The ELA M 251 is an iconic microphone that has left an indelible mark on the recording world. Renowned for its excellence as a vocal mic, the timeless collaboration between Telefunken and AKG has sparked the imaginations of countless other manufacturers, leading them to embark on their own journey to replicate its greatness.
In the past year alone, Universal Audio and Heiserman Audio have introduced stunning new versions of the 251. The UA Bock 251 and H251 both utilize classic designs and components to deliver studio-ready versions of the mic that won't let modern engineers down.
With so many different 251 options out there, the staff at Vintage King decided to put together a shootout. Our comparison features eight microphones, including the Telefunken Elektroakustik ELA M 251E (Current Production Version), Heiserman Audio H251, Upton Microphones 251, FLEA Microphones ELA M 251, Universal Audio Bock 251, Warm Audio WA-251, Golden Age GA-251 MKII, and Telefunken ELA M 251 (2000s Production Version).
Watch our new 251 shootout below to hear all of these mics used on performances from Parker Guthrie (Vocals), Frankie Orella (Vocals), Jordan McGee (Drums), and Kevin Schuck (Acoustic Guitar / Electric Guitar). The session was engineered by Anthony Vaticalos.
Signal Chain For All Sources: Microphone > API 3124V > Universal Audio Apollo x16
ELA M 251-Style Microphone Spec Check
Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-8
Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Capsule: TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik CK12 – Edge Terminated Large Diaphragm
Tube: TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik 6072A
Transformer: Haufe T14/1
Sensitivity: 17 mV/Pa, ±1 dB
THD: THD at 1kHZ at 1Pa | < 0.2%
Output Impedance: 200 Ω
Maximum SPL (for 1% THD): 130 dB
Length: 8.5 in
Diameter: 2 in
Weight: 1.2 lbs
Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-8
Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Capsule: Generation 4 Hk12 Brass and Acrylic Chambered
Tube: 6072 TAD Highgrade
Transformer: T14/1
Sensitivity: 17mV/Pa, ± 1dB
THD: THD @ 1Khz @ 1Pa | <0.3%
Output Impedance: 200 Ω
Maximum SPL (for 1% THD): 130 dB
Length: 8.5 in
Diameter: 2 in
Weight: N/A
Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-8
Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Capsule: Upton designed CK12-style capsule
Tube: 6072 vacuum tube
Transformer: T14/1
Sensitivity: N/A
THD: N/A
Output Impedance: 200 Ω
Maximum SPL (for 1% THD): N/A
Length: N/A
Diameter: N/A
Weight: N/A
Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-8
Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Capsule: CT12 (Tim Campbell-Designed)
Tube: 6072A vacuum tube
Transformer: FLEA-Designed T14/I
Sensitivity: 18mV/Pa, ± 1dB
THD: N/A
Output Impedance: 200 Ω
Maximum SPL (for 1% THD): 132 dB
Length: N/A
Diameter: N/A
Weight: N/A
Telefunken ELA M 251 (2000s Production Version)
Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omnidirectional
Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Capsule: TELEFUNKEN CK12 – Edge Terminated Large Diaphragm
Tube: TELEFUNKEN AC701k (NOS)
Transformer: Haufe T14/1
Sensitivity: 11.5 mV/Pa, ±1 dB
THD: THD at 1kHZ at 1Pa | < 0.2%
Output Impedance: 200 Ω
Maximum SPL (for 1% THD): 132 dB
Length: 8.5 in
Diameter: 2 in
Weight: 1.3 lbs
Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, and Figure-8
Frequency Range: 10 Hz – 18 kHz
Capsule: David Bock-Designed CK12
Tube: ECC85 (NOS)
Transformer: Cinemag
Sensitivity: 19 mV/Pa, ±1 dB
THD: THD at 1kHZ at 1Pa | < 0.2%
Output Impedance: 150 Ω
Maximum SPL (for 1% THD): 118 dB
Length: 8.5 in
Diameter: 2 in
Weight: 1.58 lbs
Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, and Figure-8
Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Capsule: Warm Audio-Designed CK12
Tube: JJ Slovak 12AY7
Transformer: Cinemag
Sensitivity: N/A
THD: N/A
Output Impedance: 200 Ω
Maximum SPL (for 1% THD): 132 dB
Length: 9.7 in
Diameter: 1.8 in
Weight: N/A
Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Omnidirectional
Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Capsule: Golden Age-Designed K251
Tube: NOS Phillip 5840W
Transformer: Cinemag
Sensitivity: 18mV/Pa, ± 1dB
THD: N/A
Output Impedance: 200 Ω
Maximum SPL (for 1% THD): 136 dB
Length: 9.8 in
Diameter: 2 in
Weight: 1.3 lbs
If you have any questions about 251-style microphones, we're here to help! Please contact a Vintage King Audio Consultant via email or by phone at 866.644.0160.
