TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik of South Windsor, CT, has introduced the new TK51D capsule for its popular AR-51 and stereo AR-70 microphones from their affordably priced R-F-T line of large diaphragm tube microphones.
This new dual-membrane edge-terminated CK12-like capsule offers a larger surface area than the original TK67 capsule, resulting in a frequency response with an extended low end and a smoother, open high end. The new TK51D capsule brings the AR-51 and AR-70 sonically closer to the ELA M 251E, C12, and C24 microphones.
The AR-51 and stereo AR-70 microphones are designed in the tradition of the classic mics of the past, utilizing the same circuit design as the classic TELEFUNKEN ELA M 251E, making it suitable for any recording studio, from major World Class facilities to voiceover rooms and home project studios. The AR-51 and stereo AR-70 utilize vintage New Old Stock (NOS) tubes that have been rigidly tested for noise and microphonics.
Starting October 2012, all newly manufactured AR-51 (serial # 760 and above) and AR-70 Stereo (serial # 026 and above) microphones will ship from the lab with the new TK51D capsule. Owners of original AR-51 and AR-70 Stereo microphones interested in the new capsule design are eligible to swap out the original TK67D for the alternative TK51D for $199 ($349 for the AR-70) plus return shipping. This price includes the cost of the new capsule and mounting hardware, as well as the labor to install, retest, and calibrate the microphone for optimal performance.
