Around The Shop: Telefunken ELA-M 251

The Telefunken ELA-M 250 and 251 are two beloved microphones from recording history that came about after the end of the partnership between Telefunken and Neumann. Once Telefunken stopped making the VF14 tube for the Neumann U47 and U48, they began working with AKG and utilized the Austrian brand's C12 microphone as the basis for the ELA-M 250 and 251.

In addition to stocking the current version of the ELA-M 251T and ELA-M 251E, we are lucky enough to have a stunning example of a Telefunken ELA-M 251 currently residing at the Vintage King Tech Shop. This model comes from the original 1960s run of microphones and was most recently owned by Kevin Augunas of Fairfax Recordings.

While this Telefunken ELA-M 251 awaits a new home, we took the vintage microphone to The 45 Factory and tried it out on a few different sounds sources. Watch below to hear the mic in use on female vocals, Wurlitzer and acoustic guitar. If you're interested in purchasing this 251, please contact one of our Audio Consultants via email or by phone at 888.653.1184.