TELEFUNKEN ELA M 251E

Product overview

The TELEFUNKEN ELA M 251E is a meticulously accurate recreation of one of the most legendary large-diaphragm tube microphones of all time, the three-pattern classic of the late 1950s heard on countless hits and classic recordings.

Its smooth yet present and open sound makes the ELA M 251E ideal for vocals and acoustic instruments: an extended and focused low end, a detailed midrange and a silky top end. Each microphone is true in every detail to the original, with parts interchangeable with 50-year-old vintage units. It is built around a US-made CK12 edge-terminated capsule, a TELEFUNKEN 6072A vacuum tube and a T14/1 output transformer, and comes as a complete system with power supply, 10 m tube cable, shock mount, wooden box and locking flight case.

Key features

• Renowned high-end detail with body and low-frequency definition
• Exceptionally warm and clear tone, smooth yet present and open
• Three polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional and figure-8
• US-made CK12 capsule: historically accurate, edge terminated, dual diaphragm
• TELEFUNKEN 6072A vacuum tube, tested and burned in in the USA
• T14/1 output transformer, European-made to vintage specification
• Point-to-point wired in the USA, true to the original design
• Complete system: fully regulated M 950E power supply, vintage-compatible stand-mount cable, M 751 shock mount, WB50 wooden box and FC50 flight case

Sound character

The ELA M 251E is prized for a sound that is smooth, yet present and open. Its low end is extended and focused, the midrange is detailed and the top end is silky, so voices and acoustic instruments come across with body, clarity and natural air. TELEFUNKEN describes its tone as exceptionally warm and clear, with renowned high-end detail.

Capsule, tube and transformer

The historically accurate CK12 capsule is made in limited quantity in the USA. It is an edge-terminated, dual-diaphragm design, reverse engineered from an outstanding original example and tensioned and tuned to the early-1960s production run. The 6072A dual-triode tube is new production, screened by TELEFUNKEN and electronically and sonically tested and burned in in the USA, then hand-selected for the 251E. The T14/1 output transformer is made to vintage specification by the original European manufacturer, exclusively for TELEFUNKEN, and gives a sonically pleasing tonality with excellent low-frequency clarity.

Three polar patterns on the microphone

Choose cardioid for focused single-source recording, omnidirectional to capture the source together with the room, or figure-8 for front-and-back pickup. As on the original design, the polarising network sits inside the microphone and the pattern switch is on the front of the body. The tube is self-biased, so no calibration is needed when a tube is changed.

Power supply, cable and mounts

The M 950E power supply is designed and built in America with modern components and is fully regulated, so the microphone runs consistently regardless of line voltage variations. Its heater circuit ramps up to the optimum voltage over 20 seconds to extend tube life, and it is set for 115 V or 230 V mains. The M 850E cable, made by TELEFUNKEN technicians in the USA, has a historically accurate swivel stand-mount connector on the microphone end and a 7-pin XLR on the power supply end, and is 10 m long. The M 751 shock mount uses an adjustable universal locking system and gives an additional 12 dB of isolation compared to conventional elastic shock mounts.

Built by hand in Connecticut

Every Diamond Series microphone is reverse engineered from the original design, hand built and point-to-point wired (no circuit boards) at the TELEFUNKEN facility in South Windsor, Connecticut, USA, in small production runs. Most metalwork and mechanical parts are custom tooled and machined in the USA, and every power supply is calibrated to its own microphone and burned in with it as a complete system. The locking flight case has a shell of layered hardwoods wrapped in a durable, vintage-inspired fabric, suede-lined cavities for every component, dual combination locks and nickel trim. The wooden microphone box is made in the USA of solid white oak with a satin lacquer, and carries a metal name plate with the model and serial number.

In the box

• TELEFUNKEN ELA M 251E microphone
• M 950E tube microphone power supply
• Power cable for the power supply
• M 850E tube microphone cable, 10 m
• M 751 shock mount
• FC50 locking flight case
• WB50 wooden microphone box

Register the microphone at t-funk.com/warranty; repairs on new TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik microphones are covered under TELEFUNKEN's limited warranty plan. A standard 3-pin microphone cable from the power supply to the preamp is not included.

TELEFUNKEN ELA M 251E: frequently asked questions

Does the ELA M 251E need phantom power?

No. It is a vacuum tube microphone powered by its own M 950E power supply, which is included. Connect the power supply's XLR output to your mic preamp with a standard 3-pin microphone cable.

Where is the polar pattern switch?

On the front of the microphone. It selects cardioid, omnidirectional or figure-8.

Does the ELA M 251E need to warm up?

Yes. Make all connections first, switch on the power supply and let the system warm up for 10 minutes before use.

Can the power supply run on 230 V mains?

Yes. The power supply is set to 115 V or 230 V; make sure it matches your mains voltage before plugging in.

Is a stereo set available?

Yes, the TELEFUNKEN ELA M 251E Stereo Set is listed as a separate product at Shivansh Electronics.

Where can I buy the TELEFUNKEN ELA M 251E in India?

The TELEFUNKEN ELA M 251E is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Lead vocals

Lead and solo vocals that need body, detail and a silky top end.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the M 751 shock mount to a sturdy stand and set the ELA M 251E into it until hand tight.
2. Connect the M 850E cable to the microphone and power supply, then the XLR output to your preamp, before switching on.
3. Select cardioid on the microphone, power up and let the system warm up for 10 minutes.
4. Set preamp gain while the singer performs at full level, then record.

Tip: Add the TELEFUNKEN PL05 pop filter for close vocal work.

Workflow 2: Acoustic guitar

Steel and nylon string guitars that need a focused low end and a detailed midrange.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the ELA M 251E in the M 751 shock mount on a stand facing the guitar.
2. Use cardioid for a focused sound or omnidirectional to include the room.
3. Make all connections, switch on the M 950E and allow 10 minutes to warm up.
4. Set gain while the player strums at full level and adjust the position by ear.

Tip: Keep the power supply at least 3 m from the microphone while recording.

Workflow 3: Grand piano

Piano recording with an extended low end and an open, silky top end.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the microphone on a stand in the M 751 shock mount, pointed at the open piano.
2. Choose cardioid for a direct sound or omnidirectional for a more spacious sound.
3. Connect everything first, then switch on and allow 10 minutes of warm-up.
4. Set gain on the loudest passages and record.

Workflow 4: Strings and acoustic soloists

Violin, cello and other acoustic soloists where warmth and clarity matter.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the ELA M 251E above and in front of the player.
2. Select cardioid for a single instrument, or figure-8 to pick up the front and rear of the microphone.
3. Connect, switch on the power supply and let the system warm up for 10 minutes.
4. Set gain during the loudest passages and adjust the position by ear.

Workflow 5: Voice-over and spoken word

Narration and voice work that benefits from a warm, clear and present tone.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the microphone in the M 751 shock mount at mouth height.
2. Select cardioid to focus on the speaker and reduce room sound.
3. Make all connections, power up and wait 10 minutes for the tube to settle.
4. Set gain at normal speaking level, leaving headroom for louder passages.

Tip: Use a pop filter and keep a steady distance for a consistent tone.

Workflow 6: Small ensembles and room sound

Small groups, choirs or room ambience captured with one microphone in omnidirectional.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the ELA M 251E in the M 751 shock mount on a tall stand in front of the group.
2. Select omnidirectional on the microphone to capture the group and the room evenly.
3. Make all connections, switch on the M 950E and allow 10 minutes of warm-up.
4. Move the performers closer to or further from the microphone to balance their levels, then set gain.

Tip: Keep the power supply at least 3 m from the microphone while recording.