Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$249.00
Amazon
3.4 (4)
$249.00 New
$209.00 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (4)
$249.00 New
$211.49 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$249.00
zZounds
5.0 (1)
$249.00
B&H
4.0 (1)
$249.00
Thomann
4.7 (12)
$294.00 $292.00 $2.00 · All time low
Vintage King
4.7 (3)
$249.00

Average Price: $253

High-end/Boutique

$75

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 8 merchants for "Telefunken M81". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Telefunken M81 is a dynamic microphone that stands out in a universe filled with options. Building off the features that made the M80 a favorite in both live and studio environments, the M81 offers a balanced, detailed, and articulate sound that will steal the hearts (and ears) of musicians and sound engineers alike.

The M81 is designed to deliver a flatter overall frequency response by pulling back the top end a bit. This results in a microphone with a wealth of body and clarity, making it a great tool for taming brighter vocals and guitar tones. It's also superb at fattening up percussion, horns, and thinner sounding sources.

Its minimal proximity effect, superior feedback rejection, and articulate mid-range make the M81 exceptional on electric guitars, percussion, rack and floor toms, and brass instruments. With its robust reliability and wide range of uses, this microphone is not just a workhorse for the new generation, but a reliable partner in crime for any musician.

Key Features:

  • Designed to deliver a flatter overall frequency response, great for taming brighter vocals and guitar tones.
  • Exhibits a wealth of body and clarity, perfect for fattening up percussion, horns, and thinner sounding sources.
  • Minimal proximity effect and superior feedback rejection make it ideal for live performances.
  • Articulate mid-range ensures clear and detailed sound, excellent for studio recording.
  • Wide range of uses and rugged reliability make it a versatile addition to any music gear collection.

Product specs

Microphone Type Dynamic
Polar Pattern Supercardioid
Frequency Range 50Hz-18kHz
Max SPL 135dB SPL
Output Impedance 200 ohms
Connector XLR
Dimensions 7.25" x 1.88"
Weight 0.82 lbs.

FAQs

What is the primary application for the Telefunken M81 microphone?

The Telefunken M81 is designed for versatility, making it ideal for vocals, guitar amps, and brass instruments. Its smooth frequency response helps tame brighter tones and adds body to thinner sound sources.

How does the Telefunken M81 microphone's supercardioid pattern affect its performance?

The supercardioid polar pattern of the Telefunken M81 provides excellent off-axis rejection, making it well-suited for live performances and studio settings where minimizing bleed from other instruments is crucial.

Can the Telefunken M81 handle high sound pressure levels?

Yes, the Telefunken M81 can handle up to 135dB SPL, making it capable of capturing loud sound sources without distortion, such as drums and amplified instruments.

What are the connectivity options for the Telefunken M81 microphone?

The Telefunken M81 features a standard XLR connector, ensuring compatibility with most professional audio interfaces, mixers, and recording equipment.

How does the Telefunken M81 differ from the M80 model?

The M81 has a smooth frequency response that helps tame bright vocals and instruments, whereas the M80 has a boost in the high-mids and highs, offering a more versatile sound for various applications.

Podcastage

Podcastage

Telefunken M81 Dynamic Mic Review / Test

Video thumbnail for Telefunken M81 Dynamic Mic Review / Test by Podcastage

Telefunken M81 Dynamic Mic Review / Test

Podcastage

Podcastage

Video thumbnail for Telefunken M80 vs M81 [vs Shure SM58] | Vocals, Guitar, & Drums by Audio University

Telefunken M80 vs M81 [vs Shure SM58] | Vocals, Guitar, & Drums

Audio University

Audio University

Video thumbnail for Telefunken Dynamic Drum Pack test: M82, M81, M80 (UA SUB) by Morton Studio

Telefunken Dynamic Drum Pack test: M82, M81, M80 (UA SUB)

Morton Studio

Morton Studio

Video thumbnail for Telefunken Microphone comparison M80 & M81 Dynamic Mic shootout on Marshall Guitar Cabinet by gearmanndude

Telefunken Microphone comparison M80 & M81 Dynamic Mic shootout on Marshall Guitar Cabinet

gearmanndude

gearmanndude

Video thumbnail for Telefunken Elektroakustik M80 & M81 Comparison Video - STL Audio by STLAudio

Telefunken Elektroakustik M80 & M81 Comparison Video - STL Audio

STLAudio

STLAudio

Video thumbnail for Telefunken M81 Dynamic Microphone Overview - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Telefunken M81 Dynamic Microphone Overview - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Telefunken M81 vs M80 Mic shootout (Guitar Amp) by Ecto Studio

Telefunken M81 vs M80 Mic shootout (Guitar Amp)

Ecto Studio

Ecto Studio

Video thumbnail for TELEFUNKEN M81 microphone Male Vocal SOUL R&B by TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik

TELEFUNKEN M81 microphone Male Vocal SOUL R&B

TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik

TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik

Video thumbnail for TELEFUNKEN M81 microphone Male Vocal POP by TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik

TELEFUNKEN M81 microphone Male Vocal POP

TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik

TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik

Video thumbnail for TELEFUNKEN M81 microphone Male Vocal JAZZ by TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik

TELEFUNKEN M81 microphone Male Vocal JAZZ

TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik

TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik

Reviews

PROS

  • Superior sound clarity and naturalness, ideal for both vocals and instruments

  • Exceptional rear noise rejection enhances audio quality

  • Tames brighter vocals and guitar tones effectively

  • Offers condenser-like airiness without needing phantom power

  • Versatile across genres and performance venues

  • Solid, heavy build ensures durability

  • Smoothens and rounds out the sound for a variety of sources

  • Excels in rejecting off-axis noise for cleaner recordings

  • Compatible with both wired and wireless setups

  • Flatter frequency response compared to M80, better handling of EQ

CONS

  • Requires close attention to plosives, more so than other dynamics

  • Handling noise present, though minimal compared to competitors

  • Price point higher than similar dynamic microphones

  • Tight pickup pattern may limit off-axis sound capture

  • Proximity effect drops off quickly, affecting volume control techniques

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Telefunken M81.

Build quality

  • Early versions of the Telefunken M81 lack the model badge near the XLR port, a later design addition, and may have a simpler finish on the microphone head.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners of early Telefunken M81 models report authenticity concerns due to missing visible identifiers, indicating a design evolution over time.

    Source
  • Handling noise on the M81 is a concern, with mixed feedback from users, suggesting it may not be ideal for highly active live performances.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Older Telefunken M81 models without badges can still be authentic, suggesting potential value for collectors seeking original versions.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The M80 is favored on snare tops for its rejection and less cracky tone compared to an SM57, making it ideal for drum miking.

    Source
  • M81 is used on toms for a full-bodied sound, though it may require EQ to address slightly muffled transients.

    Source
  • The M81 is recommended for darker voice types, providing a tailored sound that complements those vocal characteristics.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The M82 kick mic is compared to the RE20, described as slightly thicker and punchier, especially effective when paired with a Beta 52.

    Source
  • The M81 is considered less versatile than the M80, which is preferred for a wider range of applications, including guitar amps.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The M81's performance on guitar amps is highlighted, offering a distinct advantage for certain instrumental setups.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
roland22

Great mic

Pros- Very natural sound for a dynamic. Rear noise rejection insane! Well built..solid, heavy. More sensitive than many other dynamics. Cons - Sensitive to plosives- moreso than other dynamics. Handling noise also a bit more than other mics..but not too much. Pricey..there are other choices out there as well, for less--- but then again, quality is often more expensive..you get what you pay for.

mort
mort

244

Great mic

It is what I needed, flatter than the M80 and handles EQ better.

Super tight super cardiod pattern means that it will not pick up keyboard kacks, even when using Cherry MX Blues.

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Chris Martin uses Telefunken M81

Chris Martin

Singer, Guitarist

Coldplay

...
Verified via YouTube

Chris Martin uses the Telefunken M81 microphone during more intimate performances, as seen in the live session with SiriusXM.

See how Alicia Keys uses Telefunken M81

Alicia Keys

Singer, Keyboardist

All Star Tribute

...
Verified via YouTube

Can be seen in this YouTube video at 01:30

See how Blake Mills uses Telefunken M81

Blake Mills

Singer, Guitarist

Simon Dawes

...
Verified via TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik

'For onstage vocals, Mills uses the M81 dynamic. “It is so sturdy, has minimal feedback and it’s easy to hear your own pitch. You can crank that with a wedge and it’s more directional, and I’m just learning how to work best with that mic.”'

See how Spencer Sotelo uses Telefunken M81

Spencer Sotelo

Singer

Periphery

...
Verified via Instagram

In this post spencer can be seen using a telefunken vocal mic live

See how Jason Derülo uses Telefunken M81

Jason Derülo

Singer, Composer

...
Verified via Meyersound

Used on the 2Sides Tour, as mentioned in this November 12, 2018 article by Meyer Sound.

Wright mixes Derulo behind a DiGiCo SD7 augmented by his hand-picked outboard gear, including three Midas XL-48 preamps and Universal Audio Apollo interfaces. The vocal chain for Derulo includes a Neve 1073 preamp, an Empirical Labs Distressor and a Manley Vox Box. Derulo currently favors a Telefunken M81 capsule on his Shure wireless handheld, though Wright has experimented with an SE V7 capsule and is also considering a DPA d:facto capsule.

See how Tom Barber uses Telefunken M81

Tom Barber

Singer

Chelsea Grin

...
Verified via Photo

Tom Barber of Chelsea Grin received a Telefunken M81 dynamic microphone, as highlighted in an Instagram post by speavegrin. The post expresses appreciation for the mic's impact on their live drums and vocals.

See how Higinio Ruiz uses Telefunken M81

Higinio Ruiz

Singer, Guitarist

Heleven

...
Verified via Photo

Higinio Ruiz uses the micro telefunken m81 live

See how Michael Winslow uses Telefunken M81

Michael Winslow

Singer

...
Verified via Photo

Visible in this October 15, 2020 Instagram post.

Album Usage

The Telefunken M81 has been featured on the following albums:

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 M81, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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Telefunken M81-SH Dynamic Microphones
1
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Telefunken C12 Condenser Microphones
1
sE Electronics V7 MC1
sE Electronics V7 MC1 Wireless Microphones
1
AMS Neve 1073
AMS Neve 1073 Preamps & Channel Strips
1

Community setups

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mort

mort

Gear IQ 244

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