AKG Acoustics
AKG C 451 E
Small-diaphragm condenser (FET), cardioid: the C-451E 12 V preamplifier with the screw-on CK-1 capsule, from the modular C-450 system
Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.
Power Phantom, 12 V nominal (9 to 52 V through a suitable voltage-dropping network).
- Type
- Condenser
- Pattern
- Cardioid
- Sensitivity
- −39.2 dBV/Pa computed
- Released
- 1969
Instruments sources recommend it for most
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the catalog, p. 4. Approximate
CK-1 capsule graph in the catalogue: "~1m (~3-1/4') ON AXIS"; relative dB. The capsule is said to come with its own proof-of-performance curve, so this is a typical curve. Field and smoothing not stated.
Approximate: reading error up to about 1 dB.
Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.
In practice
All specs
| From the catalog | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsule | CK-1 cardioid capsule, screw-on (C-450 modular system) | p. 1 |
| Powering | phantom, 12 V nominal (9 to 52 V through a suitable voltage-dropping network)"operates on 12-volt (nominal) phantom powering"; "Acceptable Phantom-Power Source: 9-52 volts dc (via suitable voltage-dropping network)". The listing gives 7.5-52 V and 3-12 mA, and AKG N-46E and B-46E supplies. | p. 3 |
| Connector | XLR-3 male"terminating in a 3-pin XLR-type connector". | |
| Finish | matte nickel (nickel-plated brass)p. 1: "finished in matte nickel". | |
| Supplied accessories | SA-15/1 stand adapter; W-3 windscreen; foam-lined vinyl caseThe C-451E basic cardioid combination. | p. 1 |
| Preamplifier frequency range | 5-30,000 Hz (C-451E) | p. 3 |
| Sensitivitycatalogue | CK-1: -39.5 dBm (EIA Gm: -132 dBm) | p. 4 |
| Size and weightcatalogue | C-451E: 4¾" long × ¾" dia., 2½ oz; CK-1: 1⅛" long × ¾" dia., 1 oz | p. 3 |
| Other capsules for the preamplifier | CK-1S cardioid with presence rise, CK-2 omni, CK-5 shock-mounted cardioid with wire-mesh screen, CK-8 short shotgun, CK-9 shotgun | p. 4 |
| Accessories in the system | A-50/10 and A-50/20 capacitive pads (10 and 20 dB), A-51 swivel joint, VR-1 and VR-2 angled extension tubes | p. 6 |
| From the product page | ||
| Sensitivity | −39.2 dBV/Pa (11 mV/Pa)Not stated by the manufacturer: Converted from "1.1 mv/µbar" (11 mV/Pa). The catalogue gives the CK-1 as "-39.5 dBm (EIA Gm: -132 dBm)", a power rating. | p. 1 |
| Output impedance | 200 ohm"200/60 ohms" | |
| Sensitivitylisting | -39 dB (1 mW/10 dynes/cm²), 1.1 mV/µbar | |
| Equivalent noise level | 22 dB (DIN 45405) (RMS) | |
| Distortion | 0.5% at 200 µbar (120 dB SPL) | |
| Supply voltage and currentlisting | 7.5-52 V; 3-12 mA | |
| Size and weightlisting | 5-7/16" × ¾" dia.; 4½ oz | |
| Environmentlisting | Temperature -5 to +160 °F (as transcribed); humidity 90% at +80 °F | |
| From the Recording Hacks page | ||
| Released | 1969 | |
Documents
- C-450 System Modular Condenser MicrophonesAKG catalogue pages, US edition
- AKG 451E Cardioid Pencil Condensor Microphoneused-gear listing
- AKG Acoustics C-451 | RecordingHacks.com
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © AKG Acoustics, unchanged, with its original address.
Recommended for
By recording guides, engineers and mic makers, for this mic or an earlier version of it.