Pricing and availability
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Reviews
Price
Average Price: $6,132
High-end/Boutique
$100
$401+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Bock Audio 251". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Bock Audio 251, a top-tier condenser microphone inspired by the legendary Telefunken ELA M 251E, yet designed to cater to the needs of the modern studio. Bock Audio has successfully incorporated the classic aesthetics into a microphone that delivers an exquisite, three-dimensional sound that is ideal for vocals, drum overheads, pianos, and acoustic guitars. The 251 delivers an 'airy' response that sits perfectly in any mix with minimal EQ adjustments needed, offering you a polished and detailed 'finished' tone. This microphone is not just a tool, it's a musical companion crafted to enhance your sound and elevate your studio sessions.
Key Features:
- Designed by David Bock, inspired by the classic Telefunken ELA M 251E
- Delivers three-dimensional sound with minimal EQ adjustments
- Ideal for vocals, drum overheads, pianos, and acoustic guitars
- Produces a polished, detailed, and 'finished' tone
- Adds weight and polish to any sound source
- Offers 'airy' response and a stunning sound quality.
Product specs
| Available since | October 2023 |
| Tube | Yes |
| Switchable Polar Pattern | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Yes |
| Cardioid | Yes |
| Figure-8 | Yes |
| Low Cut | No |
| Pad | No |
| shockmount included | Yes |
| USB Microphone | No |
FAQs
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What is the primary application of the Universal Audio Bock 251 microphone?
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The Universal Audio Bock 251 is ideal for studio recording, offering a classic large-diaphragm tube condenser sound, perfect for capturing vocals and acoustic instruments with rich detail and warmth.
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Does the Universal Audio Bock 251 microphone have switchable polar patterns?
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Yes, the Bock 251 features switchable polar patterns, including omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8, providing versatile recording options for different studio needs.
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What are the standout features of the Universal Audio Bock 251 microphone?
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The Bock 251 is renowned for its German-made CK12 capsule, Cinemag transformer, and the classic "golden unit" sound, all lovingly handcrafted in Santa Cruz, California, by David Bock.
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Is the Universal Audio Bock 251 suitable for vocal recording?
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Yes, the Bock 251 is highly regarded for vocal recording due to its large-diaphragm tube design and ability to capture detailed, warm sound with its versatile polar pattern options.
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Does the Universal Audio Bock 251 microphone come with a shockmount?
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Yes, the Bock 251 includes a shockmount, ensuring stable and vibration-free recording sessions.
Videos
Christian Svedin
251 Comparison |GAP 251 |Upton 251 |Bock 251
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Bock Audio 251.
Features and functionality
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The Bock 251 is highlighted as being particularly suitable for vocal recordings, with its sound being described as a nice complement to existing collections.
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The Bock 251 is praised for its versatility, performing well with various preamps, including tube models, maintaining consistent, high-quality results.
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Comparisons
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The Bock 251 is compared favorably with the Neumann m149 in a shootout on male vocals, with some users preferring the m149 for certain vocal timbres.
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The Bock 251 is described as having a "pillowy" sound, softer around the edges, providing a smooth yet full presence compared to other 251-style mics.
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The Upton 251 is noted for being visually identical to the Telefunken 251 but is possibly more strident in the top end, offering a different tonal character.
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The Telefunken 251 is highlighted for its 3-dimensional, lively sound, with a slight emphasis in the low mids, which may not suit all vocalists.
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Setup and maintenance
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A user warns against the Telefunken 251 due to multiple returns and tube replacements, suggesting potential reliability concerns with some tube mics.
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Use cases and applications
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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"Mic-wise, we had a shoot-out between the Neumann U67 and the Bock 251, which was another of James Brown's interventions. I'd normally use a 67 on Al, and there was the odd time we used an SM7 for a bit more of a crunchy sort of thing. But I'd say "90 percent of the vocals were through this green Bock”.
-James Ford
Used as a vocal main microphone for recording at home studio "ColdBrainStudio". He also answered an interview in the January 2019 issue of the magazine sound&recording. After that, it seems that they also bought Chandler Limited's REDD microphone.
On Cro's instagram we can find the bock-audio condensor mic, which Cro uses for vocal-recordings.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Bock Audio 251, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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