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side-address large-diaphragm dual-diaphragm tube alctron multipattern k67 bv314 6072 condenser

Specifications and Reviews

• M16 Mk II Product Description
• M16 Mk II Product Description
• StudioReviews review, 2006-11

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• Apex Electronics 460
• Ningbo Alctron Electronics Co., Ltd. HST-11A
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• More Telefunken USA microphones

Telefunken USA R-F-T M16 Mk II

MSRP: $1,499 Multi-Pattern Condenser Tube Microphone

Description

Telefunken USA introduced a lower-cost line of microphones under the name “R-F-T” (for Radio Fernseh Technik, an old German brand). The idea for the R-F-T line was to combine “overseas” parts and manufacturing with selected American- and European-made components in order to provide high-quality mics at a hobbyist price point.

The capsule model is “TK67,” a 32mm dual-diaphragm design inspired by and named after the classic Neumann K67 design.

The M16 was introduced in January of 2005 at an MSRP over $1000. A few months later, Dan Richards’ teardown expose revealed that the M16 was functionally identical to the $200 Apex 460 (itself a relabelled Alctron HST-11a).

Telefunken USA quickly responded by introducing the ‘M16 Mk II,’ and offering a free upgrade for all M16 owners. The upgrade included numerous components that, by all reports, dramatically improve the performance of the microphone:

• a new circuit design by Telefunken USA
• a custom-wound BV314 transformer hand built in the US by TAB Funkenwerk
• the same New Old Stock GE JAN 6072a tube found in the Telefunken Ela M 251, Ela M 12 and Ela M 270 microphone systems

As with most other HST-11A clones and descendents, the RFT M16 is a 9-pattern mic, offering Cardioid, Omni, Bidirectional, and six in-between pickup patterns (via a switch on the power supply).

The M16 Mk II carries a fully transferable 5-year warranty.

The Telefunken USA R-F-T M16 Mk II is also known as: M16MkII, ElaM16.

The mic was released in 2005.

Pickup Patterns	Pads & Filters
Omnidirectional (20 - 20,000 Hz) Cardioid (20 - 20,000 Hz) Bidirectional (20 - 20,000 Hz)

Diaphragm size	Impedance	Max SPL
32mm (1.26'')	n/a	n/a

Weight	Length	Max Diameter	Interface(s)
765g (26.98oz)	241mm (9.49'')	45mm (1.77'')	3-pin XLR male (1)

Power Specifications
Requires External Power Supply

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