TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik
Telefunken TF51
Large-diaphragm tube condenser (6072A), TK51 edge-terminated capsule, omni, cardioid and figure-8; Alchemy Series
Power M 903 multi-pattern external power supply (115 or 230 V mains).
- Type
- Condenser
- Pattern
- Switchable, 3
- Sensitivity
- −34.4 dBV/Pa computed
- Self-noise
- 8 dB(A)
- Among 258 condensers: quieter than 90%
- Among 272 mics: quieter than 91%
- Max SPL
- 128 dB SPL
- Among 277 condensers: takes louder sound than 15%
- Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 13%
- Rated range
- 20 – 20k Hz
vs 99 side-address condensers
Quieter than 80% of 99 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. This mic is in blue.
vs 107 side-address condensers
Takes louder sound than 21% of 107 side-address condensers.
Each stripe is one side-address condenser 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, p. 15.
Audio Precision plot without a title, "RMS Level -> Normalize (dB)", all curves at 0 dB at 1 kHz. Distance, room and smoothing not stated. Legend: "Cardioid".
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 | TK51, edge-terminated large diaphragm (similar to the CK12)"TK51 - Edge Terminated Large Diaphragm"; "Edge terminated capsule similar to CK12" (p. 14). | p. 15 |
| Sensitivity | −34.4 dBV/Pa (19 mV/Pa)Not stated by the manufacturer: From 19 mV/Pa: 20·log10(0.019). | |
| Self-noise | 8 dB(A)amplifier. "Self-Noise (Amplifier) 8 dBA". | |
| Max SPL | 128 dB SPL1% THD. "Maximum SPL (for 1% THD) 128 dB". | |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 86 dBA-weighted. "S/N Ratio 86 dBA". | |
| Output impedance | 300 ohmstated as less than 300 ohm. "Output Impedance < 300 Ω". | |
| Rated frequency range | 20 Hz to 20 kHz±3 dB. "20 Hz - 20 kHz, ±3 dB". | |
| Powering | M 903 multi-pattern external power supply (115 or 230 V mains)System table: M 903 Multi Pattern Power Supply; "Make sure the power supply is set to the correct mains voltage (115V or 230V)" (p. 3). | p. 2 |
| Connector | 7-pin at the mic (M 803 tube mic cable to the supply); XLR-3 output on the supply"Plug the included 7-pin microphone cable into the microphone then into the power supply"; "Connect a standard 3-pin microphone cable to the power supply". | p. 3 |
| Weight | 615 g | p. 15 |
| Dimensions | 200 × 46 mm"200 mm L x 46 mm Dia" (length x diameter). | |
| Tube | TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik 6072A | |
| Transformer | Haufe T31 (custom, made in Germany) | |
| THDamplifier | < 0.4% at 1 kHz, 1 Pa | |
| Warm-up | Let the system warm up for 10 minutes before use | p. 3 |
| Built | Designed, hand-built and tested in Connecticut, USA | p. 4 |
| From the product page | ||
| Supplied accessories | M 903 power supply; M 803 tube mic cable (7 m); M 703 shock mount; M 782 stand mount; MS01 sleeve; ZC03 carrying case"Each system includes: TF51 Microphone, M 903 Power Supply, M 803 Tube Microphone Cable – 7m, ZC03 Zipper Case, M 703 Shock Mount, M 782 Stand Mount, MS01 Microphone Sleeve"; the same in the manual's table (p. 2). | |
| Pricemaker, October 2026 | $1,995 (system); matched pair $3,985 | |
Documents
- Alchemy Series Microphone Product Manual: TF11, TF17, TF29, TF39, TF47, TF512024 Q1
- Alchemy Series Microphone Product Manual: TF11, TF29, TF39, TF47, TF51LIT-091, October 2023
- TF51 | TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustikproduct page
Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik, unchanged, with its original address.
Recommended for
By recording guides, engineers and mic makers, for this mic or an earlier version of it.
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