AKG C 451B B/ST Matched Pair

Precise artistic work deserves precise artistic craftsmanship. A classic by now, the CMS Series CK 1 capsule from AKG was a best seller from the moment it was launched in 1969. Comprising a range of interchangeable capsules and preamps as well as then innovative, dedicated accessories, the CMS Series from AKG quickly became a legend. It was discontinued in 1993. Responding to growing demand from recording engineers, AKG decided to produce the C 451 B with identical acoustical behaviour of the popular original C 451 EB + CK 1 microphone again, with dramatically improved specifications and outstanding price/ performance. The capsule of the new version is fixed permanently to the preamp to eliminate the mechanical problems of the screw joint. Using an extremely light diaphragm, the new C 451 B is almost totally insensitive to handling noise. An all-metal body provides excellent protection from RF interference and the microphone is rugged enough to give excellent results even under very harsh conditions.

The C 451 B is an excellent tool for accurately capturing signals rich in transients such as drums, overhead miking, or other instruments with a percussive sound. The airy sound, high overload limit of the capsule and electronic circuitry, and improved engineering details of the C 451 B are a solid foundation for creating another legend.

The matched pairs consist of two microphones that are within 1 dB to each other in sensitivity and also within 1 dB to each other in the range of 200 Hz to 15,000 Hz of the individual frequency response when used in cardioid mode and are selected from a large quantity of individual microphones using the described criteria by using a proprietary computer program.

Using this matched pair for stereo recordings utilizing various techniques will provide for a good and stable balance without frequency-dependent shifting of the stereo panorama.

The kit includes all the standard accessories of the individual package along with a stereo bar and proof of performance charts in an attractive carrying case (Soundtool case, middle size).

Features:

• Identical acoustics of the legendary CK 1.
• Rugged construction.
• Ruler-flat on-axis frequency response.
• Precise, nearly frequency independent cardioid.
• Extremely accurate signal transfer.
• Transformerless output stage for minimum distortion at low frequencies.
• Protected against electrostatic and magnetic interference.
• Selectable 10-dB and 20-dB preattenuation pads.
• Switchable highpass filter (75 Hz or 150 Hz, 12dB/octave).
• Operates on phantom power to DIN/IEC between 12 V and 48 V.
• Complete with SA 40 stand adapter and W 90 windscreen.
• Each microphone comes with its own individual frequency response plot.

Specifications:

• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency range: 20 to 20,000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 9 mV/Pa (-41 dBV)
• Max. SPL: 135/145/155 dB (0/-10/-20 dB) (k=0,5%)
• Equivalent noise level (CCIR 468-3): 29 dB
• Equivalent noise level: 18 dB-A
• Signal/noise ratio (A-weighted): 76 dB
• Preattenuation pad: 0 dB, 10 dB, 20 dB selectable
• Bass filter: Flat, 12 dB/octave at 75 or 150 Hz, selectable
• Impedance: 1000 ohms
• Supply voltage: 9 to 52 V phantom power to DIN 45596
• Current consumption:

The Shure KSM137 is an end-address condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern. Designed for studio use, yet rugged enough for live applications, the KSM137 can withstand extremely high sound pressure levels (SPL). Its low self-noise and extended frequency response make it ideal for recording musical instruments.

Features

• A highly consistent cardioid polar pattern
• Ultra-thin, 2.5 micron, 24 karat gold-layered, low mass Mylar? diaphragm for superior transient response
• Class A, discrete, transformerless preamplifier for transparency, extremely fast transient response, no crossover distortion, and minimal harmonic and intermodulation distortion
• Premium electronic components, including gold-plated internal and external connectors
• Subsonic filter eliminates low frequency rumble (less than 17 Hz) caused by mechanical vibration
• Switchable 15 dB pad for handling extremely high sound pressure levels (SPLs)
• Three-position switchable pad (0 dB, 15 dB, and 25 dB) for handling extremely high sound pressure levels (SPLs)
• Three-position switchable low-frequency filter reduces background noise and counteracts proximity effect

Performance Characteristics

• Extended frequency response
• Low self noise
• Exceptional reproduction of low-frequency sounds
• Can withstand high sound pressure levels (SPL)
• High output level
• No crossover distortion
• Uniform polar response
• Superior common mode rejection and suppression of radio frequency interference

APPLICATIONS

Some typical applications for the KSM137 are listed below. Microphone use, however, is a matter of personal taste. The KSM137 may be used for a variety of applications other than those listed.

• Acoustic instruments -- such as piano, guitar, drums, percussion, strings
• Wind instruments -- brass and woodwind
• Low frequency instruments -- such as double bass, electric bass, kick drum
• Overhead miking -- drums or percussion
• Ensembles -- choral or orchestral
• Room ambiance pick-up -- guitar amplifier or drums

Both the acoustic environment and microphone placement strongly affect the sound obtained from miking a source. You may need to experiment with microphone placement and room treatments to achieve the best overall sound for each application.

Suggested Applications

Acoustic Guitar
Acoustic Bass
Cymbals
Brass/Woodwinds
Orchestra
Ensemble Vocals
Piano
Strings
Room Ambience
Live Recording

• Frequency response shaped specifically for kick drums and bass instruments
• Built–in dynamic locking stand adapter with integral XLR connector simplifies setup, especially inside a kick drum
• Studio quality performance, even at extremely high sound pressure levels
• Supercardioid pattern for high gain before feedback and superior rejection of unwanted noise
• Hardened steel mesh grille that resists wear and abuse
• Advanced pneumatic shock mount system that minimizes transmission of mechanical noise and vibration
• Neodymium magnet for high signal–to–noise ratio output
• Low sensitivity to varying load impedance
• Legendary Shure quality and reliability

• Tailored frequency response provides drums, guitars, vocals, and horns with studio quality sound
• Uniform supercardioid pattern for high gain-before-feedback and superior rejection of off-axis sound
• Hardened steel mesh grille that facilitates use of proximity effect and resists wear and abuse
• Neodymium magnet for high signal-to-noise ratio output
• Advanced pneumatic shock mount system that minimizes transmission of mechanical noise and vibration
• Frequency response: 50 to 16,000 Hz

Complete With Stereo Bar, Windshield's and Cradle'

The C 414 B-XL II/ST is especially useful for stereo recordings taken from the far field with the inclusion of useful and often valuable room acoustics. The matched pairs consist of two microphones that are within 1 dB to each other in sensitivity and also within 1 dB to each other in the range of 300 Hz to 8,000 Hz of the individual frequency response when used in cardioid mode and are selected from a large quantity of individual microphones using the described criteria by using a proprietary computer program.

Using this matched pair for stereo recordings utilizing various techniques will provide for a good and stable balance without frequency-dependent shifting of the stereo panorama.

The kit comes complete in an all-metal 'Soundtool' Hard Shell road case with 2 x AKG H-85 shock mounts, 2 x W414X external windscreens, an H50 stereo bar and an individually-measured chart showing the response curve of the microphone. See www.dv247.com Alternative Products and Related Products on this page for your options.

The C 414B-XLII has been carefully designed to maintain the legendary sonic character of the C 414 family while integrating new features and performance enhancements made possible by new technology. A classic microphone with a distinctive timbre especially designed for recording of solo vocals and solo instruments.

Whats the difference between the C 414B-XLII and the C 414 B XLS? The main difference between the two current C414 models lies in their frequency responses. The C 414B-XLII has a series of presence rises between 2.5 KHz and 9 KHz. This will make any recording with this microphone brighter or more sibilant than the original sound. This upper mid range boost is quite helpful on vocals and certain instruments such as classical acoustic guitars using nylon or natural strings. The C 414B XLS, see www.dv247.com Alternative Products on this page, has a very flat response that will not color the original sound which is important especially in instrumental recordings. It more suited for general use.

The microphone's 5 pickup patterns are easily selectable via an electronic switch with LED indication and offer the selection of omnidirectional, cardioid wide cardioid, hyper cardioid and figure-eight patterns. The pickup pattern selector switch utilizes a dual-color LED indicator that provides visual indication of the pattern selected and also changes from green to red to indicate if the microphone's output electronics are being overloaded. The pattern selector can also be used to "lock" the microphone's switch settings by pressing and holding it for 3 seconds. On the rear of the microphone, an electronic switch allows the selection of -6, -12 and -18 dB pre-attenuation levels which are accomplished by changing the polarization voltage to the capsule. The C 414B-XLII has switchable bass cut filters of 12 dB-per-octave at 40 Hz and 80 Hz, and a 6 dB-per-octave filter at 160 Hz for control of proximity effect. On-axis sensitivity for all patterns is 23 mV/Pa and its self-noise is an extremely low 6 dB-A.

The C 414B-XLII has a transformerless output and all-metal chassis, making it immune to electrical interference and RF from digital equipment, video monitors and wireless systems.

Features:

• High sensitivity and extremely low self noise
• Five switchable polar patterns for placement and application flexibility
• Two-color LEDs provide quick visual indication of selected polar pattern and output overload
• Elastic capsule suspension greatly minimizes structurally-transmitted noise from chassis vibration
• Supplied with Hard Shell road case with 2 x AKG H-85 shock mounts, 2 x W414X external windscreens and an H50 stereo bar
• High sound pressure level capability, 140 - 158dB, and wide dynamic range
• Completely immune to electrostatic and electro-magnetic interference from digital gear, computer monitors, etc. thanks to solid metal housing and transformerless output stage
• Three switchable bass cut filters and three pre-attenuation pads with LEDs for quick visual indication
• All switchable components operate in low impedance circuits for ultra-high relability even in extremely humid conditions

Specifications:

• Type: 1" large diaphragm pressure gradient microphone
• Polar Patterns: Omnidirectional, wide cardioid, cardioid, hypercardioid, figure eight
• Frequency Range: 20 to 20,000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 23 mV/Pa (-33 dBV) +/-0.5 dB
• Max. SPL: 140/146/152/158 dB SPL (at 0/-6/-12/-18 dB)
• Preattenuation Pad: -6, -12,-18 dB, switchable
• Bass Cut Filter Scope: 12 dB/octave at 40 Hz and 80 Hz; 6 dB/octave at 160 Hz
• Impedance: = 2,200 ohms
• Supply voltage: 48 V phantom power to DIN/IEC
• Current consumption: Approximately 4.5 mA
• Dynamic range: 134 dB minimum
• Environment Temperature range: -10° C to +60° C (14° F to 140° F)
• Relative humidity: 95% (+20° C/68° F), 85% (+60° C/140° F)
• Connector: 3-pin XLR to IEC
• Dimensions: 50 x 38 x 160 mm (2.0 x 1.5 x 6.3 in.)
• Net weight 300 g (10.6 oz.)