Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $13,444
High-end/Boutique
$100
$401+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Telefunken ELA M 251". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Behold the Telefunken ELA M 251, a meticulous reissue of a sonic masterpiece. First introduced in 1960, this large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone has been the secret sauce in countless hit records, revered for its uniquely smooth, present, and open sound. Today, vintage '251s are rare and cost a small fortune, making this faithful reissue a sound investment for music lovers seeking top-tier audio quality.
Engineered without any available blueprints or schematics, the ELA M 251 is a testament to Telefunken's commitment to preserving the legacy of this legendary microphone. Its three pickup patterns and max SPL of 138dB make it a versatile tool in the studio, capable of delivering exceptional results on any instrument. Whether you're recording a saxophone solo with a natural 'slap' or a full symphony orchestra, the ELA M 251 is up to the task.
Key Features:
- An accurate reissue of the classic ELA M 251 microphone
- Edge-terminated, dual backplate CK-12 capsule
- 1" dual-sided gold sputtered membrane
- Three polar patterns: cardioid, omni, and figure-8
- 138dB maximum SPL
- Includes locking flight case, lunchbox-style power supply, and wooden microphone box
- Handbuilt in the USA
- Tube type: dual triode JAN-GE 6072a
- Haufe T14/1 output transformer
- Sensitivity: 17 mV/Pa (+/- 1dB)
- Impedance: 200 Ohm
- S/N Ratio: 85 dBA
- Frequency range: 20 - 20 kHz (+/-3 dB)
- Contents of delivery: power supply, microphone cable, shockmount, wooden microphone box, flight case
- Dimensions (H x D): 216 x 50 mm
- Weight (microphone): 0.59 kg
Product specs
| Brand | Telefunken |
| Model | ELA M 251 |
| Finish | Mint Green |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Microphones |
| Electronics | Analog, Tube |
| Microphone Type | Large-Diaphragm Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Multipattern |
| Wired/Wireless | Wired |
FAQs
-
What is the primary use of the Telefunken ELA M 251 microphone?
-
The Telefunken ELA M 251 is renowned for its versatility in studio recording, making it ideal for capturing vocals, acoustic instruments, and as a room microphone due to its rich, detailed sound and multiple polar patterns.
-
What are the polar patterns available on the Telefunken ELA M 251?
-
The Telefunken ELA M 251 offers three polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional, providing flexibility for various recording applications and techniques.
-
How does the tube circuitry in the Telefunken ELA M 251 affect its sound?
-
The tube circuitry in the Telefunken ELA M 251 contributes to its warm, smooth, and natural sound, adding a pleasing harmonic richness that is highly sought after in professional studio environments.
-
Is the Telefunken ELA M 251 suitable for vocal recording?
-
Yes, the Telefunken ELA M 251 is highly suitable for vocal recording, offering exceptional clarity and detail, making it a favorite choice for capturing professional-grade vocal performances.
-
Can the Telefunken ELA M 251 be used for stereo recording techniques?
-
Yes, with its multiple polar patterns, the Telefunken ELA M 251 is excellent for stereo recording techniques such as XY, Blumlein, and Mid-Side (MS) when used in pairs.
Videos
Vintage King
Telefunken ELA M 251 | Microphone | Vintage King
Telefunken ELA M 251 | Microphone | Vintage King
Vintage King
Telefunken Vintage ELA M 250E vs. New ELA M 251E Mic Comparison
Sweetwater
Test 20 Telefunken ELA M 251 Microphone Ann Marie Vocal in Westlake California
Modern Mics
Around The Shop: Telefunken ELA-M 251 Microphones
Vintage King
Reviews
PROS
-
Exceptional sound quality with big lows and silky highs
-
Incredible detail and versatility across various applications
-
Favoured by many top artists and professional sound engineers
-
Superior engineering and attention to detail in construction
-
Provides a three-dimensional sound that sets it apart
-
Particularly forgiving on close micing, avoiding harshness
-
Enhanced performance with minimal EQ and compression needed
-
Excellent for both vocals and instruments like guitars and saxes
-
Known to improve in sound quality with use over time
-
High resale value, making it a worthwhile investment
CONS
-
Significantly more expensive than other high-end microphones
-
Requires a considerable initial investment, potentially limiting accessibility for some users
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Telefunken ELA M 251.
Comparisons
-
The Bock 251 is described as "pillowy" and smooth, while the Upton 251 is visually and sonically close to the Telefunken but slightly more strident in the top end.
Source -
The Telefunken ELA M 251 has a more pronounced presence in the low mids compared to the Upton, which is noted for being smoother on top.
Source -
Original Telefunken ELA M 251s are often considered the best vocal mics ever made, though new models can be inconsistent in quality.
Source -
At Blackbird Studios, the Telefunken 251 is part of an extensive microphone collection, indicating its high regard among professional recording studios.
Source
User experience
-
The Upton 251 was reportedly revoiced to be smoother, addressing previous brightness issues, enhancing its appeal for users sensitive to high frequencies.
Source
Value and pricing
-
The Upton 251 offers a comparable performance to the Telefunken 251 at a significantly lower price, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
The Telefunken 251 is preferred for its lively and 3-dimensional vocal reproduction, while the Upton is favored for its cost-effectiveness without sacrificing quality.
Source -
A Telefunken ELA M 251 is highly praised for its vocal performance, often described as the "Holy Grail" for vocal recordings.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
In the Vouge video "24 Hours With Lil Nas X, From the Gym to the Recording Studio | Vogue " at 2:54 when Lil Nas X is entering the studio on the top right side it can be seen the Telefunken ELA M 251 hanging upside down. Known that in this studio he recorded his album "MONTERNO" it can be said that the ELA M 251 was used for the entire album.
Danny Worsnop showcased the Telefunken ELA M 251 microphone in his studio during a testing session to determine the ideal mic for his new music, as seen on his Instagram.
In this instagram post you can see Chloe about to sing into Telefunken Ela M 251 in the studio
In the Netflix documentary "BLACKPINK: Light Up The Sky," TEDDY is shown using the Telefunken ELA M 251 microphone in the studio.
In this photo, Ross can be seen using the Telefunken ELA M 251. Because of the lack of the "E" engraving that the 251E model has, it can be confirmed that this is the original ELA M 251.
Producer Greg Kurstin (1000 forms of fear) gives an in depth overview of the gear in his studio, including the vocal mics used for recording Sia: "Kurstin recorded Sia’s vocals through his Telefunken ELA M 251 into a Chandler TG2, through a Fairchild compressor and into the Apogee Symphony"
"'I'll always have the Neumann U67 set up,' says Tsai. 'That's our main microphone. We'll try an 87 or a 251 on occasion, but it almost always goes back to the 67.'"
Used as an ambient room mic for "You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You", as mentioned in this Sound on Sound article.
"(...) I like to have options of close, section, and ambient microphones. The room at the Warehouse has an interesting height, and I put the M50 up at the balcony, and also put up two [Telefunken ELAM] 251s as ambient mics, just to fool around and check the frequency response up there.
(...) I mainly use the GML EQ and the Neve 33609 compressor, but very sparingly. I had both boxes on Michael's voice, and some reverb, and another EQ, that I don't want to talk about. I'm supporting kids that go to college!
(...) For ambience I of course used the ambient tracks that I had recorded at the Warehouse, mostly from the M50. I used two other stereo pairs of mics, because I'd never worked in that room, and I wanted to cover my back. But there was a resonance in the air that was fabulous. I had the precision from the close mics, and then when you open up the room mics you get the depth. I also added some outboard reverb from the live chambers at Capitol. They were amazing. You can't top that.
(...) I'd make stems of the saxophones, the trumpets, the rooms, the bones, the drums, the snares, the vocal dry and the vocal with reverb."
— Humberto Gatica, producer of Bublé's "You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You" and "Stardust"
Chelsea Cutler uses the Telefunken ELA M 251 to record vocals in her Indie Pop Songwriting & Production course on Studio.com, as demonstrated in her YouTube video "Chelsea Cutler — My Indie Pop Songwriting & Production Class."
Album Usage
The Telefunken ELA M 251 has been featured on the following albums:
Shout To The Lord
Darlene Zschech & CeCe Winans (2025)
Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride (From "Lilo & Stitch")
Iam Tongi (2025)
Just Like You
Michael Bublé (2025)
![Telefunken ELA M 251 as heard on Atlantic City (Live in Jersey) [feat. Bruce Springsteen and Kings of Leon] by Kings of Leon & Zach Bryan (2025)](https://images.equipboard.com/uploads/album/image/586/atlantic-city-live-in-jersey-feat-bruce-springsteen-and-kings-of-leon.jpg)
Atlantic City (Live in Jersey) [feat. Bruce Springsteen and Kings of Leon]
Kings of Leon & Zach Bryan (2025)
Live And In Color
Logic & Juicy J (2025)
private music
Deftones (2025)
Automatic Yes (feat. John Mayer)
John Mayer & Zedd (2024)
Run It
Jelly Roll (2024)
3333
Chance The Rapper (2024)
Gettin' Old
Luke Combs (2023)
What Was
Benson Boone (2023)
You're Losing Me (From The Vault)
Taylor Swift (2023)
Come Home The Kids Miss You
Jack Harlow (2022)
My Savior
Carrie Underwood (2021)
LALA (Unlocked) (feat. Swae Lee)
Alicia Keys & Swae Lee (2021)
MONTERO
Lil Nas X (2021)
Eyes Wide Shut
Girlfriends (2020)
Sounds Like Me
Jordin Sparks (2020)
ANONYMOUS
Blackbear (2019)
Don't Start Now
Dua Lipa (2019)
Confessions of a Dangerous Mind
Logic (2019)
EVERYTHING IS LOVE
THE CARTERS (2018)
What Lovers Do (feat. SZA)
Maroon 5 (2017)
Hydrograd
Stone Sour (2017)
Song #3 (Acoustic)
Stone Sour (2017)
The Serenity of Suffering
Korn (2016)
Lemonade
Beyoncé (2016)
A Head Full of Dreams
Coldplay (2015)
1000 Forms Of Fear (Deluxe Version)
Sia (2015)
Hasta la Raíz (Edición Especial)
Natalia Lafourcade (2015)
Cherry Bomb
Tyler, The Creator (2015)
Vulnicura
Björk (2015)
Mind Over Matter
Young the Giant (2014)
SEX AND LOVE
Enrique Iglesias & Enrique "Quique" Rangel Arroyo (2014)
Black Thoughts Vol. 2
Tyga (2014)
Partition
Beyoncé (2014)
Incredible feat. Ne-Yo
Céline Dion (2014)
Paramore
Paramore (2013)
Love Is a Four Letter Word
Jason Mraz (2012)
Christmas
Michael Bublé (2011)
Pink Friday ... Roman Reloaded
Nicki Minaj (2011)
Jam (Turn It Up)
Kim Kardashian (2011)
Bring Me To Life (US)
Amy Lee & Ben Moody (2010)
Euphoria
Enrique Iglesias & Enrique "Quique" Rangel Arroyo (2010)
Bring Me To Life
Amy Lee & Ben Moody (2010)
California Gurls (feat. Snoop Dogg)
Katy Perry & Snoop Dogg (2010)
21st Century Breakdown
Green Day (2009)
Sex On Fire
Kings of Leon (2009)
The Fall
Norah Jones (2009)
Fearless
Taylor Swift (2008)
Only By The Night
Kings of Leon (2008)
Continuum
John Mayer (2006)
Hips Don't Lie - Bamboo (feat. Wyclef Jean)
Shakira (2006)
Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum
Tally Hall (2005)
Baby Come To Me & Other Hits
Patti Austin (2003)
Mechanical Animals
Marilyn Manson (1998)
Wildflowers
Tom Petty (1994)
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 Telefunken ELA M 251, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
-s.webp?v=1783403145)
-s.webp?v=1783403081)
Similar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Telefunken ELA M 251, curated by the Equipboard community.
More Telefunken Condenser Microphones
$9,995.00 - $11,090.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$11,995.00 - $14,790.00
$695.00 - $799.00
$1,695.00 - $2,099.00
$2,495.00 - $3,285.00
$519.00 - $799.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$899.00 - $1,295.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
-m.webp?v=1783402855)
$2,349.00 - $3,995.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$759.05 - $1,299.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$149.00 - $249.43
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$75.23 - $119.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$109.99 - $151.73
in Condenser Microphones Rank
$303.00 - $419.00
in Condenser Microphones Rank
.png?v=1783065524)
Accessories & Related Items
-s.webp?v=1783403325)
Community setups
Gear Guides
Most Popular Condenser Microphones
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
equipboardGear IQ 4934
-
