make it easy to use the microphone to
pick up a wide range of different instruments.
•Read the hints below to get the best possible results.
Owing to their acoustic principle, unidirectional microphones
exhibit what is called "proximity effect". This means that the lowfrequency content of a sound signal will be progressively boosted as you move the microphone closer to the sound source.
Proximity effect begins to become audible at a working distance
of about 2 feet (60 cm). Depending on the nature of the sound
source, proximity effect may be desirable or a nuisance.
Place the microphone closer to the sound source to accentuate,
or further away to reduce proximity effect.
4.3 Feedback in Live
Sound Situations
Fig. 3: Microphone
placement for max imum
gain before feedback.
Feedback results from part of the sound projected by a speaker
being picked up by a microphone, fed to the amplifier, and projected again by the speaker. Above a specific volume or “system
gain” setting called the feedback threshold, the signal starts being regenerated indefinitely, making the sound system howl and
the sound engineer desperately dive for the master fader to reduce the volume and stop the howl ing.
18
C 451 B
Page 9
4 Using Your Microphone
To increase usable gain before feedback, the microphone has a
cardioid polar pattern. This means that the microphone is most
sensitive to sounds arriving from in front of it (from the sound
source) while picking up much less of sounds arriving from the
sides or rear (from monitor speakers for instance).
To obtain maximum gain before feedback, place the main
(“FOH”) speakers in front of the micro phones (along the front
edge of the stage). If you use monitor speakers, be sure never to
point any microphone directly at the monitors, or at the FOH
speakers.
Feedback may also be triggered by resonances depending on
the acoustics of the room or hall. With resonances at low frequencies, proximity effect may cause feedback. In this case, it is
often enough to move away from the microphone a little to stop
the feedback.
Refer to fig. 3 on
page 18.
If you are miking up an extremely loud sound source or
have placed the microphone
ex tremely close to an instrument, the diaphragm may be
ex posed to extremely high
sound pressure levels. As a
result, the electrical output
signal of the transducer may
become high enough to overload the subsequent impedance converter/preamplifier and introduce audible distortion. To minimize the risk of getting audible distortion, use the preattenuation switch on the microphone
shaft to switch in 10 dB (1:3) or 20 dB (1:10) of preattenuation.
4.4 Preattenuation
Pad
Fig. 4: Preattenuation
switch.
C 451 B
19
Page 10
4 Using Your Microphone
4.5 Highpass Filter
Fig. 5: Highpass filter
switch.
Refer to fig. 5 above.
Low-frequency rumble or
wind noise such as air condi-
the spectra of the wanted and unwanted signals, set the highpass filter switch on the microphone shaft from flat (1) to a corner frequency of 75 Hz (2) or 150 Hz (3). In either position, the
slope of the filter is 12 dB/octave (1:4) downward.
tioning rumble, traffic noise,
structure-borne noise, etc.
that usually pass unnoticed
may become a clearly audible
nuisance on a recording.
To minimize low- frequency
noise, you can switch in the
highpass filter. Depending on
5.1 Microphone Body
5.2 Windscreen
5 Cleaning
•Use a soft cloth moistened with water to clean the surface
of the microphone body .
•Wash the foam windscreen in soap suds. Do not use the
windscreen before it has dried completely.
20
C 451 B
Page 11
Specifications
Polar pattern:cardioid
Frequency range:20 to 20,000 Hz ± 1.5 dB from published curve
Sensitivity:9 mV/Pa / -41 dBV re 1 V/Pa
Electrical impedance:< 200 ohms
Recommended load impedance: > 1000 ohms
Max. 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*)
Equivalent noise level to IEC 60268-4 (A-weighted): 18 dB-A
Dynamic range:117 dB max. (A-weighted)*)
Preattenuation pad:switchable to 0 dB, -10 dB, -20 dB
Highpass filter:switchable to flat or 12 dB/octave at 75 Hz or 150 Hz
Powering:9 to 52 V phantom power to IEC 61938
Operating temperature:-20°C to +60°C
Connector:3-pin male XLR
Finish:satin nickel plated
Size:dia.: 19 mm (0.7 in.); length: 160 mm (6.3 in.)
Net/shipping weight:125 g (4.4 oz.) / 760 g (1.7 lbs.)
*) Values measured with 48-V phantom power. Reduce by 2 dB for 24-V or 8 dB for 12-V phantom
power.
This product conforms to the standards listed in the Declaration of Conformity. To order a free copy of
the Declaration of Conformity, visit http://www.akg.com or contact sales@akg.com.
For other products and distributors worldwide visit www.akg.com
Technische Änderungen vorbehalten. Specifications subject to change without notice. Ces caractéristiques sont susceptibles de modifications.
Ci riserviamo il diritto di effettuare modifiche tecniche. Nos reservamos el derecho de introducir modificaciones técnicas. Especificações sujeitas
a mudanças sem aviso prévio.
Cap12895Z14011Kappe
Cap (Anniversary Edition)150224681Kappe (Anniversary Edition)
Grid sleeve1.12895Z08011Gitterhülse
Top grid1.22895Z07011Gitter oben
Housing, new version22895Z05021Gehäuse, neue Ausfühung
Housing (Anniversary Edition)250224691Gehäuse (Anniversary Edition)
Housing, old version 22895Z2501(1)Gehäuse, alte Ausführung
Printed circuit board, complete32895M01011Print, komplett
Pad switch3.10040E01861Dämpfungsschalter
Bass switch3.20040E01321Bass – Schalter
Connector 3.30016E03461Steckereinsatz
Contact carrier ***3.42895M02011Kontaktträger ***
Screw for contact carrier3.50099N14022Schraube für Kontaktträger
Switch cover42439Z21032Schalterblende
Switch cover (Anniversary Edition)450224962Schalterblende (Anniversary Edition)
Holder52439Z29032Stütze
Electrode, complete62895M06011Elektrode, komplett
Insulation sleeve6.12230Z28011Distanzhütchen
Membrane, complete72230M09011Membrane, komplett
Insulation strip *82895Z15021Isolationsstreifen *
Spring 92895Z12021Feder
Screw M1,4x4100070N14034Schraube M1,4x4
Screw M2,5x6110966D25071Schraube M2,5x6
Screw M2,5x6 (Anniversary Edition)1150233281Schraube M2,5x6 (Anniversary Edition)
Stand adapter SA40--6001H03111Stativanschluß SA40
Windshield W90--2496Z00011Windschutz W90
Stereo bar H50 **--6000H05711Stereoschiene H50 **
Carrying case--1605P00031Zippetui
Upper insert for case--8998P00251Einlage oben für Etui
Lower insert for case--8998P00211Einlage unten für Etui
Case for stereo version--3828P05041Koffer für Stereoversion
*) See picture on page 2./ Siehe Abbildung auf Seite 2.
**) Used for the stereo version C451B/ST only. / Nur für Stereoversion C451B/ST.
***)Please see page 4 / Bitte Seite 4 beachten.
For access to the capsule elements or for replacing the cap hold microphone in one hand with the thumb
pressing firmly
be held in place. Now undo the four screws 10. Attention, danger
1. Otherwise the spring 9 will cause the cap to suddenly come off when loosing the fourth screw causing
damage or injuries. Once the screws 10 are removed, slowly and gently release the cap 1 from the housing
2 and take off cap with capsule assembly. The electrode 6 can be pulled out from the housing by spring 9.
Please never touch the surface of the electrode with bare fingers and prevent any direct mechanical
contact. The membrane 7 lies loosely in the cap 1 and it's surface must never be touched. Take the part
only with utmost care on the circumference of the gold plated holder ring using a fine sized pair of
tweezers. Take care that the ring is not bent.
Inside the front portion of the cap 1 a plastic insulation strip 8 is inserted at the area where the high
impedance elements of the capsule are close to the cap's inner wall (Fig. 1). When replacing the cap this
insulation strip either has to be renewed or taken out from the former cap and used again if not
mechanically damaged. The strip 8 is not contained in spare part 1.
against the top end of the capsule. The cap is spring loaded and needs quite some force to
: During this job, never release the cap
1
1.2
Fig. 1
Mounting the insulation strip 8 has to be done very carefully. If fitted correctly the strip shall perfectly cling
to the inner wall of the cap. Otherwise proper insertion of membrane and electrode will not be possible. It
may be easier to put the membrane 7 in place first and than wrap the strip over the membrane ring. If not
carefully done the danger of accidental damage to the membrane foil however is high.
The cap 1 already contains top grid 1.2 and grid sleeve 1.1. The latter is secured to the cap housing with a
two component conductive adhesive. If ever possible this procedure should be carried out when fixing new
grid sleeves.
How to remove the amplifier board
If only the printed circuit board or parts of it need replacement, it is not necessary to remove the cap.
Press the microphone with it's connector end firmly to a plain surface against the force of the spring. Then
remove screw and pull out the board 3. When reassembling the capsule contact sleeve will find it's way to
the capsule's contact pin simply by pushing the board home. Now press board into housing and fasten
screw 11. For replacing the contact carrier 3.4 remove all solder from the joint between capsule connector
and board, undo screws 3.5 and pull off the carrier. Please also note the hints on page 4.
8
67
1.1
Other parts than those mentioned in the parts list are not available.
***********
Zerlegen des Kapselteiles
Um an die Teile der Kapsel zu gelangen, oder zum Tausch der Kappe 1 halten Sie das Mikrofon in einer
Hand und drücken mit dem Daumen fest gegen die Frontseite der Kappe. Die Kappe ist durch eine Feder 9
mechanisch vorgespannt und eine größere Kraft ist notwendig, um sie in der ursprünglichen Position zu
halten. Nun lösen Sie die vier Schrauben 10. Achtung, Gefahr
Kappe 1 auslassen. Andernfalls kann durch die Feder 9 nach lösen der vierten Schraube die Kappe plötzlich
weggeschleudert werden, was Beschädigungen oder Verletzungen zur Folge haben kann. Nachdem die
Schrauben 10 entfernt wurden, lassen Sie die Kappe 1 langsam und vorsichtig aus und nehmen Sie diese
mit den Teilen der Kapsel vom Gehäuserohr 2 ab. Die Elektrode 6 kann an der Feder 9 aus der Kappe
gezogen werden. Berühren Sie bitte niemals die Elektrodenfläche mit bloßen Fingern und vermeiden Sie
überhaupt jeglichen mechanischen Kontakt. Die Membrane 7 liegt lose in der Kappe und ihre Oberfläche
darf niemals berührt werden. Nehmen Sie den Teil mit höchstmöglicher Vorsicht und nur am Rand des
Membranringes, ohne diesen zu verbiegen.
Im Inneren des vorderen Teiles der Kappe 1 ist ein Isolationsstreifen 8 eingelegt, wo die hochohmigen
Teile der Kapsel nahe zur Innenwandung der Kappe stehen (Fig. 1 auf Seite 2). Beim Tausch der Kappe 1
muß dieser Streifen unbedingt entweder ersetzt, oder jener aus der zu tauschenden Kappe wieder
verwendet werden. Er ist nicht in der Ersatzkappe 1 enthalten.
Das Einlegen dieses Streifens hat sehr sorgfältig zu erfolgen. Der Streifen muß sich über seine gesamte
Fläche an die Innenwandung der Kappe schmiegen. Dieser Vorgang wird erleichtert, wenn zuerst die
Membran 7 eingelegt und der Streifen dann um den Membranring geschlungen wird. Allerdings steigt
damit die Gefahr einer unabsichtlichen Beschädigung der Membrane.
Die Kappe 1 enthält bereits Gitter 1.2 und Gitterhülse 1.1. Letztere ist mit leitfähigem Zweikomponentenkleber an der Kappe angeheftet. Falls eine neue Gitterhülse 1.1 eingesetzt wird, sollte diese Klebung
ebenfalls angebracht werden.
Tausch des Verstärkerprints
Falls lediglich der Verstärker oder Teile davon getauscht werden sollen, ist es nicht notwendig die Kappe 1
zu entfernen. Pressen Sie das Mikrofon mit dem Steckerende fest gegen eine plane Oberfläche gegen die
Kraft der Feder und lösen Sie die Schraube. Ziehen Sie den Verstärker 3 aus dem Gehäuse. Um den
Kontaktträger 3.4 zu ersetzen, entfernen Sie sorgfältig das Lötzinn von der Verbindungsstelle zwischen
Kapselkontakt und Print, lösen Sie die beiden Schrauben 3.5 und ziehen Sie den Kontaktträger ab. Bitte
beachten Sie auch die Hinweise auf Seite 4.
Andere Teile als in der Stückliste angegeben, sind nicht erhältlich.
This insulation bushing
has the part number
2895Z0901 and is used in
the former version of the
contact carrier
2895M0201. It is made of
transparent plastic
material. The part can
only be used together
with the housing tube
2895Z2501.
Diese Isolierhülse hat die
Teilenummer 2895Z0901,
wird in der früheren
Version des Kontaktträgers 2895M0201
verwendet und ist aus
weißem Kunststoff
gefertigt. Dieser Teil ist
nur zusammen mit
Hüllrohr 2895Z2501 zu
verwenden.
This insulation bushing
has the part number
2895Z0902 and is used in
the new version of the
contact carrier
2895M0201. It is made of
white plastic material. The
part can only be used
together with the housing
tube 2895Z0501.
Diese Isolierhülse hat die
Teilenummer 2895Z0902,
wird in der neuen Version
des Kontaktträgers
2895M0201 verwendet
und ist aus weißem
Kunststoff gefertigt.
Dieser Teil ist nur
zusammen mit Hüllrohr
2895Z0501 zu
verwenden.
For better understanding of the technical design
aspects the schematics is shown below. Other parts
than those mentioned in the part list are not available.
213
1
220p
2
1
C505
220p
2
1
C506
3
2
2
2
47E
33u
2
1
7k5
1M
2
G
G
2SK208R
2
1
10n
C101
1
MKAPSEL
2n2
1
C503
2k2
1
R404
3k3
1
R305
2
1
R207
S
S
L503
4
2
1
R502
AGND
MAP-T4
100k
1
R302
2
1
22n
C205
21
4u7
47E
AGND
+UB
C106
1
1
2
33u
21
M+UB
1
+UB
8
S201
2
560E
1
R401
Q
Q
T401
R209
6
5
7
312
2
1
+UB
22u
21
2
+UB
10k
SGB23
D401
BC858B
C401
T302
3k3
1
R304
2
2
1
2
CL150G
AGND
Q
Q
1
2
68k
1
R301
560k
1
R104
3
BCX71H
4u7
21
100k
2
1
3
T301
C301
C203
1
S202
C402
R402
Q
Q
2
1
BCX70K
2
1
330n
21
1u5
Lin
75Hz
3
2
AGND
2
2
1
2
2
150Hz
2
560k
1
100n
2k2
1
AGND
4n7
2
1
C302
1M
1
R206
4
SGB13
2
6G8
1
R101
R105
C104
R403
R501
C501
R303
C204
4k7
1
R208
AGND
AGND
PLM250H
1
2
1
21
2
1
2
1
47n
D
D
T101
Schaltung
Zum Verständnis der technischen Zusammenhänge ist
hier die Schaltung gezeigt. Andere Teile als in der
Stückliste angegeben, sind nicht erhältlich.