Telefunken Elektroakustik’s new ELA M 251T tube condenser microphone (price TBA) features the new Telefunken Elektroakustik CK-13 capsule. While based on the classic ELA M 251 models, the ELA M 251T adds the implementation of Alloy 2213 as the diaphragm membrane material for the CK-13 capsule. Alloy 2213 is an amalgam of titanium and aluminum, which was originally developed for the aerospace industry.
Traditionally gold has been sputtered onto Mylar for the diaphragms of the historic CK-12 capsule. By employing Alloy 2213, which is far more rigid than gold, Telefunken Elektroakustik has developed a capsule that provides greater accuracy in the low frequency ranges of the audio spectrum by attaining a higher damping factor to the motion of the membrane.
Alloy 2213 is lighter than gold, and when combined with the edge terminated CK-12 system provides an “airy” and “delicate” representation of the upper ranges of the audio spectrum. This affords a higher degree of detail in the recorded sound while still providing the depth of audio for which ELA M 251 microphones have been associated for decades.
The company achieved diaphragm tuning and fabrication through extensive R&D, resulting in a microphone capsule that is said to “better withstand moisture, smoke, and extreme volume, thus requiring less maintenance over the years.”
The amplifier is the same as the ELA M 251E, which features a New Old Stock [NOS] Telefunken 6072a tube, a European-made output transformer; it can also be fitted to the ELA M 251 amplifier that is fitted with a NOS Telefunken AC-701 tube. The CK-13 capsule assembly will also be available through regular distribution channels for aftermarket retro-fit to all Telefunken Elektroakustik ELA M 250 and 251 models both new and vintage.
The ELA M 251T also sheds the classic mint green body color of the ELA M 250, 250E, 251, 251E and ELA M 270 in favor of a sleek sulfamate nickel-plated finish to reflect the proprietary capsule technology. The ELA M 251T System comes complete with capsule, amplifier, power supply, and 4-year warranty. Included in the package are a stand-mount cable connector, ruggedly built power supply, wooden microphone box, and a classic leather bound locking tweed flight case.
For more information, visit www.t-funk.com.
