AKG C451 B Review

Are you ready to take your recordings to soaring heights? The AKG C451 B microphone is the ticket to your success.

This professional small diaphragm condenser microphone is the go-to choice for many high-end studios, providing a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, a cardioid polar pattern, and a three-position pad and bass roll-off switch to deliver outstanding results.

Whether you’re recording drums, acoustic guitars, strings, or electric bass, the AKG C451 B is the perfect tool to get the job done.

Find out more in our detailed review.

Key Takeaways

  • The AKG C451 B is an outstanding microphone that is highly preferred in professional studios.
  • It has a non-interchangeable capsule with a cardioid polar pattern and a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
  • The microphone features a three-position pad and bass roll-off switch, allowing for versatile usage.
  • While it is not typically used for vocals, the AKG C451 B can produce exceptional results when used creatively, particularly for overheads, strings, acoustic guitars, and snares.

Studio Applications

You’ll find the AKG C451 B is an excellent choice for studio applications like overheads, strings, acoustic guitars, and snares. It offers a harsher and brighter performance than the original C451 and casts a shadow over most other small-diaphragm condenser designs.

Creative uses for the AKG C451 B in the studio can produce exceptional results, though the microphone isn’t typically used for vocals. To get the best results with the AKG C451 B in studio applications, you’ll want to consider the sound signature and the environment you’re recording in.

This microphone is well-built and durable, however it’s an expensive investment and should be treated with care. The AKG C451 B is a great choice for capturing acoustic guitars, drums, guitar amps, and other sources, and is sure to bring out the best in your recordings.

Live Applications

When it comes to live applications, the AKG C451 B isn’t recommended for vocals due to its harshness and bleed. However, it’s an excellent choice for drums, especially as overheads or snare mic. Hi-hats may sound grainy depending on preamp situation.

It’s more suited for artistic recording of guitar amps and limited practical uses for recording electric bass. Additionally, it features a three-position pad and bass roll-off switch, making it a versatile microphone for live applications.

When recording drums, the C451 B can provide a bright and sparkly sound that cuts through the mix. It’s well-built and durable despite its fragile appearance, making it a reliable choice for live applications.

Acoustic Guitar Recording

Often considered a favorite among engineers, the AKG C451 B is renowned for its ability to record acoustic guitars with a bright and sparkly sound. Its sound signature is a staple, although not necessarily more accurate, and this mic is well-built and durable despite its fragile appearance. It requires care, however, as it’s an expensive investment.

Its frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz makes it suitable for capturing all the nuances of an acoustic guitar’s sound, providing a crisp and clear recording. Additionally, the non-interchangeable cardioid capsule reduces noise and feedback, allowing engineers to focus on the sound they want to capture.

Comparison to Other Microphones

Although it’s often considered a favorite among engineers, the AKG C451 B has its own unique characteristics that differentiate it from other microphones.

When comparing the C451 B to the Shure SM81, the AKG offers transcendent moments while the Shure is more serviceable.

The Neumann KM 184 has more body and warmth, making it a better choice for most applications.

The Rode NT55 is significantly cheaper and performs well, but the AKG is edgier.

It’s best suited for professional engineers with full studios.

The bright and sparkly sound is great for drums and acoustic guitars, but it can be finicky.

Background

Discover the background behind the AKG C451 B, a professional quality condenser microphone preferred in recording studios worldwide.

This mic was developed in 1969 as an update to the original C451 model, and since then, it has been an industry standard for recording a variety of instruments.

It features a fixed cardioid polar pattern, a frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and a three-position pad and bass roll-off switch.

It’s widely known for its excellent performance and is a must-have for many engineers.

The C451 B has an impressive history, and its development has been a cornerstone of the recording industry.

It may be expensive, but it’s worth every penny for its superior sound and reliability.

Features

The AKG C451 B is a well-built and durable microphone with a fixed cardioid polar pattern. It has a frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz and features a three-position pad and bass roll-off switch. Despite its fragile appearance, this microphone offers outstanding sound quality. It provides a brighter and sparklier sound that can be used creatively to produce exceptional results. The AKG C451 B is a great choice for overheads, strings, acoustic guitars, and snares. However, it may not be the best option for vocals. Additionally, it has limited practical uses for recording electric bass and may produce grainy hi-hats depending on the preamp situation. Overall, this microphone is highly recommended for professional engineers with full studios who want to capture transcendent moments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the AKG C451 B is a professional microphone that’s capable of producing clear, detailed recordings. It’s well suited for both studio and live applications. Its three-position pad and bass roll-off switch, coupled with its 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response, make it ideal for acoustic guitar recording.

With its versatility and quality, the AKG C451 B is a great choice for those looking to upgrade their microphone collection.

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