TELEFUNKEN M62 FET Hypercardioid

Product overview

The TELEFUNKEN M62 FET Hypercardioid is the M60 FET small-diaphragm condenser microphone fitted with the TK62 hypercardioid capsule: a phantom-powered pencil microphone for tight, focused pickup of cymbals, percussion and live sources.

TELEFUNKEN's M60 FET is a reinterpretation of the classic phantom-powered pencil microphone, with exceptional transient response and SPL handling. In its M62 form the thread-on TK62 capsule is flat from 150 Hz to 3 kHz with a dip at 6 kHz and a presence peak at 8 kHz, and TELEFUNKEN names it excellent for cymbals, percussion and live performance recording. It is hand assembled in TELEFUNKEN's US facility using premium components and an ultra-clean, true class-A discrete circuit with an American-made transformer.

Key features

• TK62 hypercardioid capsule: flat 150 Hz to 3 kHz, dip at 6 kHz, presence peak at 8 kHz
• Ultra-fast transient response for hi-hats, rides and percussion
• High-headroom, low-noise FET amplifier: true class-A discrete circuit, +48V phantom powered
• TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik T61CT American-made transformer
• Very low distortion: < 0.01% THD (amplifier, 1 kHz at 1 Pa)
• Complete system with 5-metre right-angle XLR cable, shock mount, windscreen and ZC61 case
• Designed and hand assembled in the USA

The hypercardioid TK62

Each TK6x capsule has an edge-terminated 15 mm diameter, 6-micron gold-sputtered membrane and threads on and off the amplifier body in seconds. Every capsule is held to a strict ±1 dB sensitivity tolerance and is individually tested and matched by frequency response in TELEFUNKEN's American facility. The tighter hypercardioid pattern concentrates on the source in front of the microphone, which is why TELEFUNKEN recommends cardioid and hypercardioid capsules for less than ideal recording environments, such as a busy stage or a drum kit with many nearby sources.

Built for cymbals and percussion

With 5 dBA self-noise, an 89 dBA signal-to-noise ratio and more than 135 dB SPL handling, the M60 FET amplifier captures everything from delicate fingerpicking to hi-hats and ride cymbals with speed and detail. Its ultra-clean, true class-A discrete circuit and American-made TELEFUNKEN T61CT transformer give a punchy tone with extended high-frequency clarity and low-frequency definition, and less than 0.01% THD. The M60 family is a favourite of live sound engineers on hi-hat and ride cymbal, where its transient response keeps every stroke crisp and clear without harshness.

Phantom powered for stage and studio

The M60 runs on standard +48V phantom power from any mixer, console, preamp or audio interface, so no external power supply is needed on stage or in the studio. TELEFUNKEN advises muting the channel when engaging phantom power, as the microphone can produce a loud pop as it turns on, and allowing 15 seconds for it to power up. The slim 140 mm x 20 mm body is easy to place over a kit or close to an instrument.

One amplifier, three patterns

The M62 is the same M60 FET amplifier sold with the TK62. TK60 cardioid and TK61 omnidirectional capsules thread straight on, and the same TK6x capsules also fit the TELEFUNKEN ELA M 260 tube microphone. The ZC61 zipper case has compartments for one microphone, one cable, one elastic mount and three capsule containers.

Built in the USA, built to grow

Every M60 is assembled and tested in TELEFUNKEN's American facility, together with the TK6x capsules it accepts. The thread-on design lets the body stay in its shock mount while the capsule changes, and spare capsules, the TK6X three-capsule set and matched capsule pairs are offered separately, so one microphone can grow into a full pattern collection or a matched stereo setup over time. The supplied M 761 elastic shock mount and WS20 foam windscreen are made for 20 mm microphone bodies.

What's in the box

• TELEFUNKEN M60 FET microphone
• TK62 hypercardioid capsule
• SGMC-5R right-angle XLR cable, 5 m
• M 761 elastic shock mount
• WS20 20 mm foam windscreen
• ZC61 zipper carrying case

TELEFUNKEN warranty: 90 days on the capsule and one year parts and labour on the amplifier. Register the microphone with TELEFUNKEN to extend this to one year on the capsule and four years on the amplifier; SDC Series warranties are fully transferable between owners. Mute the channel before engaging phantom power.

TELEFUNKEN M62 FET Hypercardioid: frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the M60, M61 and M62?

They are the same M60 FET amplifier with a different capsule: M60 with the TK60 cardioid, M61 with the TK61 omnidirectional and M62 with the TK62 hypercardioid.

Does it need phantom power?

Yes. It needs +48V phantom power, standard on most mixers, consoles and preamps. Allow 15 seconds for it to power up.

What is the M62 best suited for?

TELEFUNKEN names the TK62 excellent for cymbals, percussion and live performance recording; the M60 family is recommended for acoustic guitar, drums, percussion and live sound.

Can I add other capsules later?

Yes. TK60 and TK61 capsules, the TK6X three-capsule set and matched capsule pairs thread straight onto the M62.

Is a stereo set available?

Yes, the TELEFUNKEN M62 FET Hypercardioid Stereo Set is listed as a separate product at Shivansh Electronics.

Where can I buy the TELEFUNKEN M62 FET Hypercardioid in India?

The TELEFUNKEN M62 FET Hypercardioid is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Hi-hat

Close hi-hat pickup, where the ultra-fast transient response keeps detail crisp.

Connections

Setup

1. Thread the TK62 hypercardioid capsule onto the M60, fit the M 761 shock mount to a stand and push the microphone through both sets of elastics.
2. Connect the SGMC-5R right-angle cable from the microphone to the preamp input.
3. Mute the channel, switch on +48V phantom power and allow 15 seconds for the microphone to power up.
4. Place the microphone above the hi-hat, pointing at the playing area away from the edge, and set gain while the drummer plays at full level.

Tip: The hypercardioid pattern helps keep the snare down in the hi-hat channel.

Workflow 2: Ride and crash cymbals

Spot microphones on ride and crash cymbals in the studio or live.

Connections

Setup

1. Thread the TK62 hypercardioid capsule onto the M60, fit the M 761 shock mount to a stand and push the microphone through both sets of elastics.
2. Connect the SGMC-5R right-angle cable from the microphone to the preamp input.
3. Mute the channel, switch on +48V phantom power and allow 15 seconds for the microphone to power up.
4. Aim the microphone at the bow of the cymbal from above and set gain on the loudest hits; the M60 handles more than 135 dB SPL.

Workflow 3: Hand percussion

Congas, shakers, tambourine and mallet instruments, named by TELEFUNKEN for the TK62.

Connections

Setup

1. Thread the TK62 hypercardioid capsule onto the M60, fit the M 761 shock mount to a stand and push the microphone through both sets of elastics.
2. Connect the SGMC-5R right-angle cable from the microphone to the preamp input.
3. Mute the channel, switch on +48V phantom power and allow 15 seconds for the microphone to power up.
4. Aim the microphone at the instrument at a short distance and set gain on the loudest hits.

Workflow 4: Acoustic guitar on stage

Live acoustic guitar, where a tighter pattern reduces spill from monitors and the band.

Connections

Setup

1. Thread the TK62 hypercardioid capsule onto the M60, fit the M 761 shock mount to a stand and push the microphone through both sets of elastics.
2. Connect the SGMC-5R right-angle cable from the microphone to the preamp input.
3. Mute the channel, switch on +48V phantom power and allow 15 seconds for the microphone to power up.
4. Aim the microphone at the neck joint, clear of the sound hole, and set gain while the player performs at full level; check for feedback at show volume.

Tip: Hypercardioid capsules are recommended for less than ideal environments such as a busy stage.

Workflow 5: Drum overhead

A focused mono overhead above the kit in a lively or crowded room.

Connections

Setup

1. Thread the TK62 hypercardioid capsule onto the M60, fit the M 761 shock mount to a stand and push the microphone through both sets of elastics.
2. Connect the SGMC-5R right-angle cable from the microphone to the preamp input.
3. Mute the channel, switch on +48V phantom power and allow 15 seconds for the microphone to power up.
4. Place the microphone centrally above the kit, aimed at the snare, and set gain while the drummer plays at full level.

Workflow 6: Spot microphone in a noisy room

A soloist or single instrument inside a live room full of other sources.

Connections

Setup

1. Thread the TK62 hypercardioid capsule onto the M60, fit the M 761 shock mount to a stand and push the microphone through both sets of elastics.
2. Connect the SGMC-5R right-angle cable from the microphone to the preamp input.
3. Mute the channel, switch on +48V phantom power and allow 15 seconds for the microphone to power up.
4. Aim the microphone directly at the source with the other instruments behind it, and set gain on the loudest passage.

Tip: Point the rear of the pattern towards the loudest unwanted source.