TELEFUNKEN TF39 Copperhead Deluxe

Product overview

The TELEFUNKEN TF39 Copperhead Deluxe is a three-pattern large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone from TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik's Alchemy Series, expanding the natural Copperhead sound with cardioid, omnidirectional and figure-8 selection.

The TF39 keeps everything that made the Copperhead a studio workhorse, a natural, non-hyped tone with a balanced midrange and extended low end, and adds pattern selection for greater flexibility in the studio. It pairs a TK67 centre-terminated large-diaphragm capsule with a New Old Stock 5654W tube and a premium Swedish-made output transformer, and ships as a complete system with its M 903 multi-pattern power supply, 7 m tube microphone cable, two mounts and a carrying case.

Maximum SPL (1% THD)	130 dB SPL
Self‑noise	7 dBA
Sensitivity	17 mV/Pa
Polar patterns	3

Key features

• Natural, non-hyped Copperhead tonality with a balanced midrange and high end
• Extended low-frequency response for weight and fullness
• Three polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional and figure-8
• 3-position pattern switch on the included M 903 power supply
• TK67 centre-terminated large-diaphragm capsule
• 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 903 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 TF39 delivers the Copperhead character: a balanced, natural midrange and high end over an extended low end, captured accurately and honestly. It suits natural vocals in styles such as folk and Americana, electric guitar amps, saxophone and drums, and the extra patterns open it up to room and ensemble recording too.

Capsule

The TF39 uses TELEFUNKEN's TK67 centre-terminated large-diaphragm capsule, which makes the three-pattern design possible. Capsules are frequency-swept in-house before assembly, so each microphone delivers a consistent, predictable response.

Tube electronics and transformer

Inside, the TF39 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.

Three polar patterns

Choose the pattern on the M 903 power supply's 3-position switch. Cardioid focuses on the source in front and reduces sound from the rear, ideal for vocals and close miking. Omnidirectional picks up evenly all round, for room sound, ensembles or a more open vocal. Figure-8 picks up front and back while rejecting the sides, for two singers facing each other or stereo techniques.

Power supply, cable and mounts

The included M 903 power supply is designed and assembled in the USA, with premium-quality capacitors, improved regulation and RF suppression in a compact footprint, plus an on-board 3-position polar pattern switch. 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

• TF39 Copperhead Deluxe microphone
• M 903 multi-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 TF39 Copperhead Deluxe: frequently asked questions

Where do I change the polar pattern on the TF39?

On the included M 903 power supply, which has a 3-position switch for cardioid, omnidirectional and figure-8.

Does the TF39 need phantom power?

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

How long should the TF39 warm up?

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

What is the difference between the TF39 and the TF29?

Both share the Copperhead sound, tube and transformer. The TF39 adds omnidirectional and figure-8 to cardioid and uses the TK67 capsule; the TF29 is a fixed-cardioid model.

Is a stereo set or matched pair available?

Yes, the TELEFUNKEN TF39 Copperhead Deluxe Stereo Set and the TELEFUNKEN TF39 Copperhead Deluxe Matched Pair are listed as separate products at Shivansh Electronics.

Where can I buy the TELEFUNKEN TF39 Copperhead Deluxe in India?

The TELEFUNKEN TF39 Copperhead Deluxe 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 903 power supply via the TELEFUNKEN M 803 7‑pin tube microphone cable
M 903 XLR output	Mic preamp / audio interface input (standard 3‑pin mic cable)
M 903 power inlet	Mains power (set to 115V or 230V)

Setup

1. Thread the TF39 into the M 703 shock mount on a stand and connect the M 803 cable to the M 903 power supply.
2. Select cardioid on the M 903 for a focused vocal, or omnidirectional for a more open sound in a good room.
3. Switch on the power supply and let the system warm up for 10 minutes before recording.
4. Set preamp gain for healthy peaks and adjust the singer's distance to balance warmth against room sound.

Tip: Set the pattern before switching on, as all connections should be made before the system is powered.

Workflow 2: Electric guitar amplifier

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

Connections

Connect	To
Microphone	M 903 power supply via the TELEFUNKEN M 803 7‑pin tube microphone cable
M 903 XLR output	Mic preamp / audio interface input (standard 3‑pin mic cable)
M 903 power inlet	Mains power (set to 115V or 230V)

Setup

1. Mount the TF39 on a stand in the M 703 shock mount or the M 782 stand mount, facing the speaker cabinet.
2. Select cardioid for a close, focused sound, or omnidirectional to blend in the room.
3. Switch on the power supply and let the system warm up for 10 minutes before recording.
4. Set preamp gain to suit the amp volume; the TF39 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 903 power supply via the TELEFUNKEN M 803 7‑pin tube microphone cable
M 903 XLR output	Mic preamp / audio interface input (standard 3‑pin mic cable)
M 903 power inlet	Mains power (set to 115V or 230V)

Setup

1. Place the TF39 above the kit on a boom stand, facing down towards the drums.
2. Choose cardioid to focus on the kit or omnidirectional to include more room sound.
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 TF39 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 903 power supply via the TELEFUNKEN M 803 7‑pin tube microphone cable
M 903 XLR output	Mic preamp / audio interface input (standard 3‑pin mic cable)
M 903 power inlet	Mains power (set to 115V or 230V)

Setup

1. Mount the TF39 on a low stand facing the front head of the kick drum.
2. Select cardioid on the M 903 so the rest of the kit sits mostly behind the microphone.
3. Switch on the power supply and let the system warm up for 10 minutes before recording.
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 903 power supply via the TELEFUNKEN M 803 7‑pin tube microphone cable
M 903 XLR output	Mic preamp / audio interface input (standard 3‑pin mic cable)
M 903 power inlet	Mains power (set to 115V or 230V)

Setup

1. Set the TF39 on a stand in the M 703 shock mount, facing the instrument.
2. Use cardioid for a direct sound, or omnidirectional for a more natural blend with the room.
3. Switch on the power supply and let the system warm up for 10 minutes before recording.
4. Adjust gain for the player's loudest passages and fine-tune the distance by ear.

Workflow 6: Duets and room recording

Using figure-8 and omni to record two performers or an ensemble with one microphone.

Connections

Connect	To
Microphone	M 903 power supply via the TELEFUNKEN M 803 7‑pin tube microphone cable
M 903 XLR output	Mic preamp / audio interface input (standard 3‑pin mic cable)
M 903 power inlet	Mains power (set to 115V or 230V)

Setup

1. Mount the TF39 on a stand between the performers, or in the room for an ensemble.
2. Select figure-8 for two singers or instruments facing each other, or omnidirectional to capture the whole group evenly.
3. Switch on the power supply and let the system warm up for 10 minutes before recording.
4. Move the performers closer or further from the microphone to balance their levels, then set preamp gain.

Tip: Figure-8 rejects sound from the sides, which helps keep nearby sources out of the recording.