TELEFUNKEN TF29 Copperhead

Product overview

The TELEFUNKEN TF29 Copperhead is a fixed-cardioid large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone from TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik's Alchemy Series, prized for its natural, non-hyped tone and outstanding quality for its class.

An original TELEFUNKEN design, the TF29 is a true studio workhorse that captures vocals, guitars, drums and nearly any other source accurately and honestly. It pairs a TK67S single-membrane capsule with a New Old Stock 5654W tube and a premium Swedish-made output transformer, and ships as a complete system with its M 902 power supply, 7 m tube microphone cable, two mounts and a carrying case. The cardioid symbol on the front of the microphone sets it apart from its multi-pattern sibling, the TF39.

Maximum SPL (1% THD)	130 dB SPL
Self‑noise	7 dBA
Sensitivity	17 mV/Pa
NOS vacuum tube	5654W

Key features

• Natural, non-hyped tonality with a balanced midrange and high end
• Extended low-frequency response for weight and fullness
• Fixed cardioid polar pattern, marked by the cardioid symbol on the front
• TK67S centre-terminated large-diaphragm capsule, single membrane
• New Old Stock 5654W vacuum tube
• Premium Swedish-made output transformer
• 130 dB SPL maximum level and 7 dBA self-noise
• Complete system with M 902 power supply, M 803 7 m cable, M 703 shock mount, M 782 stand mount, sleeve and case
• Designed and hand assembled in the USA

Sound character

The Copperhead sound is balanced and honest: a natural midrange and high end over an extended low end, without hype or exaggeration. That makes the TF29 a dependable first choice for natural vocals in styles such as folk and Americana, and a confident performer on electric guitar amps, saxophone and drums.

Capsule

The TF29 uses TELEFUNKEN's TK67S centre-terminated large-diaphragm capsule with a single membrane. Capsules are frequency-swept in-house before assembly, so each microphone delivers a consistent, predictable response.

Tube electronics and transformer

Inside, the TF29 runs on a New Old Stock 5654W vacuum tube and a premium Swedish-made output transformer. Every critical component is quality controlled in-house before assembly, including capsule frequency sweeps and vacuum tube burn-in and noise grading, which keeps tolerances extremely tight from one microphone to the next. The result is 7 dBA self-noise, 87 dBA signal-to-noise ratio and 130 dB SPL maximum level.

Fixed cardioid pattern

A fixed cardioid pattern picks up mainly from the front, focusing on the source and reducing sound from the rear. Simply aim the side with the cardioid symbol at the source; there is no pattern switch to set, which keeps setup fast in busy sessions.

Power supply, cable and mounts

The included M 902 power supply is designed and assembled in the USA, with premium-quality capacitors, improved regulation and RF suppression in a compact footprint. It connects to the microphone through the M 803 tube microphone cable, a 7 m (23 ft) 7-pin XLR cable with high-purity copper conductors, low capacitance and a dense copper braid shield. Two mounts are included: the M 703 elastic shock mount and the M 782 stand mount; the microphone threads directly into either.

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 and a custom headgrille designed for transparency and openness.

In the box

• TF29 Copperhead microphone
• M 902 fixed pattern power supply
• M 803 tube microphone cable, 7 m (7-pin XLR)
• M 703 elastic shock mount
• M 782 stand mount
• MS01 microphone sleeve
• ZC03 lightweight zipper carrying case
• Mains power cable for the power supply

TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik warranty: 90 days on the capsule and tube and one year parts and labour on the amplifier and power supply. Register the microphone at TELEFUNKEN to extend this to one year on the capsule and tube and four years on the amplifier and power supply. Alchemy Series warranties are fully transferable between owners.

TELEFUNKEN TF29 Copperhead: frequently asked questions

Does the TF29 need phantom power?

No. The TF29 is a tube microphone powered by its own M 902 power supply. Connect the power supply's XLR output to your preamp with a standard 3-pin microphone cable.

How long should the TF29 warm up?

TELEFUNKEN recommends letting the system warm up for 10 minutes after switching on the power supply.

What is the difference between the TF29 and the TF39?

Both share the Copperhead sound, tube and transformer. The TF29 has a fixed cardioid pattern and a TK67S single-membrane capsule; the TF39 Copperhead Deluxe adds cardioid, omnidirectional and figure-8 selection.

What is the TF29 best suited to?

TELEFUNKEN recommends it for natural vocals, electric guitar amps, saxophone and drums, including kick drum outside and overheads.

Is a stereo set or matched pair available?

Yes, the TELEFUNKEN TF29 Copperhead Stereo Set and the TELEFUNKEN TF29 Copperhead Matched Pair are listed as separate products at Shivansh Electronics.

Where can I buy the TELEFUNKEN TF29 Copperhead in India?

The TELEFUNKEN TF29 Copperhead is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Natural vocals

Singers and producers after an honest, uncoloured vocal, especially in folk, Americana and acoustic styles.

Connections

Connect	To
Microphone	M 902 power supply via the TELEFUNKEN M 803 7‑pin tube microphone cable
M 902 XLR output	Mic preamp / audio interface input (standard 3‑pin mic cable)
M 902 power inlet	Mains power (set to 115V or 230V)

Setup

1. Thread the TF29 into the M 703 shock mount on a stand and connect the M 803 cable to the M 902 power supply.
2. Switch on the power supply and let the system warm up for 10 minutes before recording.
3. Face the cardioid symbol towards the singer so the front of the capsule is on-axis.
4. Set preamp gain for healthy peaks and adjust the singer's distance to balance proximity warmth against room sound.

Tip: A pop filter in front of the microphone helps control plosives on close vocals.

Workflow 2: Electric guitar amplifier

Guitarists and engineers recording amps with full low end and a natural midrange.

Connections

Connect	To
Microphone	M 902 power supply via the TELEFUNKEN M 803 7‑pin tube microphone cable
M 902 XLR output	Mic preamp / audio interface input (standard 3‑pin mic cable)
M 902 power inlet	Mains power (set to 115V or 230V)

Setup

1. Mount the TF29 on a stand in the M 703 shock mount or the M 782 stand mount, facing the speaker cabinet.
2. Switch on the power supply and let the system warm up for 10 minutes before recording.
3. Aim the cardioid front at the speaker; the cardioid pattern reduces spill from behind the microphone.
4. Set preamp gain to suit the amp volume; the TF29 handles up to 130 dB SPL.

Workflow 3: Drum overheads

Recording the whole kit from above with a balanced, natural top end.

Connections

Connect	To
Microphone	M 902 power supply via the TELEFUNKEN M 803 7‑pin tube microphone cable
M 902 XLR output	Mic preamp / audio interface input (standard 3‑pin mic cable)
M 902 power inlet	Mains power (set to 115V or 230V)

Setup

1. Place the TF29 above the kit on a boom stand with the cardioid front facing down towards the drums.
2. Connect the M 803 cable to the microphone and the M 902, and the M 902 XLR output to your preamp.
3. Switch on the power supply and let the system warm up for 10 minutes before recording.
4. Set preamp gain on the loudest hits and check the kit balance on headphones; the TF29 handles up to 130 dB SPL.

Workflow 4: Kick drum outside

Capturing the low end and body of the kick from in front of the drum.

Connections

Connect	To
Microphone	M 902 power supply via the TELEFUNKEN M 803 7‑pin tube microphone cable
M 902 XLR output	Mic preamp / audio interface input (standard 3‑pin mic cable)
M 902 power inlet	Mains power (set to 115V or 230V)

Setup

1. Mount the TF29 on a low stand facing the front head of the kick drum.
2. Switch on the power supply and let the system warm up for 10 minutes before recording.
3. Point the cardioid front at the drum so the rest of the kit sits mostly behind the microphone.
4. Set gain conservatively and use the extended low-frequency response to capture weight and resonance.

Workflow 5: Saxophone

Horn players and engineers capturing saxophone with a natural, balanced tone.

Connections

Connect	To
Microphone	M 902 power supply via the TELEFUNKEN M 803 7‑pin tube microphone cable
M 902 XLR output	Mic preamp / audio interface input (standard 3‑pin mic cable)
M 902 power inlet	Mains power (set to 115V or 230V)

Setup

1. Set the TF29 on a stand in the M 703 shock mount, facing the instrument.
2. Switch on the power supply and let the system warm up for 10 minutes before recording.
3. Aim the cardioid front at the saxophone so the whole instrument, not only the bell, is captured.
4. Adjust gain for the player's loudest passages and fine-tune the distance by ear.

Workflow 6: Acoustic guitar and general studio use

A versatile workhorse for guitars and nearly any other source in the home or commercial studio.

Connections

Connect	To
Microphone	M 902 power supply via the TELEFUNKEN M 803 7‑pin tube microphone cable
M 902 XLR output	Mic preamp / audio interface input (standard 3‑pin mic cable)
M 902 power inlet	Mains power (set to 115V or 230V)

Setup

1. Mount the TF29 on a stand in the M 703 shock mount, facing the instrument.
2. Switch on the power supply and let the system warm up for 10 minutes before recording.
3. Point the cardioid front at the source and move the microphone until the balance of body and detail sounds natural.
4. Set preamp gain; with 17 mV/Pa sensitivity and 7 dBA self-noise, quiet sources stay clean.

Tip: Return the microphone to its MS01 sleeve and ZC03 case after the session.