The microphone models listed below are no longer in production, however, they can still be serviced and repaired by authorized Telefunken technicians. Information on microphone repair and restoration services can be found here.
The R-F-T Series was developed in 2005 to meet the needs of the emerging project studio market. The design concept for the R-F-T Series was to utilize standardized metalwork and structural chassis from overseas as the microphone platform, then design and build the circuits inside of them in the USA. This practice cut out a substantial portion of the overhead costs of custom metalwork and molding, therefore allowing Telefunken to provide a lower cost alternative to the premium Diamond Series without compromising sonic quality. The name R-F-T is a nod to the East German brand that manufactured communications electronics including microphones and vacuum tubes in the 1950’s and 1960’s. R-F-T is short for Rundfunk- und Fernmelde-Technik, or broadcasting and telecommunications technology. The design and development of the R-F-T Series paved the way for the current production Alchemy Series.
Information on current production Alchemy Series microphones can be found here.
The AK-47 MkI is a large diaphragm tube condenser microphone with a 9-way pattern selection switch on the power supply. The amplifier circuit was developed in partnership with AMI/TAB Funkenwerk and utilizes an AMI BV47 output transformer, a NOS TELEFUNKEN EF732 vacuum tube, and a TK67D capsule. This microphone was discontinued and replaced by the AK-47 MkII, which features an upgraded BV8 transformer (built to tighter tolerances and historic specifications than the original BV47), component upgrades, and wider circuit traces for better current handling and lower self-noise. The AK-47 MkII utilizes the same TK67D capsule as the AK-47 MkI, so sonically the frequency responses are similar, while the transient response, self-noise and current handling were all improved in the MkII design. The current production TF47 circuit is based on the AK-47 MkII.
Information on the current production TF47 can be found here.
The AR-70 is a stereo version of the AR-51. Two models were produced: one with both capsules in fixed cardioid, and one where the bottom capsule is fixed cardioid and the top capsule is wired with remote multi-polar pattern capabilities. In both versions each amplifier features a Haufe T14 output transformer and an edge terminated capsule, similar to the C12 and 251E. Like the C24 (the stereo version of the C12), the AR-70 employs one matched, dual triode 6072A vacuum tube to amplify both Top and Bottom channels. The AR-70 was manufactured into 2021, two years after the rest of the R-F-T Series microphones were discontinued.
The M16 MkII is a large diaphragm tube condenser microphone with a 9-way pattern selection switch on the power supply. The M16 MkII amplifier circuit was developed in partnership with AMI/TAB Funkenwerk and utilizes an AMI T14 output transformer, a NOS GE JAN 6072A vacuum tube, and a center terminated TK67D capsule. This microphone was discontinued and was replaced by the AR-51, which features an upgraded T14 transformer built by Haufe, the original manufacturer of the T14, as well as component upgrades and wider circuit traces for better current handling, improved transient response and lower self-noise. The AR-51 utilizes an edge terminated TK51D capsule which provides a different frequency response and sensitivity than the M16 MkII.
The AR-51 is a large diaphragm tube condenser microphone with a 9-way pattern selection switch on the power supply. The amplifier circuit features a Haufe T14 output transformer, 6072A vacuum tube and an edge terminated TK51D capsule. This microphone encompasses the “Austrian sound” made famous by microphones such as the C12 and ELA M 251E. The AR-70 is a stereo version of this design, featuring two matched capsules for recording techniques such as XY and M/S. This microphone was discontinued with the introduction of the Alchemy Series. The current production TF51 is based on the AR-51 design.
Information on the current production TF51 can be found here.
The CU-29 Copperhead is a fixed Cardioid large diaphragm tube condenser microphone. The amplifier circuit features a Lundahl output transformer, NOS 6AK5W vacuum tube and a center terminated TK67 capsule. It’s design is not based on any vintage microphone, and was developed by Telefunken in South Windsor, Connecticut. The CU-29 Copperhead was discontinued and replaced by the fixed Cardioid TF29 Copperhead and the multipattern TF39 Copperhead Deluxe.
Information on the current production TF29 and TF39 can be found here.
The M216 Matrix features two complete M16 MkII amplifier circuits built into a single microphone system. Both capsules were designed with multi-pattern capabilities giving the system the ability to record in XY, M/S, and Blumlein configurations. The M216 Stereo is a similar design as the Matrix, however, the bottom capsule is fixed into cardioid polar pattern with the top capsule allowing multipattern variability. Much like the other microphone in the M216 series, the M216 XY features dual capsules enabling stereo recording, however both capsules are in fixed in cardioid polar patterns.
The Diamond Series was born out of the desire to develop restoration parts for some of the world’s most prized vintage vacuum tube-based microphones. All of the parts for these microphones were reverse engineered and recreated exactly to the originals in order to manufacture new models and provide restoration parts for the vintage versions. Most of the parts are custom tooled and machined in the USA.
Information on current production Diamond Series microphones can be found here.
The AK-47 MkI is a large diaphragm tube condenser microphone with a 9-way pattern selection switch on the power supply. The amplifier circuit was developed
The TELEFUNKEN ELA M 12 is a recreation of the vintage model C12 microphone originally manufactured by AKG. It features a custom power supply with built in 9-position remote polar pattern switch. The name was changed to C12 after production of the first 10 units.
Information on the current production C12 can be found here.
in partnership with AMI/TAB Funkenwerk and utilizes an AMI BV47 output transformer, a NOS TELEFUNKEN EF732 vacuum tube, and a TK67D capsule. This microphone was discontinued and replaced by the AK-47 MkII, which features an upgraded BV8 transformer (built to tighter tolerances and historic specifications than the original BV47), component upgrades, and wider circuit traces for better current handling and lower self-noise. The AK-47 MkII utilizes the same TK67D capsule as the AK-47 MkI, so sonically the frequency responses are similar, while the transient response, self-noise and current handling were all improved in the MkII design. The current production TF47 circuit is based on the AK-47 MkII.
Information on the current production TF47 can be found here.
Almost the same microphone as the ELA M 250 featuring the same polar patterns, capsule, and amplifier circuit. The difference between the two systems is the GE 6072A vacuum tube utilized in the amplifier circuit.
The ELA M 270 is a re-creation of the one of TELEFUNKEN’s rarest microphone designs, a stereo version of the ELA M 251E. This microphone featured two CK12 capsules, a dual triode new old stock 6072A vacuum tube, and a custom power supply designed to run both channels of the microphone system. The original design was abandoned by AKG / TELEFUNKEN in the early 1960’s and replaced by the AKG C24 microphone systems.
The TELEFUNKEN ELA M 250 is the historically accurate recreation of the vintage model originally manufactured by AKG.
A distinguishing characteristic of the 250 is the two pattern capabilities (cardioid and omni) of the CK12 capsule. The lack of the “E” or “Export” designation means the microphone features the renowned AC701 vacuum tube.
The TELEFUNKEN ELA M 251 is the historically accurate recreation of the vintage model originally manufactured by AKG.
A distinguishing characteristic of the 251 is addition of the bidirectional polar pattern of the CK12 capsule. The lack of the “E” or “Export” designation means the microphone features the renowned AC701 vacuum tube.
Information on the current production ELA M 251E can be found here.
The F Series was developed in 2004 as no frills versions of the Diamond Series microphones. By removing the flight case and offering a basic style power supply sourced from overseas, the ELA M 250F, ELA M 251F and M12F were presented as more affordable versions of the popular ELA M 251E and C12. Each microphone utilized an alternative American–made TK12 capsule, NOS vacuum tube, European–made output transformer, and the same American-made metal housing as its Diamond Series counterpart. The F series was discontinued at the end of 2007.
F Series version of the ELA M 251E, featuring Cardioid, Omnidirectional, and Figure-8 polar patterns.
Information on the current production ELA M 251E can be found here.
F Series version of the ELA M 250E, featuring Cardioid and Omnidirectional polar patterns.
The V Series was developed around a private stash of new old stock, Austrian-made CK12 capsules. In 2006, TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik acquired a private collection of historic CK12 capsule parts which were meticulously restored to original specification. These capsules were often mated with additional new old stock components like the rare AC701 (in the ELA M 251VAC) or VF14 (in the U47V) vacuum tubes, which were also utilized in this series of microphones.
ELA M 12V version of the ELA M 12 (and later, the C12), featuring an original CK12 capsule manufactured by AKG in Austria, but re-skinned and tuned by TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik in South Windsor, CT. The circuit featured a new old stock GE JAN 6072A vacuum tube and historically accurate power supply, pattern selector switch, and cables.
Information on the current production C12 can be found here.
ELA M 251 VAC
ELA M 251VAC version of the ELA M 251, featuring an original CK12 capsule manufactured by AKG in Austria, but re-skinned and tuned by TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik in South Windsor, CT. The circuit features a new old stock TELEFUNKEN AC701K vacuum tube.
Information on the current production ELA M 251E can be found here.
ELA M 251V version of the ELA M 251E, featuring an original CK12 capsule manufactured by AKG in Austria, but re-skinned and tuned by TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik in South Windsor, CT. The circuit features a new old stock GE 6072A vacuum tube.
Information on the current production ELA M 251E can be found here.
The Cinemic was one of the first microphones produced by TELEFUNKEN USA in 2002. It is a modern replica of the famously modified U47’s made by MGM Engineer Stanley Church in Hollywood in the 1950’s. It features the body metalwork and M7 capsule from the U47, the 6072A vacuum tube and remote polarizing capabilities of the C12, and a custom Triad output transformer.
The U47AE was a product name used briefly for the U47. The “AE” is taken from the company American Elite, the original importer of TELEFUNKEN products in the USA. The “AE” was dropped from the name in favor of the current U47. This microphone is closest to the current product U47, featuring a new production VF14K vacuum tube.
Information on the current production U47 can be found here.
RM-5C is a ribbon microphone based on the classic RCA BK5 and was marketed in partnership with Silvia Classics from Santa Cruz, CA.
TELEFUNKEN provides these multitrack audio files for the sole purpose of allowing individuals an opportunity to utilize them for home studio use and for educational purposes only.
No commercial use is permitted. Any commercial use or reuse is strictly forbidden.
By downloading any track hereunder the user agrees to properly attribute all copyrights and to display the following on any non-commercial reuse of the video and multitrack audio files as follows:
“All audio files have been engineered and recorded by TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik and are presented for educational and demonstrational purposes only.”
The LIVE FROM THE LAB live music video series is recorded and filmed at TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik’s facility in South Windsor, CT. Each session is tracked live exclusively with TELEFUNKEN microphones and features unique performances from a variety of local, regional, national, and international artists and ensembles.
The multitrack audio files from these sessions are available for free download via clickable links below the individual performance videos. All audio files are presented in .WAV format and were recorded at 24bit / 48KHz sample rate. They are clearly labeled in the same format with the source listed first (LEAD VOX, ACOUSTIC, PIANO), followed by the microphone used (C12, AR-51, etc) and can be downloaded and imported into your Digital Audio Workstation of choice.
For more additional content please visit livefromthelab.net
