Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $253
High-end/Boutique
$75
$201+
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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
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What is the primary application for the Telefunken M81 microphone?
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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.
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How does the Telefunken M81 microphone's supercardioid pattern affect its performance?
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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.
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Can the Telefunken M81 handle high sound pressure levels?
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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.
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What are the connectivity options for the Telefunken M81 microphone?
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The Telefunken M81 features a standard XLR connector, ensuring compatibility with most professional audio interfaces, mixers, and recording equipment.
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How does the Telefunken M81 differ from the M80 model?
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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.
Videos
Podcastage
Telefunken M81 Dynamic Mic Review / Test
Reviews
PROS
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Superior sound clarity and naturalness, ideal for both vocals and instruments
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Exceptional rear noise rejection enhances audio quality
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Tames brighter vocals and guitar tones effectively
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Offers condenser-like airiness without needing phantom power
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Versatile across genres and performance venues
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Solid, heavy build ensures durability
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Smoothens and rounds out the sound for a variety of sources
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Excels in rejecting off-axis noise for cleaner recordings
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Compatible with both wired and wireless setups
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Flatter frequency response compared to M80, better handling of EQ
CONS
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Requires close attention to plosives, more so than other dynamics
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Handling noise present, though minimal compared to competitors
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Price point higher than similar dynamic microphones
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Tight pickup pattern may limit off-axis sound capture
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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
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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.
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User experience
Value and pricing
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Older Telefunken M81 models without badges can still be authentic, suggesting potential value for collectors seeking original versions.
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Use cases and applications
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The M80 is favored on snare tops for its rejection and less cracky tone compared to an SM57, making it ideal for drum miking.
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M81 is used on toms for a full-bodied sound, though it may require EQ to address slightly muffled transients.
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The M81 is recommended for darker voice types, providing a tailored sound that complements those vocal characteristics.
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Comparisons
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings
162
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.
Artist usage
Add artist
Chris Martin uses the Telefunken M81 microphone during more intimate performances, as seen in the live session with SiriusXM.
'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.”'
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.
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.
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.
Community setups
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