TELEFUNKEN M81

Product overview

The TELEFUNKEN M81 is a supercardioid universal dynamic microphone from the TELEFUNKEN Dynamic Series, with a flat frequency response and exceptional midrange clarity for the stage and the studio.

The M81 is a proven choice for countless sources. It has the condenser-like response, minimal proximity effect and superior feedback rejection expected of a TELEFUNKEN Dynamic Series microphone, and its smooth response, clarity and wealth of body make it ideal for taming brighter vocals and guitar tones and for fattening up toms, horns and other thinner-sounding sources. A low-mass diaphragm and a custom-wound impedance-matching transformer make it an excellent first-choice dynamic for most situations.

Key features

• Detailed, condenser-like performance in a rugged dynamic design
• Smooth frequency response with a clear, defined midrange
• Low-mass diaphragm designed to reduce proximity effect
• Supercardioid polar pattern with excellent off-axis rejection
• 25 mm dynamic moving-coil capsule and custom-wound T80 transformer
• High SPL handling: 135 dB SPL for 1% THD
• Designed and hand assembled in the USA

Sound character

Where the M80 is voiced with an extended top end, the M81 is tuned for a much more neutral, flatter response with increased midrange clarity. Bright voices and harsh guitar tones are smoothed without losing definition, while toms, horns and thinner sources gain body and weight. The result is a natural, honest sound that is easy to place in a mix.

Minimal proximity effect

The low-mass diaphragm is designed to reduce proximity effect, so the low end stays controlled when a singer works close to the grille or when the microphone sits right on a drum or speaker. Tone stays consistent as the distance to the source changes, which makes the M81 dependable for performers who move around.

Supercardioid rejection

The supercardioid pattern gives superior off-axis rejection, keeping stage spill and ambient sound out of the channel. This is ideal for backing vocals near loud instruments or wedge monitors, and helps each source sit cleanly in the mix.

Built for the stage

The 184 mm, 430 g body is hand assembled in the USA and built for touring. The XLR connector is held in place by a recessed set screw that can be re-tightened with a small flathead screwdriver. As a dynamic microphone the M81 needs no phantom power and connects with a standard 3-pin XLR microphone cable.

Part of a matched family

Each Dynamic Series model has its own strengths but is designed to complement the others, so the M81 blends naturally with the M80 and M82 in multi-microphone applications such as drum kits, vocal groups and horn sections. A typical pairing is the M80 on lead vocal or snare and the M81 on backing vocals, toms, guitar amps and horns, giving a cohesive sound across the whole stage. The same character carries over to the low-profile M81-SH for tight positions around a drum kit.

Versions and sets

• Standard (SYTM-050): the M81 in its standard finish, with the M 780 microphone clip and a zipper bag

In the box

• TELEFUNKEN M81 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 M81: frequently asked questions

Does the M81 need phantom power?

No. The M81 is a dynamic moving-coil microphone and works from any standard mic input without phantom power.

What is the M81 best suited for?

TELEFUNKEN recommends it for vocals, toms, guitar amps and saxophone, and also lists distorted guitar amps, female vocals and brass among its strengths.

How does the M81 differ from the M80?

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

Is the M81 good for singers who work close to the microphone?

Yes. Its low-mass diaphragm is designed to reduce proximity effect, keeping the low end controlled at close distances.

Where can I buy the TELEFUNKEN M81 in India?

The TELEFUNKEN M81 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Live vocals and backing vocals

Lead and backing vocals on stage, where off-axis rejection keeps wedge monitors and ambient stage sound out of the channel.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the M 780 microphone clip to a microphone stand or boom and press the M81 into the clip.
2. Connect a standard 3-pin XLR cable from the M81 to the stage box or console mic input.
3. Point the front of the grille at the singer and keep the rear and sides away from the monitors.
4. Set gain while the singer performs at full level, then build the monitor mix.

Workflow 2: Toms

Rack and floor toms on stage or in the studio, where the M81 adds body and weight.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the M 780 microphone clip to a microphone stand or boom and press the M81 into the clip.
2. Connect a standard 3-pin XLR cable for each tom to the stage box, console or interface.
3. Angle each M81 at the drum head from the rim, clear of the drummer's sticks.
4. Set gain while the drummer plays the full kit at performance level.

Tip: Pair with the M80 on snare for a cohesive Dynamic Series drum sound.

Workflow 3: Guitar amps, clean and distorted

Electric guitar cabinets, including distorted tones that the M81's smooth response tames.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the M 780 microphone clip to a microphone stand or boom and press the M81 into the clip.
2. Connect a standard 3-pin XLR cable to the console or interface input.
3. Place the M81 facing the speaker cone of the cabinet.
4. Move the microphone across the speaker until the tone suits the part, then set gain.

Workflow 4: Saxophone

Alto, tenor and baritone saxophone, recommended by TELEFUNKEN for the M81.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the M 780 microphone clip to a microphone stand or boom and press the M81 into the clip.
2. Connect a standard 3-pin XLR cable to the console or interface input.
3. Aim the front of the grille between the bell and the keys of the instrument.
4. Set gain on the loudest passages and adjust position for the balance of breath and body.

Workflow 5: Brass and horn sections

Trumpet, trombone and horn sections, where the clear midrange keeps each instrument defined.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the M 780 microphone clip to a microphone stand or boom and press the M81 into the clip.
2. Connect a standard 3-pin XLR cable for each player to the stage box or console.
3. Aim each M81 at the bell of its instrument.
4. Set gain on the loudest section passages so peaks stay clean.

Workflow 6: Female and brighter vocals

Singers with a bright or edgy voice, where the M81's smooth response and midrange clarity give a fuller, more balanced tone.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the M 780 microphone clip to a microphone stand or boom and press the M81 into the clip.
2. Connect a standard 3-pin XLR cable to the mic preamp, interface or console.
3. Have the singer work directly into the front of the grille; reduced proximity effect keeps the low end steady at close distances.
4. Set gain on the loudest phrases and record or mix.