TELEFUNKEN 5654W NOS Vacuum Tube

Product overview

The TELEFUNKEN 5654W NOS Vacuum Tube is the replacement amplifier tube for the TELEFUNKEN Copperhead family: the CU-29 Copperhead, the TF29 Copperhead and the TF39 Copperhead Deluxe.

The 5654W is a premium small-signal vacuum tube, also referenced as the 6AK5 / EF95 family, and this one is a new old stock (NOS) military-grade tube selected and tested by TELEFUNKEN. TELEFUNKEN uses it as the amplification stage of the TF39 Copperhead Deluxe and chose it for its low noise, long-term reliability and musical consistency. It helps deliver the smooth midrange, extended low-frequency depth and clear, detailed top end that the Copperhead microphones are known for, with dependable performance and classic tube character in professional studio work.

Key features

• 5654W small-signal vacuum tube (6AK5 / EF95 family)
• New old stock (NOS) military-grade tube selected and tested by TELEFUNKEN
• Low noise and long-term reliability
• Musical consistency: smooth midrange, extended low end, clear and detailed top
• Fits the CU-29 Copperhead, TF29 Copperhead and TF39 Copperhead Deluxe
• Classic tube character for professional studio applications

The heart of the Copperhead sound

In the TF29 the 5654W works with the TK67S single-membrane capsule and a premium Swedish-made output transformer; in the TF39 it works with the TK67 centre-terminated large-diaphragm capsule and the same class of transformer. In both, the tube is the amplification stage that shapes the warmth, depth and detail of the microphone. Fitting the tube type TELEFUNKEN specifies keeps a Copperhead sounding exactly as it was designed.

Choosing the right TELEFUNKEN tube

TELEFUNKEN lists a dedicated replacement tube for each of its tube microphones: the 5654W for the CU-29, TF29 and TF39 Copperhead models; the 5840W on a PCB mount for the TF47; the 5840W with flying leads for the AK-47 MkII and ELA M 260; the 6072A in Triode A, Triode B and Balanced versions for the TF51, AR-51, ELA M 251E, C12 and stereo tube microphones; and the VF14K for the U47 and U48. This listing is the 5654W, for the Copperhead family. Ordering the tube listed for your model keeps the microphone sounding exactly as TELEFUNKEN designed it.

When to replace the tube

Vacuum tubes are wear parts. Replace the tube when TELEFUNKEN or an authorised service centre advises it, during planned maintenance on a heavily used microphone, or keep this tube as a spare so a session or tour never stops for a tube. TELEFUNKEN has published tube change videos for the TF29 and TF39 and for the CU-29 Copperhead.

Fitting and care

• Switch off the power supply (M 902 for the TF29, M 903 for the TF39) and disconnect the M 803 tube microphone cable
• Let the fitted tube cool before handling it
• Follow TELEFUNKEN's official tube change video for your microphone, or have an authorised TELEFUNKEN service centre fit the tube
• Handle the tube by its glass body, never by its pins, and keep it clean and dry
• Reconnect, switch on the power supply and let the system warm up for 10 minutes before recording

What's included

In the box

• TELEFUNKEN 5654W NOS vacuum tube

TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik warranty on the TF29 and TF39: 90 days on the capsule and tube, extended to one year on the capsule and tube when the microphone is registered with TELEFUNKEN.

TELEFUNKEN 5654W NOS Vacuum Tube: frequently asked questions

Which microphones does it fit?

TELEFUNKEN lists the 5654W for the CU-29 Copperhead, the TF29 Copperhead and the TF39 Copperhead Deluxe.

Is the 5654W the same family as the 6AK5 and EF95?

Yes. TELEFUNKEN states the 5654W is also referenced as the 6AK5 / EF95 family.

Can I change the tube myself?

TELEFUNKEN has published official tube change videos for the TF29 / TF39 and for the CU-29. Follow them carefully, or have an authorised TELEFUNKEN service centre do the change.

How long should the microphone warm up after a change?

TELEFUNKEN recommends letting the system warm up for 10 minutes after switching on the power supply.

Is a microphone included?

No. This product is the replacement tube only.

Where can I buy the TELEFUNKEN 5654W NOS Vacuum Tube in India?

The TELEFUNKEN 5654W NOS Vacuum Tube is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: TF29 or TF39 tube replacement

Changing the tube in a TF29 Copperhead or TF39 Copperhead Deluxe.

Connections

Setup

1. Switch off the power supply, disconnect the M 803 cable and let the tube cool.
2. Open the microphone as shown in TELEFUNKEN's TF29 / TF39 tube change video and remove the fitted tube.
3. Fit the new 5654W and close the microphone.
4. Reconnect, switch on and let the system warm up for 10 minutes, then check the signal.

Tip: If in doubt, have an authorised TELEFUNKEN service centre do the change.

Workflow 2: CU-29 Copperhead tube replacement

Owners of the earlier CU-29 Copperhead.

Connections

Setup

1. Power the CU-29 down, disconnect it and let the tube cool.
2. Follow TELEFUNKEN's CU-29 Copperhead tube change video to remove the old tube.
3. Fit the new 5654W and reassemble the microphone.
4. Reconnect, warm up for 10 minutes and check the signal.

Workflow 3: Spare tube for sessions

A ready replacement so a vocal or instrument session is never held up.

Connections

Setup

1. Store the spare tube in its packing, away from dust and moisture.
2. If the fitted tube needs changing, mute the channel and power down.
3. Swap in the spare following the TELEFUNKEN procedure.
4. Warm up for 10 minutes and check the signal before resuming.

Workflow 4: Stereo Set and matched pair upkeep

Owners of TF29 or TF39 matched pairs and Stereo Sets.

Connections

Setup

1. Note the gain settings that match the pair before the change.
2. Change the tube in one microphone following the TELEFUNKEN video.
3. Warm both systems up for 10 minutes.
4. Compare both microphones on the same source and match gain; contact TELEFUNKEN service if the pair needs re-matching.

Workflow 5: Touring spares kit

Engineers taking a Copperhead on the road.

Connections

Setup

1. Pack and label a spare tube with each Copperhead.
2. Keep it in its packing, protected from knocks.
3. Change a tube only with the power supply off and the tube cool.
4. Warm up for 10 minutes and line-check before the show.

Workflow 6: Studio and rental maintenance

Studios and rental companies with several Copperhead microphones.

Connections

Setup

1. Keep a service log per microphone.
2. After each booking, warm the microphone up for 10 minutes and check noise and output.
3. Replace the tube when the check shows it is due.
4. Record which tube went into which microphone.