TELEFUNKEN TF29 Copperhead Stereo Set

Product overview

The TELEFUNKEN TF29 Copperhead Stereo Set is a frequency and gain matched pair of TF29 Copperhead large-diaphragm tube condenser microphones from TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik's Alchemy Series, with a dual power supply that runs both microphones and an FC03S locking flight case.

Each TF29 delivers the natural, non-hyped Copperhead tone: a balanced midrange and high end over an extended low end. All critical components, including the capsules, tubes and transformers, are hand-selected and tested for matched gain and frequency response, so both microphones give identical responses for the most critical stereo recording. The American-made M 960S powers both microphones at one time, and the whole system travels in one case.

Maximum SPL (1% THD)	130 dB SPL
Self‑noise	7 dBA
Sensitivity	17 mV/Pa
Frequency and gain matched	2 x TF29

Key features

• Two frequency and gain matched TF29 microphones for identical left and right channels
• Capsules, tubes and transformers hand-selected and tested for matched gain and frequency response
• TK67S centre-terminated capsule and New Old Stock 5654W vacuum tube in each microphone
• Fixed cardioid pattern on both microphones
• 130 dB SPL maximum level and 7 dBA self-noise per microphone
• M 960S dual power supply runs both microphones at one time
• FC03S locking flight case with dual combination locks holds the complete stereo system
• 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. TELEFUNKEN describes the TF29 as a workhorse that accurately and transparently captures vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, drums and virtually any musical source, which makes a matched pair a dependable choice for overheads, acoustic instruments and room pictures.

Capsule, tube and transformer

Each TF29 pairs the TK67S centre-terminated single-membrane capsule with a New Old Stock 5654W vacuum tube and a premium Swedish-made output transformer. Critical components are quality controlled in-house before assembly, including capsule frequency sweeps and vacuum tube burn-in and noise grading. Each microphone delivers 7 dBA self-noise, 87 dBA signal-to-noise ratio and 130 dB SPL maximum level.

Matched for stereo

All the electronic components in each pair are matched sonically and electronically, including the capsules, transformers and vacuum tubes. Both microphones are tested for matched gain and frequency response, giving you the confidence that the left and right channels will respond identically in coincident, near-coincident and spaced stereo techniques.

Dual power supply and patterns

The M 960S is hand built in South Windsor, Connecticut, and is capable of powering both microphones at one time. It features a slow-ramping filament voltage to extend tube life and full regulation, so the microphones always operate the same regardless of line voltage variations or location; full regulation also means it can safely power only one microphone if needed. Each power supply is calibrated to the microphone system it comes with and is burned in as a full unit. Both microphones have a fixed cardioid pattern, marked by the cardioid symbol on the front. Simply aim the symbols at the source: there is no pattern switch to set, so matching the two channels is quick.

FC03S locking flight case

The FC03S is a combination locking flight case with a shell made from a blend of hardwoods, wrapped in a premium travel fabric, with dual combination locks and nickel trim. It holds two microphones, one stereo power supply, two tube microphone cables and two shock mounts, with zipper compartments for cables in the lid, so the complete stereo system travels in one case.

Recommended applications

TELEFUNKEN recommends the TF29 for natural vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, saxophone and drums, including kick drum outside and overheads. 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 TF29 Copperhead Stereo Set: two matched TF29 microphones that share one M 960S dual power supply, with two cables, two shock mounts, two stand mounts and two sleeves, all in one FC03S locking flight case.

In the box

• 2 x TELEFUNKEN TF29 microphones, frequency and gain matched
• M 960S dual tube microphone power supply
• Mains power cable for the power supply
• 2 x M 803 tube microphone cables, 7 m (7-pin XLR)
• 2 x M 703 elastic shock mounts
• 2 x M 782 stand mounts
• 2 x MS01 microphone sleeves
• FC03S locking flight case

TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik warranty: 90 days on the capsule and tube and one year parts and labour on the amplifier and power supply. Register the microphones 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 Stereo Set: frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a Stereo Set and a Matched Pair?

Both contain two frequency and gain matched microphones, two tube microphone cables, two shock mounts and two stand mounts. The Stereo Set adds a dual power supply that runs both microphones and one locking hard-shell case; a Matched Pair has two separate power supplies and two zipper cases.

Does the set need phantom power?

No. Both microphones are powered by the included M 960S dual power supply. Connect the power supply to your preamp with standard 3-pin XLR microphone cables.

Can the power supply run only one microphone?

Yes. TELEFUNKEN's fully regulated stereo power supplies can safely power only one microphone at a time at the correct operating voltages, if needed.

How long should the system warm up?

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

Is a TF29 Copperhead Matched Pair available?

Yes, the TELEFUNKEN TF29 Copperhead Matched Pair is listed as a separate product at Shivansh Electronics.

Where can I buy the TELEFUNKEN TF29 Copperhead Stereo Set in India?

The TELEFUNKEN TF29 Copperhead 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
TF29 microphones 1 and 2	The two inputs of the M 960S dual power supply via the two TELEFUNKEN M 803 7‑pin tube microphone cables
M 960S to preamp	Mic preamp / audio interface inputs (standard 3‑pin XLR microphone cables)
M 960S power inlet	Mains power (115V or 230V as set)

Setup

1. Mount both TF29 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 both microphones to the M 960S with the M 803 cables, switch on and let the system warm up for 10 minutes.
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
TF29 microphones 1 and 2	The two inputs of the M 960S dual power supply via the two TELEFUNKEN M 803 7‑pin tube microphone cables
M 960S to preamp	Mic preamp / audio interface inputs (standard 3‑pin XLR microphone cables)
M 960S power inlet	Mains power (115V or 230V as set)

Setup

1. Mount both TF29 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 both microphones to the M 960S with the M 803 cables, switch on and let the system warm up for 10 minutes.
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
TF29 microphones 1 and 2	The two inputs of the M 960S dual power supply via the two TELEFUNKEN M 803 7‑pin tube microphone cables
M 960S to preamp	Mic preamp / audio interface inputs (standard 3‑pin XLR microphone cables)
M 960S power inlet	Mains power (115V or 230V as set)

Setup

1. Place the two TF29 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 both microphones to the M 960S with the M 803 cables, switch on and let the system warm up for 10 minutes.
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
TF29 microphones 1 and 2	The two inputs of the M 960S dual power supply via the two TELEFUNKEN M 803 7‑pin tube microphone cables
M 960S to preamp	Mic preamp / audio interface inputs (standard 3‑pin XLR microphone cables)
M 960S power inlet	Mains power (115V or 230V as set)

Setup

1. Position the two TF29 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 both microphones to the M 960S with the M 803 cables, switch on and let the system warm up for 10 minutes.
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
TF29 microphones 1 and 2	The two inputs of the M 960S dual power supply via the two TELEFUNKEN M 803 7‑pin tube microphone cables
M 960S to preamp	Mic preamp / audio interface inputs (standard 3‑pin XLR microphone cables)
M 960S power inlet	Mains power (115V or 230V as set)

Setup

1. Set the two TF29 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 both microphones to the M 960S with the M 803 cables, switch on and let the system warm up for 10 minutes.
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
TF29 microphones 1 and 2	The two inputs of the M 960S dual power supply via the two TELEFUNKEN M 803 7‑pin tube microphone cables
M 960S to preamp	Mic preamp / audio interface inputs (standard 3‑pin XLR microphone cables)
M 960S power inlet	Mains power (115V or 230V as set)

Setup

1. Place one TF29 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 both microphones to the M 960S with the M 803 cables, switch on and let the system warm up for 10 minutes.
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.