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OmnidirectionalCardioidBidirectionalTelefunken Elektroakustik Ela M 251 F

Multi-Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

The ElaM 251 F is a large-diaphragm tube condenser mic, presented as a low-cost version of Telefunken Elektroakustik’s historically-accurate ElaM 251E reproduction.

The primary differences between the ‘E’ and ‘F’ versions are:

  • The 251F has an imported, “modern” power supply, rather than the historically-accurate “lunchbox”-style 251E power supply.
  • The 251F uses the company’s TK-12 capsule, rather than their CK-12 capsule.
  • The 251F’s “no frills” packaging does not include the the vintage-style locking flight case of the 251E.

Telefunken USA Ela M 251E CircuitThe 251F’s amplifier circuit is identical to the company’s 251E reissue; the tube is a JAN 6072A, and the transformer is custom-wound by Haufe. The original Telefunken 250/251 modular construction technique is retained.

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

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)

Note the similarity between the ElaM 250F and ElaM 251F — the sole difference is that the 251F has a third polar pattern: figure-of-8.

Telefunken Elektroakustik ElaM 251 F packageThe ElaM 251F “no frills” package included the 251F microphone, an imported power supply, a swivel mount, a hardwood storage box for the mic, and a power cable.

Permalink: Telefunken Elektroakustik ElaM-251F

The mic was released in 2004.

Specifications

Pickup Patterns Pads & Filters
Omnidirectional (12 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
Cardioid (12 mV/Pa; 20 - 20,000 Hz)
Bidirectional (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

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