TELEFUNKEN ELA M 251 E Stereo Set — Microphone

Best for

Recording engineers and studios that need a matched pair of multi-pattern tube condensers for stereo work: orchestras, choirs, chamber groups, piano, acoustic guitar, percussion, and drum overheads. The three switchable patterns per mic support X/Y (cardioid), A/B spaced pairs (cardioid or omni), Blumlein (both in figure-8), and M/S (cardioid + figure-8) techniques, and each mic also serves as a first-call tube vocal microphone.

Who should skip

Anyone who only needs a single vocal microphone — the mono ELA M 251E system exists and includes the same mic with its own power supply, cable, shock mount, and cases. Also a poor fit for phantom-power-only or mobile/location rigs: these are tube microphones that require the external M 950ES power supply and mains power, not 48V phantom.

Watchouts

Source conflict on the flight case: the verified retail listing listing says the set ships with an 'FC10 locking flight case', while TELEFUNKEN's own pages specify the FC50S dual-microphone stereo flight case — the manufacturer is preferred here. TELEFUNKEN's stereo-set contents include two shock mounts, but some retailer descriptions (including Economik's) omit shock mounts from the box contents — confirm with the dealer before purchase. The tube is listed as a TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik 6072A on the manufacturer spec sheet, while retailer copy describes it as a GE JAN 6072a. Mics need tube warm-up and the external PSU; they do not run on phantom power.

Likely add-ons

• appropriate audio and data cables
• compatible monitoring, mounting, or power setup

Verify before buying

• Which connections, drivers, operating systems, and sample rates are supported by this exact revision?
• What cables, mounts, power supplies, or licenses are included?
• Is the current retailer listing new stock, demo stock, open box, or special order?
• Is the item still in stock at the displayed price, and what is the complete delivered cost to the intended destination?