A Tradition of Innovation: More than simply a memorable branding line, “Built to a standard, not a price” is the company philosophy for Telefunken Elektroakustik; the South Windsor, CT-based state-of-the-art microphone manufacturer that follows the tradition of excellence and innovation set by the original German Telefunken Elektroakustik, GmbH over 100 years ago.
While Telefunken Elektroakustik was widely regarded as Europe’s finest tube and audio equipment manufacturer, their foray into microphones began in 1948 with the distribution of the world-renowned U-47 and the release of the ELA M 251 in 1959. Production of the original ELA M 251 ceased in 1963, but the blueprint was reborn in 2000 when owner Toni Fishman needed to recreate the switch assembly for the 251s in his extensive vintage microphone collection.
All of Telefunken Elektroakustik’s microphones are hand-assembled at the company’s facility. Operations Director Alan Venitosh says, “What Telefunken is doing for mics is the ultimate marriage of historic component-based technology mated with modern manufacturing capabilities.. With the co-existence of these two things, we’re able to provide tools that allow inspired people to record their music.”
Alchemy Series: Designed, hand-built and tested to strict quality standards in Connecticut, the Alchemy Microphone Series is Telefunken Elektroakustik’s next generation of large diaphragm condensers. These microphone models feature unique sonic profiles developed from the ground up, utilizing a combination of vintage microphone elements and modern fidelity and reliability.
The bold voicings of the Alchemy Microphone Series are the TF11, TF17, TF29, TF39, TF47, and TF51. Benefitting from over a decade of in-house microphone design and production, the Alchemy Microphone Series is an evolution and expansion of past Telefunken models. Numerous sonic and mechanical improvements have been implemented in the Alchemy Series, as well as new technologies as found in the TF11, Telefunken’s first large diaphragm phantom-powered condenser. Like all Telefunken microphones, the Alchemy Series is assembled in the same American facility as the legendary Diamond Series by a small, dedicated team of engineers and technicians.
The TF17: Telefunken Elektroakustik’s latest product in the Alchemy Series is the TF17 Large Diaphragm FET Microphone. The TF17 combines the iconic mid-forward ‘German’ capsule voicing with modern FET technology. The result is a sonically rich sound with depth and detail, a punchy transient response, high SPL handling, and very low self-noise. The TF17 has an extended low frequency response, bold midrange, and smooth, pleasant top end. This can add weight or complement a harsh or thinner source. The fixed cardioid TF17 features an extended low frequency response, bold midrange and natural top end.
Contact Telefunken Elektroakustik, 860-882-5919
