Thief Called TELEFUNKEN To Purchase Power Supply
Pictured seated is Jeff Gitelman with his prized C12 microphone in the foreground, and his production partner Ian “Napolian” Evans. Photo by David Goggin.
Prolific producer/engineer and songwriter Jeff Gitelman was crestfallen when he discovered that his prized TELEFUNKEN C12 microphone was missing from his mic locker. Gitelman had purchased the new C12 reproduction of the classic AKG C12, first developed in 1953.
“When we found that our studio had been burglarized, even before filing a police report, I immediately called Telefunken,” Gitelman explains. “The thief took the mic, but left behind the power supply. I spoke with Ian Jones and he told me they were the only ones who had the proper power supply. He had my serial number and a few days later, someone called looking for the power supply. When he asked for the serial number, the caller hung up – but he got the caller ID.”
When first introduced, the design of the C12 was unique in its remote capsule polarizing technology. The ability to change the capsule’s polar response variably between cardioid, omnidirectional and figure-8 (and six intermediate patterns between) from the power supply instead of with switches on the microphone made the C12 the most versatile large diaphragm tube microphone of its time.
“I reported the caller ID to the LAPD and they tracked it to Long Beach and we got our microphone back,” Gitelman continues. “Without Telefunken’s help and the lead I gave the police, I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t have considered it doable.”
Gitelman’s production and writing credits include memorable work with J. Cole Brandy, Frank Ocean, Ledisi, Mac Miller, Karmin, Chance the Rapper, Outasight, Chris Brown, Jamie Cullum, Kanye West, Puff Daddy, Alicia Keys, Trey Songz, and The Stepkids
“My C12 microphone has a big history,” says Gitelman. “I recorded three albums as an artist on it, as well as some of the albums that were very important in my life, and are considered by some to be cult classics. I’ve recorded incredible singers and musicians on this microphone, so it was great to have it back. It’s one of the most pristine microphones I’ve ever heard, and it doesn’t matter if it’s for a female or a male, it sounds good on everything I put it up to. It’s just very, very pristine and very warm.”
Gitelman’s large diaphragm vacuum tube-based C12 is a versatile mic, lending itself especially well to drum overheads, acoustic guitar, and vocals. The silky smooth top end provides plenty of air without sounding harsh or artificial. Its midrange speaks clearly and articulately, capturing the source with a natural presence. Its low end is tight and focused, perfectly balanced with the rest of the frequency range.
“I’ve used my C12 for acoustic guitars, used it for drums, vocals, just about anything. We’ve recorded cellos and strings, a horn section. Honestly, I’m having a hard time thinking of things that we don’t use that microphone for.”
In addition to his prized C12, Gitelman also owns several more TELEFUNKEN microphones: a large diaphragm U47, a matched pair of small diaphragm ELA M 260s, and a workhorse M80 dynamic microphone.
ABOUT TELEFUNKEN
TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik strives for absolute perfection. By offering historic recreations of classic microphones alongside their own proprietary designs based around the distinctive tube mic sound, TELEFUNKEN has established a product line that expertly combines vintage style and sound with the reliability of a modern-day microphone design. TELEFUNKEN’s commitment to both the sonic excellence and quality of all of their products is rivaled only by their dedication to provide the best possible service to their customers.
http://www.telefunken-elektroakustik.com
