Telefunken ELA M 251 E #277 (vintage)

Original vintage Telefunken ELA M 251 E with 6072 tube.


The Telefunken ELA M 251 microphone came about when Neumann ended its contract with Telefunken to distribute its microphones. Looking for a replacement for the large-diaphragm U47 in this market, Telefunken contracted with AKG in 1958 to develop the ELA M 251, using the same elements that made the C12 microphone so desirable: a Haufe T-14/1 transformer, a 6072 tube and a CK12 capsule.

The letter 'E' was added to models marketed for 'Export', which included a socketed 6072 tube (since it was easier to obtain outside). The non-'E' version of the mic used an AC701K tube, which was designed to work with the electrical standards set for the Austrian and German broadcast systems of the era.

In most respects, (other than wiring for the different tubes), the two 251 models are identical. But neither are identical to the C12, which had a remote pattern selector box, whereas the ELA-M 251 has the selector switch right on the body of the mic, just like the Neumann U47. Also, the CK12 capsule in the C12 mic was wired differently than the ELA-M mic. On the 251 mic, the two halves of the backplate of the CK12 dual-diaphragm were isolated from each other, allowing the electrical switching between three polar patterns, instead of the two found on the C12 microphone. The additional polar pattern, combined with a different, thicker mesh grill, contributed to the different sonic characteristics of the Telefunken version compared to the original C12.

The ELA-M was also revolutionary in that the components are designed to be dismantled without the use of tools, with the head assembly easily removed from the body, and the electronics housed in a plastic cylinder inside the microphone body. This design allowed the simple swapping out of components should they require replacement.

First appearing in 1959. the Telefunken ELA-M 251 is a legendary microphone with a sound that is often imitated, but never duplicated. Less than 3700 of them were ever made. In 2006 it was inducted into the prestigious TECnology Hall of Fame, taking its place alongside many other world-class audio devices.