Detail 01
−10 / −20 dB pads
Cuts output before the preamp so close-miked snare or brass does not overload the input.
Product detailSKU #1273887983604
AKGC451 B Reference Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
Small-diaphragm cardioid condenser with switchable pads and bass cut. For engineers recording acoustic guitar, drum overheads, hi-hat, percussion and strings.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Drum overheads and hi-hat where transients need to stay sharp
- Acoustic guitar and percussion in a treated room
- Stereo pairs — the 19 mm barrel fits tight in bar clamps
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- First-mic buyers — a large-diaphragm condenser is more versatile for vocals
- Anyone without phantom power on their interface or mixer
- Untreated rooms, where a sensitive condenser picks up everything
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
75 / 150 Hz bass cut
Rolls off low rumble and proximity buildup at the mic, so you EQ less later.
Detail 03
18 dB-A self-noise
Quiet enough for detailed acoustic sources; hiss stays under the performance at normal gain.
Detail 04
9 to 52 V phantom
Runs on lower-voltage phantom supplies too, not just a full 48 V desk.
Detail 05
200 ohm output, 1,000 ohm load
Standard balanced output. It drives long XLR runs without losing top end.
Detail 06
19 mm diameter, 160 mm long
Pencil body fits into hi-hat and tom gaps a fat mic body cannot reach.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Requires 48 V phantom power from your interface, mixer or a separate supply
- 02Budget for a stand clip, shockmount and stereo bar if pairing
- 03Two mics are needed for a stereo overhead pair — this is one
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Does the C451 B need phantom power?
Yes. It runs on 9 to 52 V phantom, so any standard 48 V interface or mixer works, and lower-voltage supplies work too.
02When should I use the pad?
On loud close sources — snare, hi-hat, brass, guitar cabs. Start at −10 dB and go to −20 dB if the preamp still clips.
03Is it good for vocals?
It can work, but a small-diaphragm cardioid is built for detail and transients. Most people reach for a large-diaphragm mic for lead vocals.
04What does the bass cut switch do?
It rolls off lows at 75 Hz or 150 Hz. Useful for taming proximity buildup on close-miked acoustic guitar or cutting stage and floor rumble.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
4 detailsSound
- Polar Pattern
- Cardioid
- Electrical Impedance
- 200 ohms
- Recommended Load Impedance
- 1,000 ohms
- Sensitivity
- 9 mV/Pa
3 detailsBody & build
- Color
- Tan
- Body Finish
- Nickel-plated satin
- Finish
- Nickel-plated satin
2 detailsConnections & power
- Voltage
- 9 to 52V
- Audio Output
- Balanced XLR
4 detailsSize & weight
- Weight
- 125
- Audio Frequency Bandwidth
- 20Hz–20kHz
- Diameter
- 19 mm
- Height
- 160 mm
7 detailsOther
- Preattenuation Pad
- –10; –20dB
- Gender
- Male
- Bass Cut Filter
- 75; 150Hz
- Current
- 2 mA
- Signal to Noise
- 76dB-A
- Equivalent Noise Level
- 18dB-A
- Contacts
- 3-pin
