Telefunken Ela M 251T

The Telefunken Ela M 251T is a truly high-end microphone in a class of its own with a special and newly developed CK-13 capsule. Based on the classic ELA M 251 models, this model comes with a modern twist.
The Ela M 251T uses Alloy 2213 as the diaphragm material for the CK-13 capsule, which is an amalgam of titanium and aluminum originally developed for the aerospace industry. This gives the Ela M 251T a more airy and, all else being equal, precise reproduction of the high frequencies, without compromising the depth that the classic ELA M 251 models are known for.

Ela M 251T is a true legend

The Ela M 251T is perhaps the most sought-after microphone in the world and its legendary status is not without reason. The sound of the Ela M 251T is exceptional and unlike any other microphone – it is the ultimate.

The Ela M 251T was created in collaboration with AKG as a replacement in Telefunken’s program for the equally legendary U47. The Ela M 251T 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 – probably the most beautiful sounding microphone ever produced.

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.

While both versions of these microphones have achieved legendary status in modern studio and recording circles, the path to this legendary status was far from a one-off. In 1947, Neumann GmbH made the first U47 microphones. From 1947 to 1958, TELEFUNKEN GmbH used their established global distribution network for the products produced by Neumann GmbH, which were sold under the TELEFUNKEN name with the TELEFUNKEN logo badge.

In 1958, when Neumann GmbH informed TELEFUNKEN GmbH that they had decided not to renew their distribution agreement, TELEFUNKEN approached AKG to see if they could make a “U47-like” model for TELEFUNKEN. This U47-esque microphone would become known as the ELA M 250. Like the U47, this new microphone had a choice of patterns (cardioid and omnidirectional). Around 1958, Neumann GmbH launched the U48 microphone, which offered cardioid and figure-8 patterns. The TELEFUNKEN ELA M 251 was a mix of these two microphones, capable of switching between all three patterns. (kidney, ball, and figure 8). A legend was born.

Telefunken Ela M251T

Type – Capacitor.
Capsule – CK13, 25mm double-sided Alloy 2213 (alloy) diaphragm.
Tube – Telefunken ECC801S (NOS).
Transformer – Haufe T14/1.
Characteristics – Kidney, spherical, and figure eight.
Dimensions – 216mm x 50mm diameter.
weight – 596g

Telefunken ELA M 251T