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9 polar patternsPeluso Microphone Lab 22 251

Multi-Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

The Peluso 22 251 is a large-diaphragm tube condenser designed to emulate the character of the vintage Telefunken Ela M 251 microphone.

The original Ela M 251 used an AKG CK-12 capsule, a dual-diaphragm, dual-backplate, edge-terminated design. Peluso’s 22 251 uses a similar capsule, model CEK-12. Like the original, the CEK-12 is a dual-diaphragm, dual-backplate, edge-terminated capsule. The backplates are imported from a Far East manufacturer, QC’d in Virginia, then skinned with 6-micron German Mylar.

The amplifier circuit is a copy of the AKG circuit from the Ela M 251, modified to function with a PSU-based pattern control switch. Switching patterns from the power supply is more common and simpler than the original 251’s implementation, which altered the pickup pattern through a somewhat complex switching mechanism on the microphone body.

Note too that the Ela M 251 was a 3-pattern mic, whereas the 22 251 provides 9 patterns.

Although earlier runs of the mic used a CineMag transformer, current production mics use an output transformer built to Peluso’s specs by Tamura. It is a copy of AKG’s T14 transformer, based on original design papers provided by AKG.

The vacuum tube is a 6072, inverted (as in the Ela M 251) to keep the wires to the capsule as short as possible. All Peluso’s tube mics use point-to-point wiring for the capsule and tube leads.

The microphone is packaged in a wood box and shipped with its power supply, power cable, and shock mount in a flight case. The mic is built by hand in the US, and like all Peluso mics, carries a 3 year limited warranty.

Permalink: Peluso Microphone Lab 22-251

Specifications

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Omnidirectional (14 mV/Pa; 20 - 24,000 Hz)
Cardioid (14 mV/Pa; 20 - 24,000 Hz)
Bidirectional (14 mV/Pa; 20 - 24,000 Hz)
Wide Cardioid (14 mV/Pa; 20 - 24,000 Hz)
Capsule Dimensions Impedance SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 34mm
Capsule diameter: 28mm
Diaphragm gauge: 6 microns
200 Ohms (Low) Max SPL: 138 dB
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
620g (21.87oz) 225mm (8.86'') 50mm (1.97'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Includes tube power supply

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