TELEFUNKEN TF17 FET Stereo Set

Product overview

The TELEFUNKEN TF17 FET Stereo Set is a frequency and gain matched pair of TF17 FET large-diaphragm condenser microphones from TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik's Alchemy Series, supplied with two of each accessory in a ZC11S zipper case.

Each TF17 combines a bold, mid-forward German voicing with a punchy transient response with modern, phantom-powered FET performance. TELEFUNKEN measures both the amplifiers and the capsule sets within a strict 1 dB sensitivity tolerance, so the two microphones respond alike in critical stereo work. The set runs on standard +48V phantom power, needs no external power supply, and is designed and assembled by hand in the USA for the home studio, the commercial studio and the stage.

Maximum SPL (1% THD)	> 135 dB SPL
Self‑noise	3 dBA
Sensitivity	12 mV/Pa
Frequency and gain matched	2 x TF17

Key features

• Two frequency and gain matched TF17 microphones for identical left and right channels
• Amplifiers and capsule sets measured within a strict 1 dB sensitivity tolerance
• TK47S centre-terminated capsule in each microphone, large diaphragm, single membrane
• Fixed cardioid polar pattern on both microphones
• > 135 dB SPL maximum level and 3 dBA self-noise per microphone
• +48V phantom powered: no external power supply needed
• Two of each accessory: M 703 shock mounts, M 782 stand mounts and MS01 sleeves
• ZC11S zipper case holds the complete stereo system
• Designed and hand assembled in the USA

Sound character

The TF17 has an extended low end, a strong midrange and a smooth top end. That rich timbre adds weight and presence to drums, piano and voices, and its smooth character complements bright or thin sources such as electric guitar amps and brass. A matched pair carries that weight across the whole stereo image, from drum room to piano.

Capsule and FET electronics

Each TF17 uses the TELEFUNKEN TK47S, a centre-terminated large-diaphragm capsule with a single membrane, frequency swept in-house before assembly. The ultra-low-noise FET amplifier is built with premium through-hole components on hand-plugged circuit boards and feeds a UK-made output transformer (T217) with a high-grade nickel-iron core, for an output impedance below 200 ohms.

Matched for stereo

Each FET Stereo Set includes two microphones with precision gain matched amplifiers and frequency matched capsules. Both the amplifiers and the capsule sets are measured within a strict 1 dB sensitivity tolerance. With the circuit's very fast transient response, TELEFUNKEN describes the stereo result as an extremely detailed image with definition and presence.

Cardioid pattern and phantom power

Both TF17 microphones have a fixed cardioid pattern that picks up mainly from the front and rejects sound from the rear, ideal for XY and near-coincident pairs, overheads and close stereo miking. Each microphone runs on standard +48V phantom power from your preamp or audio interface and is ready 15 seconds after power is applied. Connect each one with a standard 3-pin XLR microphone cable.

Mounts, sleeves and case

Every accessory comes in twos: two M 703 elastic shock mounts and two M 782 stand mounts, so each TF17 can be fitted for isolation or a compact, fixed position, plus two MS01 microphone sleeves. The ZC11S protective foam zipper case holds the complete stereo system, keeping the matched microphones together between sessions and on the road.

Recommended applications

TELEFUNKEN recommends the TF17 for R&B, rap, rock and soul vocals, toms, kick drum and drum room, electric guitar and bass, piano, brass and live sound. As a matched pair, it is ready for the stereo side of that list: drum overheads and room, piano, acoustic guitar, strings, choirs and ensembles, and any source where a stable, detailed stereo image matters.

Designed and hand assembled in the USA

The Alchemy Series is designed, hand built and tested in Connecticut, USA, in the same facility as TELEFUNKEN's Diamond Series, by a small, dedicated team of engineers and technicians. Each microphone is individually tested and listened to, with hand-plugged circuit boards, which keeps tolerances extremely tight from one microphone to the next.

What's in the set

This product is the TF17 FET Stereo Set: two matched TF17 microphones with two of each accessory in one ZC11S zipper case. Standard 3-pin XLR microphone cables are not included.

In the box

• 2 x TELEFUNKEN TF17 microphones, frequency and gain matched
• ZC11S zipper case
• 2 x M 703 elastic shock mounts
• 2 x M 782 stand mounts
• 2 x MS01 microphone sleeves

TELEFUNKEN warranty: 90 days on the capsule and one year parts and labour on the amplifier. Register the microphones 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 each microphone with a standard 3-pin XLR microphone cable.

TELEFUNKEN TF17 FET Stereo Set: frequently asked questions

How closely are the two microphones matched?

TELEFUNKEN measures both the amplifiers and the capsule sets of each FET Stereo Set within a strict 1 dB sensitivity tolerance, with gain matched amplifiers and frequency matched capsules.

Does the set need an external power supply?

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

Which stereo techniques suit the set?

With two cardioid microphones, XY, near-coincident (ORTF) and spaced pairs all work well, for overheads, piano, acoustic guitar, choirs and ensembles.

Is the single TF17 FET available?

Yes, the TELEFUNKEN TF17 FET single microphone system is listed as a separate product at Shivansh Electronics.

Where can I buy the TELEFUNKEN TF17 FET Stereo Set in India?

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

Workflow 1: XY coincident stereo pair

Engineers who want a solid, mono-compatible stereo image of a source or ensemble.

Connections

Connect	To
TF17 microphone 1	Mic preamp / audio interface input 1 with +48V phantom power (standard 3‑pin XLR cable)
TF17 microphone 2	Mic preamp / audio interface input 2 with +48V phantom power (standard 3‑pin XLR cable)
Preamp channels	Matching gain on both channels, panned left and right

Setup

1. Mount both TF17 microphones on a stereo bar or two stands, one capsule directly above the other.
2. Angle the two cardioid fronts apart, left and right, so the capsules cross with their fronts aimed at the two sides of the source.
3. Connect each microphone to its own preamp channel, switch on +48V phantom power and allow 15 seconds before setting levels.
4. Set identical gain on both preamp channels, pan them left and right, and check the image on headphones and speakers.

Tip: Because the capsules sit at the same point, the XY pair folds down to mono without phase problems.

Workflow 2: ORTF near-coincident pair

A wider, more spacious stereo image of acoustic instruments, ensembles and rooms.

Connections

Connect	To
TF17 microphone 1	Mic preamp / audio interface input 1 with +48V phantom power (standard 3‑pin XLR cable)
TF17 microphone 2	Mic preamp / audio interface input 2 with +48V phantom power (standard 3‑pin XLR cable)
Preamp channels	Matching gain on both channels, panned left and right

Setup

1. Mount both TF17 microphones on a stereo bar with the capsules close together and the cardioid fronts angled away from each other.
2. Place the pair in front of the source where the balance of direct sound and room sound pleases you.
3. Connect each microphone to its own preamp channel, switch on +48V phantom power and allow 15 seconds before setting levels.
4. Set identical gain on both preamp channels, pan them left and right, and check the image on headphones and speakers.

Tip: A matched pair keeps the left and right channels identical, which keeps the centre of the image stable.

Workflow 3: Drum overheads

Recording the whole kit from above as a balanced stereo picture.

Connections

Connect	To
TF17 microphone 1	Mic preamp / audio interface input 1 with +48V phantom power (standard 3‑pin XLR cable)
TF17 microphone 2	Mic preamp / audio interface input 2 with +48V phantom power (standard 3‑pin XLR cable)
Preamp channels	Matching gain on both channels, panned left and right

Setup

1. Place the two TF17 microphones above the kit on boom stands, cardioid fronts facing down towards the drums.
2. Keep both microphones the same distance from the snare so the centre of the kit stays focused.
3. Connect each microphone to its own preamp channel, switch on +48V phantom power and allow 15 seconds before setting levels.
4. Set identical gain on both preamp channels, pan them left and right, and check the image on headphones and speakers.

Workflow 4: Piano in stereo

Grand and upright piano with a full, even spread from bass to treble.

Connections

Connect	To
TF17 microphone 1	Mic preamp / audio interface input 1 with +48V phantom power (standard 3‑pin XLR cable)
TF17 microphone 2	Mic preamp / audio interface input 2 with +48V phantom power (standard 3‑pin XLR cable)
Preamp channels	Matching gain on both channels, panned left and right

Setup

1. Position the two TF17 microphones over the strings, one towards the bass and one towards the treble, cardioid fronts facing the strings.
2. Adjust the lid and the height of the pair until the instrument sounds even across its range.
3. Connect each microphone to its own preamp channel, switch on +48V phantom power and allow 15 seconds before setting levels.
4. Set identical gain on both preamp channels, pan them left and right, and check the image on headphones and speakers.

Workflow 5: Choir and ensemble with a spaced pair

Choirs, string groups and live ensembles captured with width and depth.

Connections

Connect	To
TF17 microphone 1	Mic preamp / audio interface input 1 with +48V phantom power (standard 3‑pin XLR cable)
TF17 microphone 2	Mic preamp / audio interface input 2 with +48V phantom power (standard 3‑pin XLR cable)
Preamp channels	Matching gain on both channels, panned left and right

Setup

1. Set the two TF17 microphones on tall stands in front of the group, spaced apart, cardioid fronts facing the performers.
2. Raise the pair until the front and back rows sound balanced.
3. Connect each microphone to its own preamp channel, switch on +48V phantom power and allow 15 seconds before setting levels.
4. Set identical gain on both preamp channels, pan them left and right, and check the image on headphones and speakers.

Tip: Listen in mono as well as stereo and adjust the spacing until both sound natural.

Workflow 6: Acoustic guitar in stereo

Singer-songwriters and session players recording acoustic guitar with width.

Connections

Connect	To
TF17 microphone 1	Mic preamp / audio interface input 1 with +48V phantom power (standard 3‑pin XLR cable)
TF17 microphone 2	Mic preamp / audio interface input 2 with +48V phantom power (standard 3‑pin XLR cable)
Preamp channels	Matching gain on both channels, panned left and right

Setup

1. Place one TF17 towards the neck and the other towards the body of the guitar, both cardioid fronts facing the instrument.
2. Keep the two microphones at similar distances from the strings so the image stays balanced.
3. Connect each microphone to its own preamp channel, switch on +48V phantom power and allow 15 seconds before setting levels.
4. Set identical gain on both preamp channels, pan them left and right, and check the image on headphones and speakers.

Tip: Pan the two channels partly or fully to taste.