AKG Acoustics C 451B User Manual

C 451 B

Studio Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Description

The C 451 B is the latest model in the C 451 series that
dates back to 1969. It is a cardioid only design with a
permanently fixed capsule (a departure from the previous
modular system). The acoustics of the original cardioid
capsule, CK 1, are modeled and matched in the current
version, producing the unique overall rising frequency
characteristics. The rise is no more than 3 dB and is broadly
centered around 12 kHz.

Its transformerless preamp uses surface mount technology
and, therefore is lighter, yet more rugged than its
predecessor. Switchable 10 and 20 dB pads are now
integrated. Maximum sound pressure levels in the range of
155 dB (in the 20 dB sensitivity position) can be attained with
no greater than 0.5% distortion. A selectable low frequency,
or bass roll-off option, provides 12 dB per octave attenuation
below 75 or 150 Hz.

The C 451 B, like its predecessor, is most commonly used
in studio and tour sound applications such as micing choirs,
drums, percussion and acoustic guitars.

It is available as a single piece or in computer matched
stereo pairs, and operates on all phantom voltages between
9 and 52 volts.

The SA 40 stand adapter and W 90 windscreen are
included as standard accessories.

Features

• Ultra-smooth response with slight
rising on-axis frequency
characteristic

• High front-to-back rejection ratio

• Transformerless output for low
distortion at high operating levels

• 10 and 20 dB pad

• Switchable 12-dB roll-off at 75 or
150 Hz

Specifications

Transducer type: condenser

Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Sensitivity at 1 kHz: 9 mV/Pa (-41 dBV)

Self noise level: 18 dB-A

Dynamic range: 117 dB

Polar pattern: cardioid

Impedance: 200 ohms

Load impedance: >1000 ohms

Switchable pad: -10 and –20 dB

Sound pressure level for 0.5% THD:

135 dB SPL (unpadded)
145 dB SPL (-10 dB pad)
155 dB SPL (-20 dB pad)

LF roll-off: 12 dB/octave at 75 and 150 Hz

Power requirement: Phantom powering, 9 to 52 Vdc

Output connector: 3-pin XLR-M

Finish: Satin nickel

Size: .75 inches diameter (19 mm)

6.3 inches length (160 mm)

Net/shipping weight: 4.4 oz. (125 g)/1.7 lbs. (760 g)

Included accessories: SA 40 stand adapter

W 90 foam windscreen
padded carrying case
H 50 stereo bar (stereo pair only)

Microphones · Headphones · Wireless Microphones · Wireless Headphones · Headsets · Electroacoustical Components

Limited Warranty

Valid only in the United States. AKG Acoustics warrants AKG products against defects in material
or workmanship for a period of two years from the date of original purchase for use, and agrees to
repair or, at our option, replace any defective unit without charge for either parts or labor. Important:
This warranty does not cover damage resulting from accident, misuse or abuse, lack of reasonable
care, the affixing of any attachment not provided with the product, loss of parts or connecting the
product to any but the specified receptacles. This warranty is void unless service or repairs are
performed by an authorized service center. No responsibility is assumed for any special, incidental

or consequential damages. However, the limitation of any right or remedy shall not be effective
where such is prohibited or restricted by law. Simply take or ship your AKG product prepaid to our
service department. Be sure to include your sales slip as proof of purchase date. (We will not repair
transit damage under the no-charge terms of this warranty.) Note: No other warranty, written or oral
is authorized by AKG Acoustics, Inc. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also
have other rights which vary from state to state. Some states do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages or limitation on how long an implied warranty
lasts, so the above exclusions and limitation may not apply to you.

Specifications subject to change without notice.

AKG Acoustics GmbH

Lemböckgasse 21–25, P.O.B. 158, A-1230
Vienna/AUSTRIA
Tel: [phone]*, Fax: [phone]
Internet: http://www.akg.com

AKG Acoustics; A Division of Harman Pro Germany
Bodenseestraße 228, D-81243 München/GERMANY
Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]

Arbiter Pro Audio

Wilberforce Road, London NW9 6AX/ENGLAND
Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]

AKG ACOUSTICS, U.S.

914 Airpark Center Drive
Nashville, TN 37217, U.S.A.
Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]

Studer Japan Ltd.

2-43-7, Uehara, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0064/JAPAN
Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]

Erikson Pro Audio

620 McCaffrey, St-Laurent, Quebec, H4T 1N1, CANADA
Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]
Internet: www.jam-ind.com/eriksonpro

AKG is constantly improving and modifying its products, therefore, specifications are subject to change without notice.

The microphone shall have a cardioid pattern. The microphone’s
sensitivity shall be no less than 9 mV/Pa. At an operating level of
135 dB SPL the microphone’s total harmonic distortion shall be no
greater than 0.5%. The microphone’s self noise level shall be no
higher than 18 dB-A. Output padding switchable at –10 and –20
dB shall be integral to the microphone. Low frequency attenuation
at 12 dB/octave commencing at either 150 or 75 Hz shall be

integral to the microphone. The microphone shall operate with
phantom power over the range from 9 Vdc to 52 Vdc. The
diameter of the microphone shall be no greater than
.75 inches (19 mm), and the body length shall be no longer than

6.3 inches (160 mm). The net weight of the microphone shall be no
greater than 4.4 ounces (125 g). The microphone shall be the AKG
Acoustics Model C 451 B.

Graphical Data

Architects and Engineers Specifications

DS-C 451 B

C

B

45

150
lin

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­0

0

d

.75”

(19 mm)

6.3”

(160 mm)

2

Hz75Hz

1

B

1