TELEFUNKEN TF51

Product overview

The TELEFUNKEN TF51 is a large-diaphragm, three-pattern vacuum tube condenser microphone from the Alchemy Series, a fresh take on the classic "Austrian" tube microphone sound: a smooth midrange, a balanced low end and an airy, open top end.

TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik designed the TF51 to capture every nuance in pleasant detail, making it a reliable first choice for standout vocals, acoustic instruments and percussion. An edge-terminated TK51 capsule, a TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik 6072A vacuum tube and a custom German-made output transformer give it a beautifully open, smooth and lifelike sound. It comes as a complete system with the M 903 power supply, a 7 m tube microphone cable, two mounts, a sleeve and a carrying case.

Key features

• Classic "Austrian" tube sound: airy, open top end with a balanced low end and natural midrange
• Three polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional and figure-8, selected on the power supply
• TK51 capsule: edge-terminated large diaphragm
• TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik 6072A vacuum tube, burned in and noise graded in-house
• Custom German-made output transformer
• 20 Hz - 20 kHz frequency range (±3 dB), 86 dBA signal-to-noise ratio
• Complete system: M 903 power supply, M 803 7-pin cable, M 703 shock mount, M 782 stand mount, MS01 sleeve and ZC03 case
• Designed and hand assembled in the USA

Sound character

The TF51 carries forward the "Austrian" microphone sound that TELEFUNKEN is closely associated with. Its smooth midrange and airy top end bring out detail and space in voices and acoustic instruments, while a balanced low end keeps the sound natural. The overall profile is open, smooth and articulate, a sound TELEFUNKEN describes as lifelike.

Capsule, tube and transformer

The TF51 is built around the TK51, an edge-terminated large-diaphragm capsule. Its signal is amplified by a TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik 6072A vacuum tube, a low-noise tube tested, burned in and screened by TELEFUNKEN, and leaves the microphone through a custom German-made output transformer. Together they produce the TF51's open, smooth and detailed voice.

Three polar patterns

Choose cardioid for focused single-source recording, omnidirectional to capture the instrument together with the room, or figure-8 for front-and-back pickup. The pattern is selected with the 3-position switch on the M 903 power supply, so you can change it without touching the microphone.

Power supply, cable and mounts

The M 903 power supply is designed and assembled in the USA with premium capacitors, improved regulation and RF suppression, and is switchable for 115 V or 230 V mains. It connects to the microphone through the M 803 7-pin tube microphone cable (7 m), built 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.

Built and tested by TELEFUNKEN

Like every Alchemy Series microphone, the TF51 is designed, hand built and tested in Connecticut, USA, in the same facility as TELEFUNKEN's Diamond Series. Critical components are checked in-house before assembly, including capsule frequency sweeps and vacuum tube burn-in and noise grading, and every microphone is individually tested and listened to, for very tight tolerances from one TF51 to the next.

In the box

• TELEFUNKEN TF51 microphone
• M 903 multi-pattern tube microphone power supply
• Power cable for the power supply
• M 803 tube microphone cable, 7-pin, 7 m
• M 703 elastic shock mount
• M 782 stand mount
• MS01 microphone sleeve
• ZC03 lightweight zipper carrying case

TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik warranty: register the microphone at t-funk.com/warranty to extend cover to one year parts and labour on the capsule and tube and four years on the amplifier and power supply. Warranties on Alchemy Series products are transferable between owners.

TELEFUNKEN TF51: frequently asked questions

Does the TF51 need phantom power?

No. The TF51 is a vacuum tube microphone powered by its own M 903 power supply, which is included. Connect the power supply's XLR output to your mic preamp or audio interface with a standard 3-pin microphone cable.

How do I change the polar pattern?

Use the 3-position pattern switch on the M 903 power supply to choose cardioid, omnidirectional or figure-8.

Does the TF51 need to warm up?

Yes. After switching on the power supply, TELEFUNKEN recommends letting the system warm up for 10 minutes before use.

Can the power supply run on 230 V mains?

Yes. The power supply is set to 115 V or 230 V; make sure it matches your mains voltage before plugging in.

Is a stereo set or matched pair available?

Yes, the TELEFUNKEN TF51 Stereo Set and the TELEFUNKEN TF51 Matched Pair are listed as separate products at Shivansh Electronics.

Where can I buy the TELEFUNKEN TF51 in India?

The TELEFUNKEN TF51 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Lead vocals

Pop and rock vocals that need an airy, open top end and natural detail.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit the M 703 shock mount to the stand and thread the TF51 into it until hand tight.
2. Connect the M 803 cable to the microphone and power supply, then the XLR output to your preamp, before switching on.
3. Select cardioid on the M 903 pattern switch, power up and let the system warm up for 10 minutes.
4. Set preamp gain while the singer performs at full level, then record.

Tip: Add the TELEFUNKEN PL05 pop filter for close vocal work.

Workflow 2: Acoustic guitar

Steel and nylon string guitars that need smooth mids and airy detail.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the TF51 in the M 703 shock mount on a stand facing the guitar.
2. Use cardioid for a focused sound or omnidirectional to include the room.
3. Make all connections, switch on the M 903 and allow 10 minutes to warm up.
4. Set gain while the player strums at full level and adjust the position by ear.

Workflow 3: Drum overheads

Overhead drum and percussion recording that captures cymbals and the whole kit in natural detail.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the TF51 above the kit on a stand using the M 703 shock mount or M 782 stand mount.
2. Choose cardioid for a focused kit sound or omnidirectional for more of the room.
3. Connect everything, power up and let the system warm up for 10 minutes.
4. Set gain on the loudest hits; the TF51 handles up to 128 dB SPL.

Workflow 4: Grand piano

Grand piano recording with an open, airy top end and balanced low end.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the TF51 on a stand in the M 703 shock mount, pointed at the open piano.
2. Use cardioid for a close, direct sound or omnidirectional for a more spacious sound.
3. Make all connections first, then switch on and allow 10 minutes of warm-up.
4. Set preamp gain on the loudest passages and record.

Workflow 5: Violin and strings

Violin and other bowed strings where smoothness and nuance are essential.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the TF51 in the M 703 shock mount on a stand above and in front of the player.
2. Select cardioid for a single instrument, or figure-8 or omnidirectional to include more of the room.
3. Connect, switch on the power supply and let the TF51 warm up for 10 minutes.
4. Set gain during the loudest passages and adjust the position by ear.

Workflow 6: Mandolin and acoustic instruments

Mandolin, percussion and other acoustic instruments that benefit from detailed, lifelike capture.

Connections

Setup

1. Place the TF51 in its mount facing the instrument.
2. Use cardioid for a single player, or omnidirectional for players gathered around the microphone.
3. Make all connections, power up and allow 10 minutes of warm-up.
4. Set gain on the loudest notes and record.