Now is the perfect time to get the gear you want with simple, promotional financing. This was the microphone that I was most excited to get my hands on, as its inspiration — the ELA M 251 — is not a mic you get to use very often, let alone entertain owning! The Telefunken ELA M 251E large-diaphragm tube condenser mic is a faithful rendition of a legend. Thinking about the pricing of the Alchemy range, I think you perhaps need to put it into context of Telefunken's other products — and the fact that these are all, largely, being put together in the same factory with some similar key components and the same quality control. The output transformer is also supplied by the same original German supplier for Telefunken. The Telefunken ELA M 251E large-diaphragm tube condenser mic is a faithful rendition of a legend. I was lucky enough to have three flavours from the Alchemy range to review — the TF39 Copperhead Deluxe, the TF47 and the TF51 — and I was looking forward to seeing how the microphones performed on some upcoming recording sessions I had at my studio. They also offer a simpler version, the TF29, which is cheaper and has a fixed cardioid pickup pattern. I'll talk a little more about the differences between the three mics in the Alchemy range, but the Copperhead TF39 was a very useful mic indeed to have around the studio. Reserve yours now risk-free, or contact us for more information. The TF51 has got me thinking seriously about using my credit card, based entirely on how good it sounds on female vocals, and will for me be the hardest of the three to give back. But first, as there were no available blueprints or schematics for the original, they had to reverse-engineer from prime vintage samples. So, Telefunken did something very intelligent: a meticulous reissue. Two singers, one mic: grab the Telefunken ELA M 251E, set it to figure-8, and you're good to go. All three of these models can seem quite forward–sounding when listened to in isolation, as they all have varying degrees of presence peak around the upper mid-range. There's then a peak at around 3kHz, and then a relatively big boost around 15-16 kHz. Each mic comes with a smart-looking American–made power supply, which is more compact than you might find with a vintage tube mic, but feels and looks very solid, with high-quality Neutrik input connectors along with controls for selecting your required polar pattern. No project is too big or small, so give us a call today and let's talk gear! It features the same 6072A tube that Telefunken use in their 251 recreation (and their version of the closely related C12). All three microphones worked wonderfully in this setup and also seemed very unfussy about positioning. It also has a softer top end than the other mics in the Alchemy range — rolling off very slowly above 5kHz — which makes it less modern sounding, but which also seemed to draw my attention to the low-mid range on sources such as acoustic guitars and vocals. I was very impressed with the Copperhead, and if you're looking for your first mic at this level, but want some flexibility, then the TF39, or TF29, would make an excellent choice. Everything about the package is well thought out, and as well as looking nice, it's quick and easy to set up and pack away. Made from 1960 to 1965 with an estimated total production run of fewer than 3,700 units, the original Telefunken ELA M 251E is highly coveted. Why does Liam Gallagher's vocals sound shit? The TF47 features an all-brass K47-style capsule, NOS 5840W vacuum tube, and a custom–made and historically accurate BV8 transformer — as found in the U47. As well as using the TF39 on several singers during the review period I got great, detailed results on acoustic guitar and in front of a guitar cab. Get Directions | One Synth Challenge V - The Filter Strikes Back! You would rightly expect for mics in this price range to feel solid and well made, but it is still refreshing that so much thought and care has gone into the product as a whole. The original, introduced in 1960, is reverentially considered to be one of the most gorgeous sounding mics ever made. It won’t have the same sound as a … The proof is always in how they come together in a mix, however, and once I had done just a little basic mix work on a vocal, like compression and a touch of reverb, they sounded fantastic. A Sweetwater Sales Engineer will get back to you shortly. Our Sales Engineers are a world-class team of music gear experts whose sole job is to provide you with helpful advice and unparalleled service completely free of charge. On the right voice or instrument, this forward–sounding mid-range can be just what is needed, however, to help something cut through a mix. Used on a female vocal, the top end has that extended, modern feel, along with a very tasteful amount of bottom end. Everything you love about Sweetwater in the palm of your hand. I honestly felt spoilt at times during this session, as having all three mics up on stands gave me such a useful set of options around the same high-quality theme. Happy customers, one piece of gear at a time! I've prepared a number of audio files from the session I described at the end of this review, which you can hear for yourself at www.soundonsound.com/techniques/telefunken-alchemy-series-audio-examples. Whenever I put the Telefunken ELA M 251E in front of a singer or amp, I achieve the instant clarity and definition that can be so hard to obtain - not to mention gorgeous tone. The TF47 has a quite pronounced mid-range peak between 3-5 kHz which, not surprisingly, makes it a little fussier than some other microphones. Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Mic with Cardioid, Omni, and Figure-8 polar patterns, Locking Flight Case, Lunchbox-style Power Supply, and Wooden Microphone Box. It's not a mic to bring out, or exaggerate, the body of a source, however, and was less well suited to the male singers I tried it on. Q. Telefunken ELA M 251E Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone, Music background: Full-time, professional musician, Music background: Multi-instrumentalist, producer. Solid and stylish package including a case, mic holders and cables. You might be able to find equally good mics for a bit less by looking around and auditioning other options, especially in the case of the TF47, but the fact that these mics are so tastefully and well put together — along with the heritage of the Telefunken name — means these models have a better chance than most of proving a good investment for many years to come. All rights reserved. Buying music gear can be complicated, but your Sweetwater Sales Engineer is here to help. It features the same 6072A tube that Telefunken use in their 251 recreation (and their version of the closely related C12). The TF39 is excellent value. Before finishing off my review, I set up a session with a female folk singer I know so that I could directly compare the three models. This is, I suspect, one of the reasons Telefunken have been able to bring the mics in at the price they have, as it means they can keep manufacturing variables to a minimum between the various models in the range. 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