BeesNeez BN251 Multipattern Tube Condenser Microphone

The BeesNeez BN251 is a part-for-part mechanical twin of the "original" Telefunken (AKG manufactured) ELA M251 microphone. The Telefunken ELA M251 was a microphone first designed in the 1950s by the Austrian microphone manufacturer AKG and it came to prominence in the 1960s. It was a joint effort between AKG manufacturing and Telefunken branding as well as marketing for this microphone. This ELA M251 microphone shares no direct lineage with the currently produced version sharing the same name which is currently being made in the USA. This American made ELA M251 microphone is itself a namesake clone of the original.

Over the last 20 years, the ELA M251 has made a huge comeback amongst recording professionals. It is renowned for its smooth and rounded yet airy tone. Countless hits over the decades have been made using this amazing microphone. In this recreation of the ELA M251, the BN251 leaves nothing to be desired. BeesNeez have made a true 1:1 clone of all external and internal Mechanical parts right down to the connector. The power supply even matches the look and function of the original. This means that visually and sonically, this microphone is the perfect addition to any studio or artist wanting a 251 microphone.

THE HISTORY

The ELA M251 came to fruition because Neumann were struggling to find quiet VF14 tubes for the U47. Telefunken Germany (the original Telefunken), who at that time were a huge customer for the Telefunken branded Neumann U47, needed a solution to the dwindling availability of microphones. This started communications with AKG, and the ELA M251 was the eventual result.

THE DESIGN

The E or export version of the ELA M251 used a 6072 (12ay7) tube and was designed to have 3 polar patterns. The pattern switching was contained within the microphone. One unique element to the ELA M251 design was that the internals were contained in two cartridges (the head unit containing the capsule and the Impedance converter which is more commonly known as the amplifier cartridge) that were field swappable, giving Telefunken a very useful and very practical product that was easily serviceable with low downtimes.

FEATURES:

• Tube condenser mic with the legendary sound that has graced countless hit recordings
• 1:1 clone of all external and internal mechanical parts right down to the connector
• Power supply matches the look and function of the original
• The unmistakable character of the classic ELA M251 and inject your music with a touch of history