Akg C451 B?

[Michael Carter]

Hi all --

In my post-holiday home & studio cleaning, I came across an AKG C451 B (small diaphragm condenser) that I completely forgot I owned. Bought it for tracking acoustic guitars some time ago.

So, another thing to add to my "stuff to do" list is test it for indoor boom use.

But, if anyone here has any experience with this mic for video/film use, feel free to chime in, since I may not get around to THAT test until god-knows-when.

I was about to buy a Soundroom Oktava w/hyper cap... my guess is this is a little less directional, but it sounded sooooo tasty on a nice guitar (with a big condenser at the bridge and the AKG at the neck). Gots built-in pad and rolloff, too, about 4 or 500 bucks as I recall.... hmmmmm.... anyone use it or have some real-world tips & triciks? Thanks!

 

[tigeba]

This is a nice mic for music, probably not so much for booming indoors because it is just cartioid. Works well on drum overheads.

 

[Alan H. Chang]

Yum. C451B! These will definitely work well on pianos. Back on topic.

I've got access to a pair of C451b's and they are fabulous at ORTF/XY recording. They are not too brittle on the highs nor boomy on the ends. They aren't meant for booming but it could give you good sounds. I would go with the Oktava as my primary mic to booming for indoors. You're right, the C451b are less directional because they have a wider pattern. You pick up more of the surroundings than the Oktavas. If you are planning to get the Oktavas, remember to have a good suspension because these are prone to handling vibrations and a good wind protection. What is your budget?

If you could give a little more to your budget, go get the AKG se300b with the hypercardiod cap. These are the blueline series. There are a few other mics, but I forgot their models. Others will chime it.