Telefunken USA Ela M 251

denial · 14th March 2004

Has anyone here used one of these mics?
What was the verdict?

denial · 16th March 2004

Anyone?

wallace · 17th March 2004

There was a blurb about this mic on the digidesign website under the user's section. It was mentioned in an article about Garbage (the first one maybe? The direct links don't work there). Butch Vig was saying it was their singer's mic of choice.

toolstudio · 17th March 2004

Quote:

Originally posted by wallace
There was a blurb about this mic on the digidesign website under the user's section. It was mentioned in an article about Garbage (the first one maybe? The direct links don't work there). Butch Vig was saying it was their singer's mic of choice.

I guess that was an original 251 butch vig is using on her vocals. This and a Brauner KHE

wolfgang

toolhouse studios, germany

SolipsismX · 18th March 2004

technically, he uses an original elam 250 for Shirley's vocals which sounds the same as a 251 since they are probably using it in cardiod anyway. For backup vocals, they use the Brauner like toolside mentioned along with the Bottle w/ B0 capsule. They also used the Bottle w/ the B5 capsule for all the acoustic guitar on their last album.

dave-G · 18th March 2004

Quote:

Originally posted by denial
Has anyone here used one of these mics?
What was the verdict?

I heard about 20 of them at the Avatar Studios/Telefunken USA demo-party during AES last year. Shelly Yakus had a whole band miked up with nothing but 251s. It was impossible to discern what I was hearing in any truly critical way, but it sounded pretty nice, and Shelly seemed pleased.

As an owner of an original 251, I'd like to hear one next to mine. On the genral principal, I'm not sure whether to be pissed that they're undermining the absurdly high value of my mic, or relieved that there will at least be replacement parts available for a while.

In any case, it's a hell of an undertaking, and an obsessive labor of love. I've gotta at least admire Toni and company for sheer moxie.

-dave

faeflora · 19th March 2004

Can anyone give the reasons why Telefunken USA is often stated to be a bunch of jerks?

faeflora · 19th March 2004

No hearsay please.

Blackbird · 19th March 2004

Quote:

Originally posted by faeflora
Can anyone give the reasons why Telefunken USA is often stated to be a bunch of jerks?

I have dealt with Toni Fishman for the last year or two and bought his mic collection and a pair of the new 251's. I have 20 Telefunken 251's, 18 being vintage (59-61) and 2 being new from Telefunken USA (I bought the AC701 versions). The new 251's sound wonderful overall. They sound at least as good as half of my 18 vintage 251's, and I have also heard a couple of other new Telefunken's (6072 version) that Toni brought by the studio for us to audition that sounded great. He is building a fine product, and it is a relief to know that there is qualified service available on these mics. We have some of our 251's that have a certain magic that I haven't heard in the new mics, and that I also haven't heard in 90% of the vintage 250's and 251's. Much like vintage U47's, some have the magic and some don't. Most vintage mics of the same model do not sound strikingly similar, and good luck finding two that sound exactly alike. There are certain 251's that sound great on acoustic guitar and not on vocals, or that sound great on vocals but not drum overheads. As with all mics, take the time to try mics in different applications and trust your ears. Also listen to your mics with different mic pre's before tossing them aside because they weren't perfect for xyz application.
As far as being jerks, I am unaware of that and can only say that they have treated us fairly and that we have done a lot of business with these guys and I plan on doing more in the future. I love the Telefunken name and hope that it is around for a long, long time. John

jajjguy · 19th March 2004

Weren't there some legal problems with the name that halted production? Has this been resolved? Was it just a rumor in the first place?

henryrobinett · 19th March 2004

I've used the telefunken Elam 251 on about 4 ocassions. I absolutely loved it. I wish I owned it. It was always on a female vocalist. Three different ones. Jazz. Very open and smooth. Warm. Lovely.

Fletcher · 19th March 2004

Quote:

Originally posted by jajjguy
Weren't there some legal problems with the name that halted production? Has this been resolved? Was it just a rumor in the first place?

It was a rumor... and not a very pretty rumor at that.

Mr T. Funken · 21st March 2004

Toni Fishman of Telefunken North America will be in L.A. March 20th thru the end of the month. If you would like to DEMO one of our new microphone products please give me a ring.

Available microphone systems in the L.A. area:

3) Telefunken USA Ela M251 E (6072a)

1) Telefunken USA Ela M12 (6072a)

1) Telefunken USA U47 M
w/EF-14 Tube w/ M7 capsule.

**As far as answers to legal questions go. We would be happy to have our legal Dept. Provide 100% Proof of our North American Trademark Rights.

***To John McBride of Blackbird Studio's: We would like to thank you for all your kind words, support & wisdom.

****To Fletcher of Mercenary Audio: Thank you for looking out for us.

Kind Regards, Toni Fishman

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS CONTACT ME VIA CELL

Billy Bush · 21st March 2004

Quote:

Originally posted by SolipsismX
technically, he uses an original elam 250 for Shirley's vocals which sounds the same as a 251 since they are probably using it in cardiod anyway. For backup vocals, they use the Brauner like toolside mentioned along with the Bottle w/ B0 capsule. They also used the Bottle w/ the B5 capsule for all the acoustic guitar on their last album.

Yep. It's a 250 in cardioid, but it was a Brauner VM-1 for backups, not the KHE. The first record was all 250, version 2.0 was 250 for leads and most backs, some VM-1. beautifulgarbage had a couple of tracks that were all VM-1 - "Drive You Home" and "Silence Is Golden". The James Bond song "The World Is Not Enough" was the VM-1.
We didn't get the KHE until the third record, it's a great mic but isn't right for her.

We usually have the three mics set up to try but the elam smokes everything 95% of the time. We haven't had a chance to try the reissues, but am interested in checking them out!

Billy Bush/Garbage

Meriphew · 21st March 2004

I'm curious as to whether or not Telefunken USA will be producing a U67.

Mr T. Funken · 21st March 2004

Hello Gearslutz.....
The U67 head grill is a pattented shape by Neumann & Co. So this mic is not able to be reproduced by TelefunkenUSA. We hope this answers your question. We would also note that Neumann has re-issued this mic in the past. So they should be able to do it again if they wanted. We feel that they will not make the U67 again becouse the profit margin is not big enough for the likes of Neumann.

chessparov · 22nd March 2004

Hi Toni.
I tried out your C12, U47, and 251 reproductions a bit at NAMM.
They were all terrific, as far as that went, but the fave was the 251 for my voice. The U47 repro was a close second.
The incredible top end on the 251 was what gave it the edge BTW.

While I may or may not be in a serious enough recording situation ever to use these, thanks for all the hard work in keeping that kind of "sound" alive!

Chris

SolipsismX · 22nd March 2004

::Yep. It's a 250 in cardioid, but it was a Brauner VM-1 for backups, not the KHE. The first record was all 250, version 2.0 was 250 for leads and most backs, some VM-1. beautifulgarbage had a couple of tracks that were all VM-1 - "Drive You Home" and "Silence Is Golden". The James Bond song "The World Is Not Enough" was the VM-1.
We didn't get the KHE until the third record, it's a great mic but isn't right for her.

We usually have the three mics set up to try but the elam smokes everything 95% of the time. We haven't had a chance to try the reissues, but am interested in checking them out!

Billy Bush/Garbage!

Cool to see you back here Billy. Do you know if they were using the same 250 on her voice for the first album? And by the way, are you going to be working on their upcoming album and tour?

jajjguy · 22nd March 2004

Quote:

Originally posted by Fletcher
It was a rumor...

Glad to hear it, thanks for clearing that up.

Greg B · 4th February 2010

I'm getting a Telefunken U47 tomorrow and an ELAM 251e and C-12 probably next week, so I'll have them all together for comparison. I also want to compare the U47 to some other mics carrying the 47 name, like the ADK CS47-YJ, 3 Zigma C-LOL-47, and the JZ Microphones V47. I can post some clips if anyone's interested.

World Studios · 17th February 2010

Please, please do!

ArnauTS · 18th February 2010

It's a funny 6 year up but yes it will be nice to hear these wonderfull mikes

Greg B · 18th February 2010

Hey guys,

I'm still planning on posting some clips, but I'm still waiting on a few of the mics. Hopefully soon...

EqnoixStudios · 18th February 2010

Did Greg Wells use this mic on some recent artists? I thought I read that someplace. I would listen to one of those cds for reference.

Greg Wells · 14th April 2010

This is the mic I have and use on every singer - and artists constantly comment on how they've never sounded better:

Telefunken ELA-M 250 | VintageKing.com

GYang · 14th April 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr T. Funken

Toni Fishman of Telefunken North America

****To Fletcher of Mercenary Audio: Thank you for looking out for us.

Kind Regards, Toni Fishman

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS CONTACT ME VIA CELL

6 years later we see that guys obviously reached some agreement

Fletcher · 14th April 2010

I honestly don't think we'll ever "reach an agreement" on a lot of things... but they let me work for them and I'm happy to work there as I think its a quality product and think the staff is a great bunch of guys.

I thought the product was good before I went to work there, but now that I do work there and know more about the level of detail that goes into each microphone I have an even greater respect for the product.

As for me... I will be moving to Munich [along with my 16 words of German] in a the beginning of May [2010] and will begin setting up TELEFUNKEN EU Operations [amongst other things like running a distribution company called "Analog Audio"].

Its a good move on a LOT of levels.

Peace.

drew · 14th April 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fletcher

I honestly don't think we'll ever "reach an agreement" on a lot of things... but they let me work for them and I'm happy to work there as I think its a quality product and think the staff is a great bunch of guys.

I thought the product was good before I went to work there, but now that I do work there and know more about the level of detail that goes into each microphone I have an even greater respect for the product.

As for me... I will be moving to Munich [along with my 16 words of German] in a the beginning of May [2010] and will begin setting up TELEFUNKEN EU Operations [amongst other things like running a distribution company called "Analog Audio"].

Its a good move on a LOT of levels.

Peace.

Congratulations Fletcher.

Enjoy Munich.

SHIRK · 20th June 2010

I used the Telefunken USA ELAM 251 as a room mic on Electric Guitar last weekend. The thing was 20+ feet away from the amp (that was sitting in an iso room with the door standing wide open) and it just grabbed all the detail from across the room. Amazing!!!!

I'd never used a mic of this caliber and price tag for such purposes (room mic). Now I see what it's all about.

skybluerental · 20th June 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by SHIRK

I used the Telefunken USA ELAM 251 as a room mic on Electric Guitar last weekend. The thing was 20+ feet away from the amp (that was sitting in an iso room with the door standing wide open) and it just grabbed all the detail from across the room. Amazing!!!!

I'd never used a mic of this caliber and price tag for such purposes (room mic). Now I see what it's all about.

STEVE,
did you buy a 251 and not tell me???
how dare you?
: )

seriously, whats the scoop mang?
we gotta grab a cocktail sometime soon..................

14th March 2004	#1
denial Gear addict Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 493 Thread Starter	Telefunken USA Ela M 251 Has anyone here used one of these mics? What was the verdict?

19th March 2004	#10
jajjguy Gear addict Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA Posts: 364	Weren't there some legal problems with the name that halted production? Has this been resolved? Was it just a rumor in the first place? __________________ cellist, recordist, acoustics geek

19th March 2004	#11
henryrobinett Gear Guru Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 10,217	I've used the telefunken Elam 251 on about 4 ocassions. I absolutely loved it. I wish I owned it. It was always on a female vocalist. Three different ones. Jazz. Very open and smooth. Warm. Lovely. __________________ All the best, Henry Robinett http://soundcloud.com/henry-robinett

21st March 2004	#13
Mr T. Funken Gear Head Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Connecticut & California Posts: 61	Telefunken USA Visiting L.A. California. Toni Fishman of Telefunken North America will be in L.A. March 20th thru the end of the month. If you would like to DEMO one of our new microphone products please give me a ring. Available microphone systems in the L.A. area: 3) Telefunken USA Ela M251 E (6072a) 1) Telefunken USA Ela M12 (6072a) 1) Telefunken USA U47 M w/EF-14 Tube w/ M7 capsule. As far as answers to legal questions go. We would be happy to have our legal Dept. Provide 100% Proof of our North American Trademark Rights. To John McBride of Blackbird Studio's: We would like to thank you for all your kind words, support & wisdom. ***To Fletcher of Mercenary Audio: Thank you for looking out for us. Kind Regards, Toni Fishman ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS CONTACT ME VIA CELL __________________ -- Kind Regards, Toni R. Fishman “Built to a standard not a price.” Telefunken North America, LLC. 300 Pleasant Valley Road Suite (E) South Windsor Ct. 06074 USA

21st March 2004	#15
Meriphew Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Seattle USA Posts: 2,874	I'm curious as to whether or not Telefunken USA will be producing a U67. __________________ *MyspaceMeriphew**

16th March 2004	#2
denial Gear addict Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 493 Thread Starter	Anyone?

17th March 2004	#3
wallace Lives for gear Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 1,086	There was a blurb about this mic on the digidesign website under the user's section. It was mentioned in an article about Garbage (the first one maybe? The direct links don't work there). Butch Vig was saying it was their singer's mic of choice.

18th March 2004	#5
SolipsismX Gear Head Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: San Jose Posts: 42	technically, he uses an original elam 250 for Shirley's vocals which sounds the same as a 251 since they are probably using it in cardiod anyway. For backup vocals, they use the Brauner like toolside mentioned along with the Bottle w/ B0 capsule. They also used the Bottle w/ the B5 capsule for all the acoustic guitar on their last album.

19th March 2004	#7
faeflora Lives for gear Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: washington dc Posts: 2,019	Can anyone give the reasons why Telefunken USA is often stated to be a bunch of jerks?

21st March 2004	#16
Mr T. Funken Gear Head Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Connecticut & California Posts: 61	To U67 or not to U67 Tha was the question! Hello Gearslutz..... The U67 head grill is a pattented shape by Neumann & Co. So this mic is not able to be reproduced by TelefunkenUSA. We hope this answers your question. We would also note that Neumann has re-issued this mic in the past. So they should be able to do it again if they wanted. We feel that they will not make the U67 again becouse the profit margin is not big enough for the likes of Neumann.

22nd March 2004	#17
chessparov Jr. Gear Slut 2nd class Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 1,761	Hi Toni. I tried out your C12, U47, and 251 reproductions a bit at NAMM. They were all terrific, as far as that went, but the fave was the 251 for my voice. The U47 repro was a close second. The incredible top end on the 251 was what gave it the edge BTW. While I may or may not be in a serious enough recording situation ever to use these, thanks for all the hard work in keeping that kind of "sound" alive! Chris

4th February 2010	#20
Greg B Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Hillsboro, OR Posts: 796	Telefunken ELAM 215e, U47, and C-12 I'm getting a Telefunken U47 tomorrow and an ELAM 251e and C-12 probably next week, so I'll have them all together for comparison. I also want to compare the U47 to some other mics carrying the 47 name, like the ADK CS47-YJ, 3 Zigma C-LOL-47, and the JZ Microphones V47. I can post some clips if anyone's interested. __________________ Greg Blaisdell Engineer - Musician - Pro Audio Sales www.ProAudioToys.com - GEAR SALES! www.RackRecording.com - STUDIO SAVE 20% Off All Beesneez Microphones this Month with Coupon code "beesneez"

17th February 2010	#21
World Studios Lives for gear Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Malmö, Sweden Posts: 849	Please, please do!

18th February 2010	#22
ArnauTS Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Manresa Posts: 591	It's a funny 6 year up but yes it will be nice to hear these wonderfull mikes __________________ Sound Engineer Custom Gear

18th February 2010	#23
Greg B Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Hillsboro, OR Posts: 796	mic samples Hey guys, I'm still planning on posting some clips, but I'm still waiting on a few of the mics. Hopefully soon...

18th February 2010	#24
EqnoixStudios Gear maniac Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Nashville Posts: 236	Did Greg Wells use this mic on some recent artists? I thought I read that someplace. I would listen to one of those cds for reference. __________________ Dan Duncan Producer/Engineer Eqnoix Studios

14th April 2010	#25
Greg Wells Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 711	This is the mic I have and use on every singer - and artists constantly comment on how they've never sounded better: Telefunken ELA-M 250 \| VintageKing.com __________________ www.gregwells.net

14th April 2010	#27
Fletcher member no 666 Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Durham, NC Posts: 9,464	I honestly don't think we'll ever "reach an agreement" on a lot of things... but they let me work for them and I'm happy to work there as I think its a quality product and think the staff is a great bunch of guys. I thought the product was good before I went to work there, but now that I do work there and know more about the level of detail that goes into each microphone I have an even greater respect for the product. As for me... I will be moving to Munich [along with my 16 words of German] in a the beginning of May [2010] and will begin setting up TELEFUNKEN EU Operations [amongst other things like running a distribution company called "Analog Audio"]. Its a good move on a LOT of levels. Peace. __________________ CN Fletcher Professional Affiliations: R/E/P Professional Recording Engineer and Producer forums - serious hobbyists welcome TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik SoundPure.com mwagener wrote on Sat, 11 September 2004 14:33 We are selling emotions, there are no emotions in a grid Roscoe Ambel once said: Pro-Tools is to audio what fluorescent is to light

20th June 2010	#29
SHIRK Gear addict Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Chicago Posts: 347	I used the Telefunken USA ELAM 251 as a room mic on Electric Guitar last weekend. The thing was 20+ feet away from the amp (that was sitting in an iso room with the door standing wide open) and it just grabbed all the detail from across the room. Amazing!!!! I'd never used a mic of this caliber and price tag for such purposes (room mic). Now I see what it's all about. __________________ SHIRK www.shirkmusic.com www.hearya.com

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