The new Telefunken Elektroakustik ELA M 251T condenser tube microphone features the company’s CK-13 capsule, while based upon the classic ELA M 251 models.
The new ELA M 251T features an implementation of Alloy 2213 as the diaphragm membrane material for the 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, and by employing Alloy 2213, which is far more rigid than gold, Telefunken 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 the user 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.
Further, the capsule can better withstand moisture, smoke, and extreme volume, thus requiring less maintenance over the years, while providing the user a superior capture of the sound to be recorded.
The amplifier is the same as the ELA M 251E, which features a New Old Stock TELEFUNKEN 6072a tube, a European-made output transformer, but also can 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 & 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 is a stand-mount cable connector, ruggedly-built power supply, wooden microphone box, and a classic leather bound locking tweed flight case.