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Gear / Technical Help => Ask The Tapers => Topic started by: Elguapo511 on January 13, 2021, 12:19:28 PM

Title: Best practices for matching a microphone: akg 451E content
Post by: Elguapo511 on January 13, 2021, 12:19:28 PM
Aloha friends,

I randomly acquired an akg 451e that was attached to a broken akg pre amp.  Pre amp totally dead, but the mic is loud and clear.

At this point this is the best mic i have, so i should probably try to make a stereo pair.

Any tips on matching?  Are they all the same?  Are they different based on the year made?  Were these sold as pairs and is it possible to find its exact mate?

Is it even worth the effort?  Seems like a quality mic.

Thanks all!
Title: Re: Best practices for matching a microphone: akg 451E content
Post by: rocksuitcase on January 15, 2021, 12:44:11 AM
Great vintage mic
https://www.ebay.com/p/218865151
Title: Re: Best practices for matching a microphone: akg 451E content
Post by: bluegrass_brad on January 15, 2021, 08:14:29 AM
My understanding is that AKG did not factory match back then (although you can buy the new AKG mics in factory matched pairs, including the much inferior C451B). I heard that their reasoning was that their quality control was so good that they would all be close. That is second hand info, so I cannot confirm that.

 Earlier in the year I bought a group of 10 C451EB's and tested each with white noise just to see how close they were. Same spot, same source. Not a perfect test, but worthwhile to help my curiosity. I tested each body using the same CK1, then tested them each with their own CK1. There were variances, but all were pretty close. I was actually pretty impressed since they were all around 40 years old.
Title: Re: Best practices for matching a microphone: akg 451E content
Post by: Elguapo511 on January 18, 2021, 12:18:08 PM
Thanks.

Anyone have one for sale or trade?   Guess ill check the ys.
Title: Re: Best practices for matching a microphone: akg 451E content
Post by: rocksuitcase on January 18, 2021, 12:41:52 PM
I'd like to apologize for linking you to a 451B, as opposed to 451e. Otherwise, good luck and THANKS to bluegrass_brad for his explanatory.
Title: Re: Best practices for matching a microphone: akg 451E content
Post by: Elguapo511 on January 18, 2021, 04:35:31 PM
Appreciate it.

Looks like i might just go mono for a bit.  Not seeing what im looking for. And hard to match up wothout hearing them A/B of course
Title: Re: Best practices for matching a microphone: akg 451E content
Post by: goodcooker on January 23, 2021, 12:05:24 PM
It is worth trying to find another of these. They are great mics and are useful in a lot of recording situations.

I had a pair that I cobbled together as individual pieces years ago and while they weren't matched and were a few dB off from each other they worked well as a stereo pair.
Title: Re: Best practices for matching a microphone: akg 451E content
Post by: bluegrass_brad on February 06, 2021, 03:15:08 PM
It is worth trying to find another of these. They are great mics and are useful in a lot of recording situations.

I had a pair that I cobbled together as individual pieces years ago and while they weren't matched and were a few dB off from each other they worked well as a stereo pair.
Totally agree. Really versatile mics for studio recording. Acoustic instruments, drum overheads and percussion. Very useful to have around.

Reverb is a good place for 451 mics. There are usually several. Right now there are many, but all of them are priced way too high, they will come down for sure, or be sold on a best offer. 451s priced correctly pop up often, and sell quickly. I would set up a feed for AKG 451, and check frequently. You should be able to find an E series with a CK1 for less than $300 if you keep your eye on things. An EB would work too. Only difference between E and EB is the built in bass rolloff switch. Just don't buy a 451B reissue.

Don't be afraid to make offers. I don't think I have bought anything at list on Reverb, and I've only sold a few things at list price (mostly because they just bought it without making an offer first).  Good luck!