TELEFUNKEN M80

Product overview

The TELEFUNKEN M80 is a supercardioid dynamic microphone from the TELEFUNKEN Dynamic Series that delivers condenser-like performance in a rugged design, equally at home on stage and in the studio.

The M80 has become a staple in live sound reinforcement and studio recording. Its wide frequency response, condenser-like high-frequency extension and high SPL handling let it capture the full range of a source, making it a reliable first choice for lead vocals, snare drum and brass. A custom-wound impedance-matching transformer and intelligent internal construction keep handling noise low, and the hand-assembled build is designed to withstand the wear and tear of the road.

Key features

• Condenser-like high-frequency extension that cuts through dense mixes
• Detailed sound with high SPL handling: 135 dB SPL for 1% THD, for studio and stage
• Supercardioid polar pattern with excellent feedback rejection
• 25 mm dynamic moving-coil capsule with a wide 50 Hz - 18 kHz response
• Custom-wound T80 impedance-matching transformer, 325 ohms output impedance
• Low handling noise from intelligent internal construction
• Rugged, road-ready build, designed and hand assembled in the USA

Sound character

TELEFUNKEN voices the M80 with a pronounced, extended high-frequency response and a natural, condenser-like character with a subtle high-frequency rise. Vocals gain clarity and presence without harshness, and the snap of a snare drum or the edge of a trumpet comes through cleanly, so the M80 sits forward in a busy mix.

Supercardioid pickup and feedback rejection

The supercardioid pattern focuses on the source in front of the capsule and rejects sound from the sides, which gives excellent gain before feedback with floor wedges and keeps spill from neighbouring instruments low. On a crowded stage this helps each vocal and instrument stay separate and easy to hear.

Capsule and transformer

At the heart of the M80 is a 25 mm dynamic moving-coil capsule coupled to the TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik T80, a custom-wound impedance-matching transformer, for a 325 ohms output impedance and a sensitivity of 1.54 mV/Pa. The M80 shares its diaphragm and transformer with the M81 but is tuned for an extended top end, so the two models complement each other in multi-microphone set-ups such as drum kits, vocal groups and horn sections.

Built for the road

The 184 mm body weighs 430 g and is built to survive touring. The XLR connector is held in place inside the body by a recessed set screw, which can be re-tightened with a small flathead screwdriver if the connector ever works loose. As a dynamic microphone the M80 needs no phantom power and connects with a standard 3-pin XLR microphone cable.

On stage and in the studio

The M80 is equally suitable for live sound and recording. On stage its clarity helps a singer hear their own voice clearly in wedges or in-ear monitors without pushing the level, and its feedback rejection gives the engineer more headroom. In the studio the same detailed, condenser-like top end captures vocals, snare and brass with presence, while the dynamic design shrugs off very loud sources. Using the same microphone in both places keeps the sound of a performance consistent from rehearsal to record.

In the box

• TELEFUNKEN M80 dynamic microphone
• M 780 Microphone Clip
• Microphone zipper bag

TELEFUNKEN warranty: 90 days on the capsule, extended to one year when the microphone is registered with TELEFUNKEN; Dynamic Series warranties are fully transferable between owners. Connect with a standard 3-pin XLR microphone cable.

TELEFUNKEN M80: frequently asked questions

Does the M80 need phantom power?

No. The M80 is a dynamic moving-coil microphone and works from any standard mic input without phantom power.

What is the M80 best suited for?

TELEFUNKEN recommends it for lead vocals, snare drum and brass instruments, and also lists percussion and clean guitar amps among its strengths.

How does the M80 differ from the M81?

Both use the same 25 mm capsule and T80 transformer. The M80 has a pronounced, extended high end; the M81 has a flatter, more neutral response with increased midrange clarity.

Where can I buy the TELEFUNKEN M80 in India?

The TELEFUNKEN M80 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Live lead vocals

Front-of-stage lead vocals with floor wedges or in-ear monitors, where clarity and feedback rejection matter most.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the M 780 microphone clip to a microphone stand or boom and press the M80 into the clip.
2. Connect a standard 3-pin XLR cable from the M80 to the stage box or console mic input.
3. Point the front of the grille at the singer's mouth and keep the rear and sides of the microphone away from the monitors.
4. Set gain while the singer performs at full level, then bring up the monitor mix.

Tip: The supercardioid pattern rejects sound from the sides, so place floor wedges where they fall outside its pickup.

Workflow 2: Studio vocals

Lead and backing vocals in the studio, where the M80's condenser-like top end helps a voice cut through a dense mix.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the M 780 microphone clip to a microphone stand or boom and press the M80 into the clip.
2. Connect a standard 3-pin XLR cable from the M80 to the mic preamp or audio interface input.
3. Have the singer work directly into the front of the grille at a steady distance.
4. Set preamp gain on the loudest phrases and record.

Workflow 3: Snare drum

Snare drum on stage and in the studio, where high SPL handling and a crisp top end capture the attack.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the M 780 microphone clip to a microphone stand or boom and press the M80 into the clip.
2. Connect a standard 3-pin XLR cable to the stage box, console or interface input.
3. Angle the M80 at the snare head from the drummer's side, clear of the sticks and the hi-hat.
4. Set gain while the drummer plays at full level; the M80 handles 135 dB SPL for 1% THD.

Tip: Turn the rear of the microphone toward the hi-hat to reduce spill.

Workflow 4: Brass instruments

Trumpet, trombone and horn sections, live or in the studio.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the M 780 microphone clip to a microphone stand or boom and press the M80 into the clip.
2. Connect a standard 3-pin XLR cable to the console or interface input.
3. Aim the front of the grille at the bell of the instrument.
4. Set gain on the loudest passages so the high SPL peaks stay clean.

Workflow 5: Percussion

Hand drums, tambourine and other percussion, listed by TELEFUNKEN among the M80's recommended applications.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the M 780 microphone clip to a microphone stand or boom and press the M80 into the clip.
2. Connect a standard 3-pin XLR cable to the console or interface input.
3. Point the front of the grille at the playing surface of the instrument.
4. Set gain on the hardest hits; the extended top end captures sharp transients.

Workflow 6: Clean guitar amps

Clean and lightly driven guitar tones on stage or in the studio.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the M 780 microphone clip to a microphone stand or boom and press the M80 into the clip.
2. Connect a standard 3-pin XLR cable to the console or interface input.
3. Place the M80 facing the speaker cone of the guitar cabinet.
4. Move the microphone across the speaker until the balance of body and sparkle suits the song, then set gain.

Tip: For distorted guitar amps, TELEFUNKEN recommends the M81.