A Meticulous Reissue of a Glorious-sounding Classic

The Telefunken ELA M 251E large-diaphragm tube condenser mic is a faithful rendition of a legend. The original, introduced in 1960, is reverentially considered to be one of the most gorgeous sounding mics ever made. With rare working-condition vintage ‘251s going for major ducats, this meticulous reissue is a no-brainer if you’re after that uniquely smooth, present, and open sound you’ve heard on countless hits. Sporting three pickup patterns and a max SPL of 138dB, this microphone delivers sumptuous results on any instrument. Stock your mic locker with a classic: the Telefunken ELA M 251E.

Telefunken ELA M 251E Large-diaphragm Multi-pattern Tube Condenser Mic at a Glance:

• Achieve sonic opulence (without a second mortgage)
• Three polar patterns accommodate any recording task
• A few examples of what you can do with this incredible mic

Achieve sonic opulence (without a second mortgage)

Made from 1960 to 1965 with an estimated total production run of fewer than 3,700 units, the original Telefunken ELA M 251E is highly coveted. Rare working-condition vintage examples fetch well into the five figures, when you can even find one for sale. So, Telefunken did something very intelligent: a meticulous reissue. But first, as there were no available blueprints or schematics for the original, they had to reverse-engineer from prime vintage samples. The results are jaw-dropping: pure sonic opulence.

Three polar patterns accommodate any recording task

With its three pickup patterns, the Telefunken ELA M 251E is ideal for a range of stereo recording techniques if you have two, including Spaced Pair (A/B), XY (including Blumlein), ORTF array, and Mid-Side (MS). Read on for a few examples to get the creative juices flowing.

A few examples of what you can do with this incredible mic

Two singers, one mic: grab the Telefunken ELA M 251E, set it to figure-8, and you’re good to go. Record a sax solo overdub with natural “slap”: position the ELA M 251E (again, on figure-8) between the sax player and the control room window and adjust mic position to taste. Ginormous Val Garay-style toms (two racks and a floor): three ‘251s on cardioid, fairly close-in, just don’t let the drummer hit the mics! Full symphony orchestra, Bob Fine’s Mercury Living Presence technique: Three ‘251s, set to omni, across the proscenium arch; record to three tracks panned left, center, and right. Set your levels for peaks, then leave those faders alone and let the conductor balance the orchestra. We could go on, but you can already see how the Telefunken ELA M 251E can be used in any number of ways to produce incredible sounding tracks.

Invest in sonic opulence with the Telefunken ELA M 251E!

Tech Specs