Telefunken Elektroakustik is introducing the new Alchemy Series of microphones. Designed, hand-built, and tested to strict quality standards in Connecticut, USA, the Alchemy Series is Telefunken’s next generation of large diaphragm tube condensers.
The new Alchemy Series TF29, TF39, TF47, and TF51 models feature unique sonic profiles developed from the ground up and will begin shipping this spring.
With the combination of vintage microphone elements and modern fidelity and reliability, the Alchemy Series delivers microphones — each with a distinctive sonic fingerprint. The Alchemy Series is an evolution and refinement to past models in the R-F-T Series (CU-29 Copperhead, AR-51, and AK-47 MkII), benefiting from over a decade of in-house microphone design and production.
Telefunken has implemented numerous improvements sonically and mechanically to the Alchemy Series, tailored all the way down to the accessories. Boasting newly designed custom headgrilles for transparency and openness, hand-plugged circuit boards, and selected American and European vacuum tubes and transformers, no detail was left unaddressed. All systems ship in a sleek, compact, protective case for easy transport and storage. Included are two modern mount options, microphone dust cover, high-flex 7-meter cable, and an American-assembled power supply.
The Alchemy Series is assembled in the same American facility as the Diamond Series (ELA M 251E, C12 and U47) by a small, dedicated team of engineers and technicians. Each microphone is individually tested. All critical components are quality controlled in-house before assembly, including capsule frequency sweeps, vacuum tube burn-in and noise grading.
The TF29 Copperhead is an evolution of the CU-29 Copperhead, an original Telefunken Elektroakustik design. The TF29 continues this reputation as a workhorse microphone, accurately and honestly capturing vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, drums, and nearly any source put in front of it.
The TF29 features a new old stock American-made 5654W vacuum tube, all-brass K67-style capsule, and a Swedish-made Lundahl output transformer. These components create a balanced frequency response and natural tonality.
The TF39 Copperhead Deluxe is an expansion of the “Copperhead” sound with the addition of a dual membrane K67-style capsule, allowing for 3-pattern selection between cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8. This added feature set gives the TF39 greater flexibility and options in the studio. Sonically and component-wise, the two microphones are otherwise the same.
The TF47 is a new design based on the “German” sound, drawing inspiration from the U47 and M49. With a deep low end and a forward midrange, the TF47 is especially ideal for recording vocals, guitar amps, and drums.
At the heart of the TF47 is an all-brass K47-style capsule, new old stock 5840W vacuum tube, and custom-made historically accurate BV8 transformer (as found in the U47). These components deliver a warm and punchy sound reminiscent of the U47 with a pleasant top end articulation.
The TF51 is a fresh take on the “Austrian” microphone sound associated with the Telefunken ELA M 251E and C12. The TF51 exhibits a smooth midrange and airy top end for stand out vocals, acoustic instruments, and percussion.
The 6072A vacuum tube (also found in our ELA M 251E and C12) is mated with an edge-terminated style capsule similar to the CK12. The output transformer is a custom German-made Haufe transformer, the original manufacturer for Telefunken. This attention to detail gives the TF51 an open and smooth sonic profile.
