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 apermanently 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 itspredecessor. 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 withno 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 usedin studio and tour sound applications such as micing choirs,drums, percussion and acoustic guitars.
It is available as a single piece or in computer matchedstereo 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.

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 caseH 50 stereo bar (stereo pair only)

Features• Ultra-smooth response with slightrising on-axis frequency
characteristic• High front-to-back rejection ratio• Transformerless output for lowdistortion at high operating levels• 10 and 20 dB pad• Switchable 12-dB roll-off at 75 or150 Hz

Architects and Engineers Specifications
The microphone shall have a cardioid pattern. The microphone’ssensitivity shall be no less than 9 mV/Pa. At an operating level of
135 dB SPL the microphone’s total harmonic distortion shall be nogreater than 0.5%. The microphone’s self noise level shall be nohigher 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 beintegral to the microphone. The microphone shall operate withphantom 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 nogreater than 4.4 ounces (125 g). The microphone shall be the AKG
Acoustics Model C 451 B.

dB

C 451 B

0-10-20lin
75Hz150Hz.75”(19 mm)AKG is constantly improving and modifying its products, therefore, specifications are subject to change without notice.

Graphical Data6.3”(160 mm)

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 torepair 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 reasonablecare, the affixing of any attachment not provided with the product, loss of parts or connecting theproduct 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 ourservice 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 orlimitation 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.

Microphones · Headphones · Wireless Microphones · Wireless Headphones · Headsets · Electroacoustical Components
AKG Acoustics GmbH
Lemböckgasse 21–25, P.O.B. 158, A-1230
Vienna/AUSTRIA
Tel: (43 1) 86 654-0*, Fax: (43 1) 86 654-516
Internet: http://www.akg.com
AKG Acoustics; A Division of Harman Pro Germany
Bodenseestraße 228, D-81243 München/GERMANY
Tel: (089) 87 16-0, Fax: (089) 87 16-200
Arbiter Pro Audio
Wilberforce Road, London NW9 6AX/ENGLAND
Tel: (0181) 202 1199, Fax: (0181) 202 7076
Specifications subject to change without notice.

AKG ACOUSTICS, U.S.
914 Airpark Center Drive
Nashville, TN 37217, U.S.A.
Tel: (615) 620-3800, Fax: (615) 620-3875
Studer Japan Ltd.
2-43-7, Uehara, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0064/JAPAN
Tel: (813) 3465-2211, Fax: (813) 3465-2214
Erikson Pro Audio
620 McCaffrey, St-Laurent, Quebec, H4T 1N1, CANADA
Tel: (514) 738-3000, Fax: (514) 737-5069
Internet: www.jam-ind.com/eriksonpro

DS-C 451 B