TELEFUNKEN TF17 FET

Product overview

The TELEFUNKEN TF17 FET is the newest voice in the TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik Alchemy Series: a phantom-powered large-diaphragm condenser microphone that pairs a rich, mid-forward German voicing with modern FET technology.

The TF17 is sonically bold, with a punchy transient response, high SPL handling and very low self-noise. Its extended low end, strong midrange and smooth top end add weight to voices, drums, electric guitar and piano, and give harsh or thin sources a smoother, fuller character. The fixed true cardioid TF17 runs on standard +48V phantom power and is designed and assembled by hand in the USA for the home, the studio or the stage.

Key features

• Bold, forward tone with a punchy transient response
• Mid-forward German voicing in the tradition of classic German tube microphones of the 1950s, with modern FET performance
• TK47S centre-terminated capsule, large diaphragm, single membrane
• Fixed true cardioid polar pattern
• High SPL handling: more than 135 dB SPL for 1% THD
• Ultra-low-noise phantom-powered FET amplifier: 3 dBA self-noise, 0.01% THD
• UK-made output transformer with a high-grade nickel-iron core, plus premium through-hole components
• Compact size for every recording environment
• Designed and assembled by hand in the USA, individually tested and listened to

Sound character

The TF17 has an extended low-frequency response, a strong midrange and a smooth top end. That rich timbre adds weight and presence to vocals and drums, and its smooth character complements bright or thin sources such as electric guitar amps and brass.

Capsule and FET electronics

The TELEFUNKEN TK47S is a centre-terminated large-diaphragm capsule with a single membrane, frequency swept in-house before assembly. The FET amplifier is built with premium through-hole components on hand-plugged circuit boards, with transistors biased for the lowest possible distortion, and feeds a UK-made output transformer with a high-grade nickel-iron core for an output impedance below 200 Ω.

True cardioid polar pattern

The fixed true cardioid pattern focuses on the source in front of the microphone and rejects sound from the rear, which helps isolate vocals, drums and amps in the studio and on stage.

Phantom power, mounts and case

The TF17 is powered by standard +48V phantom power from any mic preamp or audio interface and is ready 15 seconds after power is applied. It ships with the M 703 elastic shock mount, the M 782 stand mount, an MS01 microphone sleeve and a compact MC11 case.

Built in the USA

The TF17 is built in Connecticut, USA, in the same facility as every TELEFUNKEN microphone, by a small, dedicated team of engineers and technicians. Each microphone is individually tested and listened to for very tight tolerances from one microphone to the next.

In the box

• TELEFUNKEN TF17 microphone
• MC11 Microphone Case
• M 703 Shock Mount
• M 782 Stand Mount
• MS01 Microphone Sleeve

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; Alchemy Series warranties are fully transferable between owners. Connect with a standard 3-pin XLR microphone cable.

TELEFUNKEN TF17 FET: frequently asked questions

Does the TF17 need an external power supply?

No. The TF17 is a FET condenser powered by +48V phantom power from your mic preamp or audio interface. Allow 15 seconds after switching phantom power on.

Which polar pattern does the TF17 have?

A fixed true cardioid pattern.

What is the TF17 best suited for?

TELEFUNKEN recommends it for R&B, rap, rock and soul vocals, toms, kick drum and drum room, electric guitar and bass, piano, brass and live sound.

Is a stereo set available?

Yes, the TELEFUNKEN TF17 FET Stereo Set is listed as a separate product at Shivansh Electronics.

How does the TF17 differ from the TF11?

Both are cardioid FET microphones in the same body. The TF17 uses the centre-terminated TK47S capsule for a bold, mid-forward sound with extended lows; the TF11 uses the edge-terminated TK51S capsule for a more open, detailed sound.

Where can I buy the TELEFUNKEN TF17 FET in India?

The TELEFUNKEN TF17 FET is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: R&B, rap, rock and soul vocals

Lead vocals that need weight, presence and a strong midrange, in the home or commercial studio.

Connections

Setup

1. Attach the M 703 shock mount or the M 782 stand mount to a microphone stand and thread the microphone into it until hand tight.
2. Connect a standard 3-pin XLR cable from the microphone to your mic preamp or audio interface.
3. Switch on +48V phantom power and allow the microphone 15 seconds to power up.
4. Use the M 703 shock mount, face the front of the capsule toward the singer and set preamp gain while the singer performs at full level.

Tip: The very low 3 dBA self-noise keeps quiet, intimate passages clean.

Workflow 2: Toms, kick drum and drum room

Close tom and outside-kick microphones, or a room microphone for the whole kit, where punch and high SPL handling matter.

Connections

Setup

1. Attach the M 703 shock mount or the M 782 stand mount to a microphone stand and thread the microphone into it until hand tight.
2. Connect a standard 3-pin XLR cable from the microphone to your mic preamp or audio interface.
3. Switch on +48V phantom power and allow the microphone 15 seconds to power up.
4. Aim the capsule at the drum head, the kick drum's outer head or the centre of the kit for a room sound, and set gain on the hardest hits; the TF17 handles more than 135 dB SPL.

Workflow 3: Electric guitar and bass

Guitar and bass amplifiers, where the TF17's rich timbre smooths a bright or harsh tone.

Connections

Setup

1. Attach the M 703 shock mount or the M 782 stand mount to a microphone stand and thread the microphone into it until hand tight.
2. Connect a standard 3-pin XLR cable from the microphone to your mic preamp or audio interface.
3. Switch on +48V phantom power and allow the microphone 15 seconds to power up.
4. Point the front of the capsule at the speaker cabinet and adjust its position until the tone suits the part, then set gain at playing volume.

Workflow 4: Piano

Grand or upright piano, captured with an extended low end and a strong, clear midrange.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the TF17 on a stand with the M 782 stand mount or the M 703 shock mount.
2. Aim the microphone at the strings and hammers of the open piano.
3. Switch on +48V phantom power and allow 15 seconds to power up.
4. Set gain while the pianist plays the loudest passage.

Workflow 5: Brass

Trumpet, trombone, saxophone and other brass, where a smooth top end tames bright, loud sources.

Connections

Setup

1. Attach the M 703 shock mount or the M 782 stand mount to a microphone stand and thread the microphone into it until hand tight.
2. Connect a standard 3-pin XLR cable from the microphone to your mic preamp or audio interface.
3. Switch on +48V phantom power and allow the microphone 15 seconds to power up.
4. Face the capsule toward the bell of the instrument and set gain on the loudest notes.

Workflow 6: Live sound

Vocals, drums and amps on stage, where a compact, dependable phantom-powered microphone is needed.

Connections

Setup

1. Attach the M 782 stand mount or M 703 shock mount to the stand and thread the TF17 in until hand tight.
2. Connect the XLR cable to the stage box or console input.
3. Switch on +48V phantom power and allow 15 seconds before the line check.
4. Use the true cardioid pattern's rear rejection by pointing the back of the microphone toward the stage monitors, then set gain.

Tip: Store the TF17 in its MS01 sleeve and MC11 case between shows.