AKG C 451 B Reference Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone,Nickel,C451B

I bought this on the recommendation of a friend. I've owned several microphones for bass vocals, and this is by far my favorite!!! In fact I just sold some of my previous mics, as this one gets the job done.Glad I bought it. And your price was much better than several others. Thanks!

This is my second 451b. My first one was purchased used back in 1979 and is the black body version but with the same capsule this one comes with. This one is a brand new version that has all suface mount electronics and is designed to be more durable and road worthy than the original. Although I have never had a problem with my original 451b, the originals were hand soldered micro electronics and there was always a chance of a weak solder joint breaking and stuff like that, especially if the mic got dropped from say an overhead boom stand height. From what I have heard so far, I think this new one sounds a bit better than my older one.There isn't much to say about this mic that hasn't already been said for decades. The AKG 451 is is an industry staple for a variety of studio applications. If you are looking for the best choice for any high SPL application or for a good drum overhead, then the 451b is a great choice. I personally love using this for recording my Hammond C3 organ and Leslie 122. I use this mic for the top rotor and a Sennheiser HD421 for the bass rotor. A fully cranked 122 can put out close to 120 dB and this mic can handle that kind of sound pressure without any problem at all. Works better for this than any other mic I have tried. Been using it in that capacity for over 30 years.It also works great for recording acoustic guitars, mandolins and the top end of a grand piano. Just shows how versatile this microphone is! I prefer these over a large condenser since they are much easier to place and aim where you want it.If you are in the market for an excellent pencil condenser with a variety of capsule options then look no further than the 451b! They aren't cheap, but they are built like tanks and will last a lifetime. My original is still going strong 40 years after it was made!

I bought this to record acoustic guitars. It works very well for that application. The bass cut is useful and it is easy to get good sounds at either the neck or body.

Wow! Can’t understand why.. but I got this for almost less than half of msrp. Thought it might be fake but it is authentic new AKG product. Amazing deal. The big Audio AV retailers have got to be kicking dirt over this. However, the low price I paid is no where to be found on line now......Gonna stop now and count the blessing and good luck

I rented these mics for my home classical guitar recordings, using my Apogee Duet 2 preamp. I liked them, but noticed a certain 'brightness' people complained about. So based on reviews, I bought a pair of Beyerdynamic MC930's. These mics were said to be 'natural', and warm. Well, after so many recordings, yes the 930's are good. But my two original recordings with the 451B's sound a lot better. To be specific, when i played high over the soundhole to get a warm sound, the 451B's picked up that warmth and smoothness beautifully. The 930's just aren't picking up that smoothness. They are also a little 'boomy'. And the 'brightness' of the 451B's people complained about in reviews. Well, I would describe it as an 'icy elegance'. There is a little shimmer in the sound that is not piercing or grating at all. I like the sound. The only reason I am not giving 5 stars is because they are not as 'quiet' as the Mc930's. There's just a little hiss, but you only hear it with earbud type headsets. I'm going to buy a pair of 451B's.

IMHO easily the best small diaphragm condenser mic at this price point.

I have other SDCs including KM184s, KSM141, LA120s, etc. This C451B sounds clear, smooth, warm, open and natural; but its self-noise of 18 dBA is noticeable. Well made in Hungary. Also, price seems a bit high.

one of the best condensers on the market, was shipped fast to me as well.