recordinghacks

Search Microphones


Share This Page

OmnidirectionalCardioidTelefunken Elektroakustik Ela M 250

Multi-Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

The Telefunken Elektroakustik Ela M 250 is a two-pattern tube condenser microphone, intended as a historically accurate reproduction of the AKG-built vintage mic of the same name. The lack of an “E” suffix in the model name indicates that this mic is modeled after the European version of the mic, with a Telefunken AC701 vacuum tube.

The Ela M 250 is one of many similar microphones from the 250/251 family. It differs from the more-expensive Ela M 251 in exactly one respect: the 250 provides Cardioid and Omni patterns, whereas the 251 also provides Figure-of-8. (See the reference table below to distinguish the other mics from this series.) Pattern switching is effected by a control built into the microphone body, below the headbasket.

Both the ElaM 250 and ElaM 251 use Telefunken Elektroakustik’s reproduction of the AKG CK-12 capsule, a dual-backplate, dual-diaphragm, edge-terminated design with 25mm Mylar diaphragms. (See the ElaM 251E profile for further discussion of the capsule.)

The 250 uses the same Haufe 14:1 output transformer as the other 250/251 mics in Telefunken Elektroakustik’s product line.

As noted above, the ‘E’ versions of the 250 and 251 used a different vacuum tube — the GE JAN-spec 6072a dual-triode. The “no-suffix” mics, the ElaM 250 and ElaM 251, used a subminiature triode from Telefunken, model name AC701.

Telefunken Elektroakustik manufactures numerous variations of the ElaM 250/251 microphone:

ModelCapsuleTubePatternsPSUMSRP (2010)
Ela M 250CK-12AC-701Cardioid, OmniHistorical$13,495
Ela M 251CK-12AC-701Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8Historical$13,995
Ela M 250 ECK-126072aCardioid, OmniHistorical$10,495
Ela M 251 ECK-126072aCardioid, Omni, Figure-8Historical$10,995
Ela M 250 FTK-126072aCardioid, OmniModernn/a
Ela M 251 FTK-126072aCardioid, Omni, Figure-8Modern($5,995)
Ela M 251 TCK-136072aCardioid, Omni, Figure-8Historicaln/a

(MSRP current as of Nov, 2010)

The ElaM 250 ships with a wooden storage case for the mic, a historically-accurate power supply and cable, and a locking suitcase.

From September 2010 through the end of 2011, Telefunken is offering a commemorative 50-year anniversary edition of the ElaM 250 (and most ElaM models). The 250 anniversary edition includes a custom leather flight case with an embroidered 50th Anniversary logo.

Permalink: Telefunken Elektroakustik Ela-M-250

Specifications

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Omnidirectional (12 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
Cardioid (12 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
Capsule Dimensions Impedance SPL/Noise
Diaphragm diameter: 25mm
Capsule diameter: 32mm
Diaphragm gauge: 6 microns
200 Ohms (Low) Max SPL: 138 dB
Self-noise: 16.0 dB(A)
Weight Length Max Diameter Interface(s)
567g (20.00oz) 216mm (8.50'') 51mm (2.01'')
  • 3-pin XLR male (1)
Power Specifications
  • Includes tube power supply

Did we get anything wrong on this page? Please let us know!