Become a Site Supporter and Never see Ads again!

Author Topic: Best practices for matching a microphone: akg 451E content  (Read 2559 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Elguapo511

  • Trade Count: (1)
  • Taperssection Regular
  • **
  • Posts: 109
Best practices for matching a microphone: akg 451E content
« 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!

Offline rocksuitcase

  • Trade Count: (4)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 8282
  • Gender: Male
    • RockSuitcase: stage photography
Re: Best practices for matching a microphone: akg 451E content
« Reply #1 on: January 15, 2021, 12:44:11 AM »
music IS love

When you get confused, listen to the music play!

Mics:         AKG460|CK61|CK1|CK3|CK8|Beyer M 201E|DPA 4060 SK
Recorders:Marantz PMD661 OADE Concert mod; Tascam DR680 MKI x2; Sony PCM-M10

Offline bluegrass_brad

  • Trade Count: (16)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 3581
  • Gender: Male
  • Old and in the way.
Re: Best practices for matching a microphone: akg 451E content
« Reply #2 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.
« Last Edit: January 15, 2021, 08:20:30 AM by bluegrass_brad »
CK1x, CK2x, CK3x > Hub Industry Cables > Naiant PFA or MK46 > 460B
CK1, CK8, CK63 > 460b

"That was back in a time when society was not quite ready for this music. Anyone remember those days? That's when punk rock was dangerous, right?" - Mike Ness

Offline Elguapo511

  • Trade Count: (1)
  • Taperssection Regular
  • **
  • Posts: 109
Re: Best practices for matching a microphone: akg 451E content
« Reply #3 on: January 18, 2021, 12:18:08 PM »
Thanks.

Anyone have one for sale or trade?   Guess ill check the ys.

Offline rocksuitcase

  • Trade Count: (4)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 8282
  • Gender: Male
    • RockSuitcase: stage photography
Re: Best practices for matching a microphone: akg 451E content
« Reply #4 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.
music IS love

When you get confused, listen to the music play!

Mics:         AKG460|CK61|CK1|CK3|CK8|Beyer M 201E|DPA 4060 SK
Recorders:Marantz PMD661 OADE Concert mod; Tascam DR680 MKI x2; Sony PCM-M10

Offline Elguapo511

  • Trade Count: (1)
  • Taperssection Regular
  • **
  • Posts: 109
Re: Best practices for matching a microphone: akg 451E content
« Reply #5 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

Online goodcooker

  • Trade Count: (43)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 4638
  • Gender: Male
  • goes to 11
Re: Best practices for matching a microphone: akg 451E content
« Reply #6 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.
Line Audio CM3/OM1 || MBHO KA500 hyper>PFA|| ADK A51 type IV || AKG C522XY
Oade Warm Mod and Presence+ Mod UA5s || Aerco MP2(needs help) || Neve Portico 5012 || Apogee MMP
SD Mixpre6 || Oade Concert Mod DR100mkii

pocket sized - CA11 cards > SP SB10 > Sony PCM A10

http://www.archive.org/bookmarks/goodcooker

"Are you the Zman?" - fan at Panic 10-08-10 Kansas City
"I don't know who left this perfectly good inflatable wook doll here, but if I'm blowing her up, I'm keeping her." -  hoppedup

Offline bluegrass_brad

  • Trade Count: (16)
  • Needs to get out more...
  • *****
  • Posts: 3581
  • Gender: Male
  • Old and in the way.
Re: Best practices for matching a microphone: akg 451E content
« Reply #7 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!
CK1x, CK2x, CK3x > Hub Industry Cables > Naiant PFA or MK46 > 460B
CK1, CK8, CK63 > 460b

"That was back in a time when society was not quite ready for this music. Anyone remember those days? That's when punk rock was dangerous, right?" - Mike Ness

 

RSS | Mobile
Page created in 0.069 seconds with 36 queries.
© 2002-2024 Taperssection.com
Powered by SMF