TELEFUNKEN TK60 Capsule Matched Pair

Product overview

The TELEFUNKEN TK60 Capsule Matched Pair is two TK60 cardioid capsules supplied as a matched set for the TELEFUNKEN M60 FET and ELA M 260 small-diaphragm condenser microphones.

Fitted to an M60 FET it makes the M60; fitted to the tube ELA M 260 it gives that microphone the same cardioid pattern. TELEFUNKEN describes the TK60 as ideal for drum overheads, acoustic guitar and other acoustic instruments. The capsule threads on and off the amplifier body in seconds and carries an edge-terminated 15 mm diameter, 6-micron gold-sputtered membrane, held to a strict ±1 dB sensitivity tolerance and individually tested and matched by frequency response in TELEFUNKEN's American facility. This matched set gives two bodies the same capsule for consistent stereo recording.

Matched pair of TK60 capsules	Cardioid
6‑micron gold‑sputtered membrane	15 mm
Sensitivity tolerance	±1 dB
Presence peak; flat 150 Hz - 7 kHz	8 kHz

Key features

• Two TK60 cardioid capsules, supplied as a matched set
• Response: flat 150 Hz to 7 kHz, presence peak at 8 kHz
• Thread-on design: changes pattern in seconds without tools
• Edge-terminated small diaphragm: 15 mm diameter, 6-micron gold-sputtered membrane
• Strict ±1 dB sensitivity tolerance, individually tested and matched by frequency response
• Fits the TELEFUNKEN M60 FET (phantom-powered FET) and ELA M 260 (tube)
• Tested in TELEFUNKEN's American facility

The TK60 sound

The TK60 is the capsule supplied with the M60 Cardioid and ELA M 260 Cardioid systems. Its flat response from 150 Hz to 7 kHz and presence peak at 8 kHz bring clarity and detail to acoustic sources, and TELEFUNKEN recommends cardioid capsules for less than ideal recording environments, where an omni would pick up more ambient noise. Cardioid capsules lose some low end with distance, so they work best at close and medium range.

Two microphones, one capsule family

The TELEFUNKEN Small Diaphragm Condenser Series features the vacuum tube-based ELA M 260 and the phantom-powered M60 FET, and both accept the thread-on TK6x capsules. The ELA M 260 adds natural warmth and clarity; the M60 offers low self-noise and ultra-fast transient response. One capsule collection serves both bodies.

Matched for stereo

TELEFUNKEN offers this capsule product as a matched set. Every TK6x capsule is individually tested and matched by frequency response, so two bodies fitted with these capsules give consistent left and right channels for XY, ORTF and spaced-pair recording.

Stereo configurations from the SDC manual

• XY (TK60 or TK62): two microphones angled 90 degrees apart with the centres of the capsules directly over each other, as close as possible without touching; direct-sounding and always phase coherent
• ORTF (TK60): two microphones angled 110 degrees apart with the capsules spaced 17 cm, designed to mimic the placement of the human ears
• Spaced pair (TK60 or TK61): two parallel microphones about 60 cm apart, or up to 3 m depending on the distance from the source, the environment and the desired stereo width
• Three-microphone tree (TK61 with SD40 spheres): left and right 2 m apart, centre 1.5 m in front, distances no less than 1.5 m

Fitting and care

Changing a capsule takes seconds and needs no tools: mute the channel, power the microphone down, unscrew the fitted capsule and thread on the new one until it is seated. On the M60 FET, switch +48V phantom power back on and allow 15 seconds for the microphone to power up. The tube ELA M 260 runs from its external power supply; make all connections before powering it on and let the system warm up for 10 minutes before use. Keep spare capsules in the capsule containers of a TELEFUNKEN zipper case, away from dust and moisture, and never touch the membrane.

TELEFUNKEN stereo tips

• Check phase: always listen for phase cancellation between microphones
• Distance and low end: cardioid capsules lose low end with distance, while omnidirectional capsules retain low-frequency information
• Room noise: omnidirectional capsules pick up more ambient noise, so cardioid and hypercardioid capsules are recommended for less than ideal recording environments

What's included

Included	Two TK60 cardioid capsules, matched set
Not included	Microphone bodies, cables, mounts and case

In the box

• 2x TELEFUNKEN TK60 cardioid capsule (matched set)

TELEFUNKEN warranty: capsules carry a 90-day warranty, extended to one year when the product is registered with TELEFUNKEN; SDC Series warranties are fully transferable between owners. Store capsules in their containers and keep the membrane away from dust and moisture.

TELEFUNKEN TK60 Capsule Matched Pair: frequently asked questions

Which microphones does it fit?

The TK6x capsules thread onto the TELEFUNKEN M60 FET and the TELEFUNKEN ELA M 260 tube microphone.

What does the TK60 sound like?

Flat 150 Hz to 7 kHz, presence peak at 8 kHz. TELEFUNKEN describes it as ideal for drum overheads, acoustic guitar and other acoustic instruments.

Is a microphone body included?

No. This product is the capsules only. The M60 FET Amplifier is listed separately, as are complete M60 FET and ELA M 260 systems.

What warranty does a TK6x capsule carry?

TELEFUNKEN gives capsules a 90-day warranty, increased to one year when the product is registered. SDC Series warranties are fully transferable between owners.

Is a single capsule available?

Yes, the TELEFUNKEN TK60 Cardioid Capsule is listed as a separate product at Shivansh Electronics.

Where can I buy the TELEFUNKEN TK60 Capsule Matched Pair in India?

The TELEFUNKEN TK60 Capsule Matched Pair is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Fitting the TK60

Adding or changing the capsule on an M60 FET or ELA M 260 body.

Connections

Connect	To
TK60 capsule	Threads onto an M60 FET or ELA M 260 amplifier
M60 FET (3‑pin XLR)	Mic preamp input with +48V phantom power
ELA M 260	Its tube microphone cable and external power supply, then 3‑pin XLR to the preamp

Setup

1. With the channel muted, switch off phantom power (M60) or turn off the power supply (ELA M 260) before unscrewing the fitted capsule.
2. Thread the TK60 capsule onto the amplifier body until it is seated.
3. Power up again: +48V phantom power for the M60 (15 seconds) or the power supply for the ELA M 260 (10 minutes warm-up).
4. Check the signal and set gain for the source.

Workflow 2: Drum overheads

TELEFUNKEN's first named use for the TK60.

Connections

Connect	To
2x TK60 capsule	Thread onto two M60 FET or two ELA M 260 bodies
2x M60 FET (3‑pin XLR)	Two mic preamp inputs with +48V phantom power
2x ELA M 260	Their tube cables and power supplies, then 3‑pin XLR to two preamp inputs

Setup

1. Thread one matched TK60 capsule onto each body and fit M 761 shock mounts.
2. Connect the microphones to the preamp inputs.
3. Mute, then power up: +48V phantom power for the M60 (15 seconds) or the power supply for the ELA M 260.
4. Space the microphones about 60 cm apart (A/B) or angle them 90 degrees in XY over the kit; check phase and match gain.

Workflow 3: Acoustic guitar and acoustic instruments

Guitar, strings and other acoustic instruments, close or at medium distance.

Connections

Connect	To
TK60 capsule	Threads onto an M60 FET or ELA M 260 amplifier
M60 FET (3‑pin XLR)	Mic preamp input with +48V phantom power
ELA M 260	Its tube microphone cable and external power supply, then 3‑pin XLR to the preamp

Setup

1. Thread the TK60 capsule onto the body and fit an M 761 shock mount.
2. Connect the microphone to a preamp input.
3. Mute, then power up: +48V phantom power for the M60 (15 seconds) or the power supply for the ELA M 260.
4. Aim the microphone at the neck joint, clear of the sound hole, and set gain at full playing level.

Tip: Cardioid capsules are recommended for less than ideal recording environments.

Workflow 4: ORTF stereo pair

TELEFUNKEN's recommended cardioid stereo configuration.

Connections

Connect	To
2x TK60 capsule	Thread onto two M60 FET or two ELA M 260 bodies
2x M60 FET (3‑pin XLR)	Two mic preamp inputs with +48V phantom power
2x ELA M 260	Their tube cables and power supplies, then 3‑pin XLR to two preamp inputs

Setup

1. Thread one matched TK60 capsule onto each body and fit M 761 shock mounts.
2. Connect the microphones to the preamp inputs.
3. Mute, then power up: +48V phantom power for the M60 (15 seconds) or the power supply for the ELA M 260.
4. Angle the two microphones 110 degrees apart with the capsules spaced 17 cm and match gain.

Workflow 5: Building a matched stereo pair

Two bodies with matched capsules for consistent left and right.

Connections

Connect	To
2x TK60 capsule	Thread onto two M60 FET or two ELA M 260 bodies
2x M60 FET (3‑pin XLR)	Two mic preamp inputs with +48V phantom power
2x ELA M 260	Their tube cables and power supplies, then 3‑pin XLR to two preamp inputs

Setup

1. Thread one matched capsule onto each body.
2. Mount both microphones on a stereo bar and connect them to two preamp inputs.
3. Mute and power up both channels.
4. Set XY (90 degrees), ORTF (110 degrees, capsules 17 cm apart) or a spaced pair about 60 cm apart, and match gain.

Workflow 6: Studio and rental inventory

Keeping capsule stock in step with M60 and ELA M 260 bodies.

Connections

Connect	To
TK60 capsule	Threads onto an M60 FET or ELA M 260 amplifier
M60 FET (3‑pin XLR)	Mic preamp input with +48V phantom power
ELA M 260	Its tube microphone cable and external power supply, then 3‑pin XLR to the preamp

Setup

1. Store TK60 capsules in labelled containers by pattern.
2. Before each booking, fit and test every capsule on a body.
3. Power up and check output and noise.
4. Send matched capsules out together so pairs stay consistent.