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Telefunken ELA M 260 Master Set Small-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

Small-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone with 3 x Interchangeable Capsules for Cardioid, Omnidirectional, and Hypercardioid Pickup Patterns
$1,495.00

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Telefunken ELA M 260 Master Set Small-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone
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Focused Sound with Smooth Tube Tone!

Since the early 1960s, the Telefunken ELA M 260 small-diaphragm tube condenser microphone has been one of the most widely acclaimed and highly sought-after classical recording microphones on the planet. You’ll be hard pressed to find an engineer who’s used an ELA M 260 on any kind of acoustic instrument who didn’t instantly fall in love with this mic, plus it sounds absolutely amazing on vocals. And since it comes complete with three interchangeable capsules, you’ll be able to use your Telefunken ELA M 260 microphone in any situation.

Updated circuit design for impeccable sonics

When Telefunken introduced their reissue of the ELA M 260 tube microphone, modern manufacturing standards compelled them to blend historical accuracy with an updated circuit design — and the results were stunning! A premium new-old-stock EF-732 vacuum tube gives the ELA M 260 all the warmth and air that put the original model on the map. At the same time, a custom-wound output transformer supplies your ELA M 260 with the kind of clarity and headroom you seldom get with a vintage-style microphone.

Three interchangeable capsules deliver infinite recording possibilities

When you pick up a Telefunken ELA M 260 tube mic, it’s like you’re getting three high-end condenser microphones for the price of one. That’s because Telefunken ships each ELA M 260 off with three interchangeable capsules, the classic TK60 cardioid capsule, the wide-open TK61 omnidirectional capsule, and the tightly focused TK62 hypercardioid capsule. Each of these bayonet-mount small-diaphragm capsules gives the ELA M 260 a slightly different tonal quality in addition to its pickup characteristics, making it more versatile than you’d ever imagine.

Bundled with a complete set of high-quality accessories

No cardboard boxes or vinyl sleeves here! Telefunken ships the ELA M 260 with a full set of accessories worthy of this iconic condenser mic. In addition to its dedicated power supply and specialty cable, your ELA M 260 comes bundled with a robust shock mount and cradled in an elegant wooden microphone box. Our engineers know that serious studios need at least one pair of excellent small-diaphragm condenser mics, which is why the Telefunken ELA M 260 is standard equipment in Sweetwater Studios. Given its sonic excellence, immense versatility, and budget-friendly price tag, the ELA M 260 is also an incredible value. Highly recommended!

Telefunken ELA M 260 Small-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone Features:

  • A top-notch small diaphragm tube condenser microphone built for professional recording applications
  • An excellent choice for acoustic instruments, drum overheads, and even vocals
  • New-old-stock EF-732 vacuum tube delivers vintage warmth and vibrant tonal character
  • Custom-wound output transformer provides exceptional clarity and plenty of headroom
  • Includes 3 interchangeable capsules: cardioid, omnidirectional, and hypercardioid
  • Power supply, cable, shock mount, and elegant wooden box included

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Tech Specs

  • Microphone Type: Tube Condenser
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Hypercardioid, Omni (interchangeable capsules)
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (±3dB)
  • Max SPL: 135 dB SPL
  • Output Impedance: 200 ohms
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: 83 dBA
  • Sensitivity: 19.5mV/Pa
  • Self Noise: 11 dBA
  • Tube: 5840W
  • Power Source: External Power Supply
  • Connector: 7-pin XLR (mic), XLR (power supply)
  • Dimensions: 5.5" x 0.81"
  • Weight: 0.26 lbs.
  • Included Accessories: Shockmount, Hardshell Case, Mic Cable
  • Manufacturer Part Number: ELA M 260 Master Set

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Best small diaphragm condense mic I have used

So far, all of my work has been done using one of the three supplied capsules (the hypercardiod capsule). This mic has a rich sound and little self noise. Not quite as warm as a large-diaphragm mic, but very good at capturing the low registers. It is pricey, but it *is* a tube mic with three supplied capsules. I wish they had included a hard-shell case of some kind, as the kit consists of 4 separatable parts. The sound of this mic is a step above a Neumann SDCM, and the Neumann has a great sound.
Rated 5/5

Great on acoustic guitar and hand percussion

We're very happy with our new Telefunken ELAM 260. Now that we've done a few recording sessions and a shootout with the Neumann KM184, we can provide an informed opinion. On acoustic guitar the ELAM 260 and the KM184 are similar, but the differences are definitely there. The 260 is more open and and airy, and the low end is tighter and better defined. On djembe the difference becomes more obvious. The ELAM 260 seems to have much better transient response, so the djembe sounds much more immediate, more like being in the room with it. By comparison the KM184 sounds like listening to a recording. The recordings were made on a Focusrite Liquid 56 (flat - no preamp emulation) and playback was on JBL 4410A speakers powered by an Alesis RA-500 amp. If you can swing it, buy this mic. You won't regret it.
Music background: Recording Engineer
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