Mic Archive
Telefunken TF51
Photo: TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik, from its manual, p. 14.

TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik

Telefunken TF51

Large-diaphragm tube condenser (6072A), TK51 edge-terminated capsule, omni, cardioid and figure-8; Alchemy Series

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Cardioid / omni / figure-8
Sensitivity
−34.4 dBV/Pa computed
Self-noise
8 dB(A)
Max SPL
128 dB SPL
Impedance
300 Ω
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle
Distance

Frequency response: from the manual, p. 15. Audio Precision plot without a title, "RMS Level -> Normalize (dB)", all curves at 0 dB at 1 kHz. Distance, room and smoothing not stated. Legend: "Cardioid".

Dashed: outside the rated range, or simulated (other angles and distances). Hover or tap the graphs for values.

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the manual
CapsuleTK51, edge-terminated large diaphragm (similar to the CK12). "TK51 - Edge Terminated Large Diaphragm"; "Edge terminated capsule similar to CK12" (p. 14).p. 15
Sensitivity−34.4 dBV/Pa (19 mV/Pa). Not stated by the manufacturer: From 19 mV/Pa: 20·log10(0.019).
Self-noise8 dB(A), amplifier. "Self-Noise (Amplifier) 8 dBA".
Max SPL128 dB SPL, 1% THD. "Maximum SPL (for 1% THD) 128 dB".
Signal-to-noise ratio86 dB, A-weighted. "S/N Ratio 86 dBA".
Output impedance300 ohm, stated as less than 300 ohm. "Output Impedance < 300 Ω".
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±3 dB. "20 Hz - 20 kHz, ±3 dB".
PoweringM 903 multi-pattern external power supply (115 or 230 V mains). System table: M 903 Multi Pattern Power Supply; "Make sure the power supply is set to the correct mains voltage (115V or 230V)" (p. 3).p. 2
Connector7-pin at the mic (M 803 tube mic cable to the supply); XLR-3 output on the supply. "Plug the included 7-pin microphone cable into the microphone then into the power supply"; "Connect a standard 3-pin microphone cable to the power supply".p. 3
Weight615 gp. 15
Dimensions200 × 46 mm. "200 mm L x 46 mm Dia" (length x diameter).
TubeTELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik 6072A
TransformerHaufe T31 (custom, made in Germany)
THD (amplifier)< 0.4% at 1 kHz, 1 Pa
Warm-upLet the system warm up for 10 minutes before usep. 3
BuiltDesigned, hand-built and tested in Connecticut, USAp. 4
From the product page
Supplied accessoriesM 903 power supply; M 803 tube mic cable (7 m); M 703 shock mount; M 782 stand mount; MS01 sleeve; ZC03 carrying case. "Each system includes: TF51 Microphone, M 903 Power Supply, M 803 Tube Microphone Cable – 7m, ZC03 Zipper Case, M 703 Shock Mount, M 782 Stand Mount, MS01 Microphone Sleeve"; the same in the manual's table (p. 2).
Price (maker, October 2026)$1,995 (system); matched pair $3,985

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive, because manufacturers move and drop their documents. Each is © TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik, unchanged, with its original address.

Product page on telefunken-elektroakustik.com

Recommended for

Instruments whose sources name this mic, or an earlier version or variant of it.

Other mics