Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

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

What is the primary application of the Universal Audio Bock 251 microphone?

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.

Does the Universal Audio Bock 251 microphone have switchable polar patterns?

Yes, the Bock 251 features switchable polar patterns, including omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8, providing versatile recording options for different studio needs.

What are the standout features of the Universal Audio Bock 251 microphone?

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.

Is the Universal Audio Bock 251 suitable for vocal recording?

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.

Does the Universal Audio Bock 251 microphone come with a shockmount?

Yes, the Bock 251 includes a shockmount, ensuring stable and vibration-free recording sessions.

Christian Svedin

Christian Svedin

251 Comparison |GAP 251 |Upton 251 |Bock 251

Video thumbnail for 251 Comparison |GAP 251 |Upton 251 |Bock 251 by Christian Svedin

251 Comparison |GAP 251 |Upton 251 |Bock 251

Christian Svedin

Christian Svedin

Video thumbnail for Bock Audio 251 Tube Condenser Microphone Overview - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Bock Audio 251 Tube Condenser Microphone Overview - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Telefunken 251 vs Flea 251 vs Bock audio 251.. How close REALLY are they?! by Lapwing Studio

Telefunken 251 vs Flea 251 vs Bock audio 251.. How close REALLY are they?!

Lapwing Studio

Lapwing Studio

Video thumbnail for Bock Audio 251 Tube Condenser Microphone - Quick n' Dirty by soundpurestudios

Bock Audio 251 Tube Condenser Microphone - Quick n' Dirty

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

Video thumbnail for Bock 251 | Unboxing & Review Powered by You by Audio Test Kitchen

Bock 251 | Unboxing & Review Powered by You

Audio Test Kitchen

Audio Test Kitchen

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

  • The Bock 251 is highlighted as being particularly suitable for vocal recordings, with its sound being described as a nice complement to existing collections.

    Source
  • The Bock 251 is praised for its versatility, performing well with various preamps, including tube models, maintaining consistent, high-quality results.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A user warns against the Telefunken 251 due to multiple returns and tube replacements, suggesting potential reliability concerns with some tube mics.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Bock 251 is noted for its strong performance on vocals, the primary application intended by users in the discussion.

    Source
  • The Bock 251, paired with a tube preamp like the V76, is favored for adding extra heft and mojo to vocal recordings.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • For preamps, the Neve 1073 is recommended for those seeking color, while the Millenia is suggested for transparent sound, providing varying sonic options for the Bock 251.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Alex Turner uses Bock Audio 251

Alex Turner

Guitarist

Arctic Monkeys

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"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

See how Gotoh Masafumi uses Bock Audio 251

Gotoh Masafumi

Singer, Guitarist

Asian Kung-Fu Generation

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Cro uses Bock Audio 251

Cro

Rapper, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

On Cro's instagram we can find the bock-audio condensor mic, which Cro uses for vocal-recordings.

See how Sir Mix-A-Lot uses Bock Audio 251

Sir Mix-A-Lot

Rapper, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Sir Mix A Lot talks about his use of the AKG 214, Blue Kiwi which is speaking through on the video and a Bock 251.

See how Matt Hyde uses Bock Audio 251

Matt Hyde

Singer

Beastwars

...
Verified via Emusician

Chino vocal’s chain was a dual affair: the Bock Audio 251 into a Martech MSS-10 preamp into a DBX 160, sans EQ

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Bock Audio 251, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Shure 520DX "Green Bullet"
Shure 520DX "Green Bullet" Dynamic Microphones
1
AKG C12 VR
AKG C12 VR Condenser Microphones
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AKG C214
AKG C214 Condenser Microphones
1
Blue Kiwi
Blue Kiwi Condenser Microphones
1
Neumann KM 84
Neumann KM 84 Condenser Microphones
1
Neumann U47 FET
Neumann U47 FET Condenser Microphones
1
AMS Neve 1081 Mic Preamp & Equalizer
1
MartinSound Martech MSS-10
MartinSound Martech MSS-10 Preamps & Channel Strips
1
Neumann U67
Neumann U67 Condenser Microphones
1

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