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

Telefunken Elektroakustik ELA M 251E (Current Production Model)

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

Heiserman Audio H251

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

Upton Microphones 251

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

FLEA Microphones ELA M 251

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

Universal Audio UA Bock 251

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

Warm Audio WA-251

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

Golden Age GA-251 MKII

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
Anthony VaticalosIf 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.
Products in this Article
Navigating through the elements of the carousel is possible using the tab key. You can skip the carousel or go straight to carousel navigation using the skip links.
Telefunken Elektroakustik ELA M 251E Tube Condenser Microphone
Telefunken Elektroakustik ELA M 251E Tube Condenser Microphone
$ 11,995 .00
View Product
Upton Microphones 251 Tube Condenser Microphone
Upton Microphones 251 Tube Condenser Microphone
$ 4,495 .00
View Product
Warm Audio WA-251 Tube Condenser Microphone
Warm Audio WA-251 Tube Condenser Microphone
$ 849 .00
View Product
Golden Age GA-251 MKII Tube Condenser Microphone
Golden Age GA-251 MKII Tube Condenser Microphone
$ 1,999 .00
View Product
Universal Audio Bock 251 Large Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone
Universal Audio Bock 251 Large Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone
$ 5,999 .00
View Product
FLEA Microphones M 251 Large Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone - White
FLEA Microphones M 251 Large Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone - White
Special Price $ 4,100 .00 Regular Price $ 5,775 .00
View Product
Heiserman Audio H251 Large Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone
Heiserman Audio H251 Large Diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone
$ 5,699 .00
View Product