What Happened to AKG 451

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jeeper
  • Start date Start date
J

Jeeper

New member
What ever happened to the AKG 451??? I think most all of the reading I've done and various posts etc by respected engineers most always mentioned it as a top choice overhead mic. Also it was mentioned as a high if not first choice for other sdc use.

Was it the model change?? Did they ruin it???
Did other mics take its place??
Or just because posters are mostly looking for bargain mics it's never considered??
 
They are still made, the current verison(C451B) is a "reissue", but this time they made it right...... It`s actually a great mic, and sounds great on acostic guitars and OH`s....
 
We have a little disagreement here.

I quite like the original 451, you usually just have to replace a couple of components to get them back in shape. there were 2 versions of the CK1, one with metal diaphragm and a rather flat response, and the later Mylar diaph. version with a peakier top.
I like both, and often couple my "old" CK1 451 with my KM84 on acoustic guitars. I have a pair of Altec 201Bs which are rebadged 451s with later Mylar CK1 caps. Very nice on a good guitar but sucks on a cheap one!
Now, sure the 451 is noisy, but I really like it's tone. Since I usually don't compress mic signals much especially on acoustic guitars, I get away with it.
The S/N ratio is IMHO good enough for drums and other high SPL applications. The Altecs even have built-in switchable pads!

BTW the C451B is NOT a C451 reissue. They looks similar and the capsules have similar curves but that's about it!

The "replacements" were the 460 then 480.
Very different too! For ex. the 460 had an IC based amp!

JP
 
I have a brand new C451b here that I havent really even used yet.
Looking for a mate for it now, my 2nd one fell through. Paid $259 for this one still in the shrink wrap.
Initial tests showed a very smooth, nice sounding mic.
 
I'd like to hear of your opinions of the reissue 451B compared with the SDC that everyone's dropping their load over (C4, MC012, and mxl603)

I know their in a different class, but it seems like a good medium compared with the neumann's or schoeps.

Brandon
 
frist44 said:
I'd like to hear of your opinions of the reissue 451B compared with the SDC that everyone's dropping their load over (C4, MC012, and mxl603)......
Brandon
Click to expand...

Lets throw in the Josephson Engineering c42 also. I do know it's a little more expensive mic than the ones he named more in line with the 451 in price.
 
JP Gerard said:
I quite like the original 451, you usually just have to replace a couple of components to get them back in shape.
Click to expand...

I assume you are refering to aged caps etc???
 
Indeed, but for some reason AKG sometimes used ceramic caps to AC couple the capsule to FET... and they decided to choose a low capacitance too! So that's the first ting to go, and I fit at leat 1nF there just to be safe. Caps are cheap! So I use good caps, and higher than needed V ratings and usually capacitance too (for coupling apps. anyway).
Then the remaining coupling caps and of course decoupling caps on the supply rails are swapped for fresh ones.

To me, unless you have the 451 coil+transfo output, it ain't a 451... so the 451b is, IMHO not a reisuue.
And the capsule is an Electret element!

JP
 
I dont think so dude.
My new 451b, according to the instructions, its takes phantom power, and I noticed it doesnt work without it. :)
Dont think its electret.
 
Tubedude-have you recorded any tracks with it? I'm really anxious to hear comparisons with the likes of the MC012's and the c4's.

Brandon
 
Oh man... oh duderino...

Take alook inside the mic... see those 3 legged black plastic boxes... they're called transistors... they need power!
Electret never meant "don't need Phantom power" !!!

JP
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top