Telefunken ELA M 251E

Telefunken Ela M 251E

The Telefunken Ela M 251E is a high-end tube microphone featuring an edge-limited, double backplate CK12 capsule with capoid, omnidirectional and bidirectional polar patterns, a 6072A vacuum tube and a Haufe T14/1 output transformer. Due to its smooth yet present and open sonic character, the ELA M 251E diaphragm tube microphone is a true classic with few rivals and therefore one of the world’s absolute most sought-after recording tools. With an extended and focused low end, a detailed mid-range response and a silky top end, the ELA M 251E is particularly ideal for vocals and acoustic instruments.

The Telefunken ELA M 251E is one of the most beautiful microphones ever produced. It has been characterized by countless hits and classic recordings over many decades. Today, prime examples of vintage ELA M 250/251 microphones have become rare and highly sought after.

Telefunken Ela M 251E is a true legend

The Telefunken Ela M 251E is probably the most sought after microphone in the world and for good reason. The sound of the Ela M 251E is truly exceptional and there are no other microphones like it.

The Ela M 251 was created in collaboration with AKG as a replacement in Telefunken’s program for the equally legendary U47. The Ela M 251E is considered by many to be the “holy grail” of microphones and its fantastic sound is to the taste of most people. It can be characterized as soft, detailed and with a very special aura that is able to enhance even the most beautiful performance. In other words, this microphone is probably the most beautiful sounding ever.

The TELEFUNKEN ELA M 250/251 was originally sold in two variants: the “ELA M 250E/251E” version used a 6072a tube, while the “ELA M 250/251” version used a TELEFUNKEN AC701 tube. The “non-E marked” microphones were built to meet the standardized requirements of the German and Austrian national broadcast systems.

Both versions of these microphones have achieved legendary status in modern studio and recording circles, but the road to achieving this legendary status has been far from straight. In 1947 Neumann made the first U47 microphones and from 1947 to 1958 TELEFUNKEN used their established global distribution network to sell the products manufactured by Neumann, under the TELEFUNKEN name with the TELEFUNKEN logo badge.

When Neumann announced in 1958 that they would not renew their distribution agreement with TELEFUNKEN, TELEFUNKEN approached AKG to see if they could possibly make a “U47-like” model for TELEFUNKEN. This U47-esque microphone would become known as the ELA M 250. Around 1958, Neumann launched the U48 microphone, which featured cardioid and figure-of-8 characteristics. The TELEFUNKEN ELA M 251 was a mix of these two microphones, and was able to switch between all three patterns. (kidney, ball, and figure 8). A legend was born.

The Telefunken ELA M 251E contains a CK12 capsule, a New Old Stock 6072a vacuum tube and a Haufe 14/1 ratio output transformer. All ELA M 251E microphones come complete with M950E power supply, M850E Accusound ACX-7 tube microphone cable, M750 elastic shock mount, FC50 flight case with locks, and WB50 wooden microphone storage box.

Telefunken Ela M 251E specifications

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