Telefunken Ela M 251T

The Telefunken Ela M 251T is a true high-end microphone 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 aviation industry.
This gives the Ela M 251T a more airy and – all things being equal – accurate reproduction of the high frequencies, without compromising on the depth the classic ELA M 251 models are known for.

Ela M 251T is a true legend

The Ela M 251T is perhaps the most coveted microphone in the world and its legendary status is not without reason.
The sound of the Ela M 251T is exceptional and unmatched by any other microphone – it is the ultimate.
The Ela M 251T was founded 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 amazing sound is to most people’s taste.
It can be characterized as soft, detailed and with a special aura capable of enhancing 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 reaching this legendary status was far from coming out of the blue.
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, 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 went to AKG to possibly have them 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 character choices (kidney and ball).
Around 1958, Neumann GmbH launched the U48 microphone, which offered kidney and figure-8 character.
The TELEFUNKEN ELA M 251 was a mix of these two microphones, it was able to switch between all three patterns (kidney, ball, and figure 8).
A legend was born.

Telefunken Ela M251T

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

Telefunken ELA M 251T