TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik
TELEFUNKEN M81
Dynamic (moving coil), supercardioid, handheld vocal and instrument mic
Power None: a dynamic mic needs no power. Low output: it needs a lot of preamp gain.
- Type
- Dynamic
- Pattern
- Supercardioid
- Sensitivity
- −56.2 dBV/Pa computed
- Max SPL
- 135 dB SPL
- Among 36 dynamics: takes louder sound than 14%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 36%
- Rated range
- 50 – 18k Hz
vs 13 handheld dynamics
Takes louder sound than 0% of 13 handheld dynamics.
Each stripe is one handheld dynamic with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.
Proximity effect: the bass it gains up close
From the manual 2024 03, p. 7.
"Dynamic Frequency Comparison": Audio Precision plot, "RMS Level -> Normalize (dB)", normalised to 0 dB at 1 kHz. Distance, room and smoothing not stated.
Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.
In practice
All specs
| From the manual | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capsule | 25 mm dynamic moving coil | p. 3 |
| Sensitivity | −56.2 dBV/Pa (1.54 mV/Pa)Not stated by the manufacturer: Stated as 1.54 mV/Pa; converted: 20·log10(0.00154) = -56.2. The product page adds "±1 dB". | |
| Max SPL | 135 dB SPL1% THD. "Maximum SPL (for 1% THD): 135 dB". | |
| Output impedance | 325 ohmoutput impedance | |
| Rated frequency range | 50 Hz to 18 kHz±3 dB. "Frequency Range: 50 Hz – 18 kHz, ± 3dB". | |
| Connector | XLRThe XLR connector is held in the body by a recessed set screw. | p. 7 |
| Weight | 430 g | p. 3 |
| Dimensions | 48 × 184 mm"184 mm x 48 mm"; the product page says "184 mm L x 48 mm Dia": diameter × length. | |
| Supplied accessories | M 780 microphone clip; ZB80 zipper bagIncluded accessories table. The product page names the bag as the ZB82. | p. 2 |
| Transformer | T80 (custom-wound impedance-matching transformer) | p. 3 |
| M81 and M80 | Same diaphragm and output transformer; the M81 is tuned for a flatter, more neutral response with more midrange clarity | p. 7 |
| Recommended applications | Toms, distorted guitar amps, female vocals, brass | |
| Versions | M81-SH low profile (125 mm × 48 mm, 340 g; sonically identical, with drum mounts); M81-WH and -WH2 wireless capsule heads (95 and 93.5 mm × 48 mm, 162 and 179 g) for Shure, Lectrosonics and Sony (WH) or Sennheiser (WH2) transmitters; same specifications otherwise | p. 4 |
| Finishes | Colour and finish options through the Custom Shop configurator | p. 6 |
| Assembly | Hand-assembled in the USA | p. 3 |
| From the product page | ||
| Sensitivity tolerance | ±1 dB | |
Documents
- Dynamic Series Microphone Product Manual: M80, M81, M822024 update with WH2
- Dynamic Series Microphone Product Manual: M80, M81, M82March 2024
- M81product page
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik, unchanged, with its original address.
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