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Telefunken Elektroakustik Ela M 80

Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

The M80 is an end-address dynamic mic, intended for live vocal use but useful around the stage or studio as an instrument mic, with reports of good results on snare or guitar cab.

It is part of a new generation of dynamics that claim to deliver condenser-like audio fidelity in a rugged dynamic design. See links to comparable mics in the sidebar.

The M80, officially known as the Ela M 80, features a high-end output transformer designed for this mic by AMI/Tab-Funkenwerk.

As of September, 2009, Telefunken Elektroakustik and AMI ended their exclusive licensing agreement for the T80 transformer, effectively making the T80 available to other AMI customers.

Alan Acuff

[T]he M 80 is a wonderful mic… It has a lovely clear, sweet midrange which has a bit of that 3D quality that one finds in only the very best microphones. The proximity effect is toned down compared to my SM57, but the bass extends lower and is solid and tight.

Performing Musician, 2009

The M80 didn’t seem to me to be quite as open-sounding at the high end as the rather more costly Heil PR 35, but it was certainly a lot less congested-sounding than many of the dynamic cardioid mics I’ve used, offering more clarity and exhibiting a fairly tight cardioid pattern with good rejection of sound from the rear as well as a useful degree of attenuation for sounds coming in from the side.

The M80 won a Reader’s Choice award from ProSoundWeb in 2010.

The Telefunken Elektroakustik Ela M 80 is also known as: ElaM80, M80.

The mic was released in 2008.

Specifications

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
CHART Cardioid (n/a mV/Pa; 30 - 18,000 Hz)

Coil Diameter	Impedance	SPL/Noise
n/a	200 Ohms (Low)	SPL n/a

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
371g (13.09oz)	184mm (7.24'')	48mm (1.89'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications

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