Telefunken ELA M 251

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$12,995.00 to $14,790.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (1)

2 Critic Reviews

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Page last updated Jul 07, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated July 6, 2026.

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5.0 (8)

$12,995.00

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$12,995.00

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5.0 (2)

$14,990.00 $14,790.00 $200.00

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5.0 (4)

$12,995.00

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Average Price: $13,444

High-end/Boutique

$100

$401+

Price Tier

In the Condenser Microphones category, Telefunken ELA M 251 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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.

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Description

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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

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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

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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

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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
0 0

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.
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Original Telefunken ELA M 251s are often considered the best vocal mics ever made, though new models can be inconsistent in quality.
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At Blackbird Studios, the Telefunken 251 is part of an extensive microphone collection, indicating its high regard among professional recording studios.
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User experience

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The Upton 251 was reportedly revoiced to be smoother, addressing previous brightness issues, enhancing its appeal for users sensitive to high frequencies.
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Value and pricing

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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.
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Use cases and applications

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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.
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A Telefunken ELA M 251 is highly praised for its vocal performance, often described as the "Holy Grail" for vocal recordings.
Source

Critic Reviews

Telefunken USA: Ela-M 251 microphone | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

Telefunken USA's ELA M 251 microphone is a triumph in vintage recreation, capturing the essence of the revered original with modern reliability. The mic shines across various applications, offering exceptional balance and articulation, particularly notable in overheads and acoustic guitar recordings. Despite a hefty $10k price tag, it presents a more accessible path to the classic sound, previously out of reach due to limited vintage supply and skyrocketing costs. The meticulous design, from custom transformers to handmade capsules, ensures a faithful homage to its illustrious predecessor, minus the unpredictability of aging originals.

positive

Full Review

Field Test: Telefunken Ela M 251

mixonline.com

The Telefunken ELA M 251 reissue dazzles with its faithful recreation of the original's iconic sound, delivering exceptional clarity and warmth across various instruments and vocals. Its meticulous hand-built construction ensures top-tier performance, rivaling even vintage models. However, its hefty $10,000 price tag is a significant investment, albeit justified by its unparalleled quality. A must-experience microphone for serious audiophiles and professionals willing to splurge for excellence.

positive

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