recordinghacks

Soundelux E251C

Cardioid Tube Condenser Microphone

The E251C is a more affordable, cardioid-only version of the renowned Elux251, using the same CK12-style capsule as the Elux. By using a lower-cost body assembly, removing the pattern selection switch and providing an imported shockmount, significant savings have been realized.

Additionally, the E251C has a “brite/normal” switch which allows for standard ELUX251 type high frequency response or a relaxed high frequency response.

The E251C’s output transformer has been selected to duplicate the intense deep bass of the ELUX but roll off the LF sooner (30Hz instead of 10Hz) making this mic friendlier to a wider variety of recording rooms.

The tube is a New Old Stock GES5670 triode.

Soundelux, 2006

Starting with the same German ELUX capsule and basic circuit design, the Soundelux goal was to preserve as much of the ELUX251 cardioid sound as possible. Additionally, the E251C has a “brite/normal” switch which allows for standard ELUX251 type high frequency response or a relaxed high frequency response, essentially making this two mics in one! Furthermore, the E251C’s output transformer has been selected to duplicate the intense deep bass of the ELUX but roll off the LF sooner (30Hz instead of 10Hz) making this mic friendlier to a wider variety of recording rooms.

Using a less expensive body and headgrille assembly and a power supply that has only one pattern, Soundelux realized significant savings over the standard ELUX251 manufacturing cost. Like the ELUX251, the E251C microphone has the important quality of a high frequency response that is not only present, but natural. This allows vocals to sound naturally dominant without being overbearing, to come forward without being obtrusive. It transforms the most intimate details of a vocal, maintaining its clarity even under stressful vocal situations, and doesn’t fold or get harsh as the singer’s intensity increases. The “brite/normal” switch adds to its versatility without sacrificing clarity. The 251 has been the most used vocal mic for decades and the E251C puts this sound in reach of a greater number of engineers and artists.

With the demise of the Soundelux name, the E251C has been rebranded as the Bock Audio 151.

The E251C’s most direct predecessor was the Soundelux E250, also a fixed-cardioid tube condenser vocal mike. The E250 utilized a similar CK-12 style capsule, but an EF732 tube, and did not have the “bright/normal” EQ switch.

The Soundelux E251C is also known as: E251.

The mic was released in 2005.

Specifications

Frequency Response - CardioidClick Graph to Compare!

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Cardioid (19 mV/Pa; 30 - 16,000 Hz)	Filter: Bright/Normal (Via Switch)

Capsule Dimensions	Impedance	SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 25mm	200 Ohms (Low)

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
694g (24.48oz)	203mm (7.99'')	51mm (2.01'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications
Includes tube power supply

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