Telefunken ELA M 260 Telefunken

The small diaphragm ELA M 260 is arguably one of the industry’s finest acoustic and classical recording tube microphones, offering plenty of tone with excellent detail and clarity.

Prior to 1959, TELEFUNKEN GmbH distributed Neumann GmbH microphones throughout the world. When Neumann GmbH decided to take their distribution direct, TELEFUNKEN GmbH commissioned Austrian company AKG Acoustics GmbH to produce a series of 5 microphones. This series of microphones was comprised of the famous ELA M 251, the ELA M 250, the stereo ELA M 270, and two small capsule microphones, the ELA M 260 and the ELA M 261.

TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik is pleased to offer its first small diaphragm tube condenser, the ELA M 260. While not a historically accurate reproduction of the original ELA M 260 like the Diamond Series microphones, TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik’s version of the ELA M 260 is still built with the same attention to detail and level of quality that would be expected from a TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik microphone.

One of the best recording tools for acoustic and classical music, the ELA M 260 system features a new circuit design based around a New Old Stock (NOS) EF-732 / 5840W vacuum tube and a custom output transformer that is wound to exacting specification in the United States. The combination of these features yields a small diaphragm microphone that is unique while also bearing the qualities of the vintage microphones that it was based upon.

In use, the ELA M 260 has plenty of tone with excellent detail and clarity. It captures sources with a natural presence, making it a fantastic tool for recording acoustic instruments of all types. Violin, cello, upright bass, drum overheads, percussion, woodwinds, saxophones, strings, and especially acoustic guitar all shine through the ELA M 260. Also, despite its size, it has also served well on vocal applications. Its unique tonal character is very well suited for a myriad of applications, both traditional and not.

All ELA M 260 system packages are supplied with a set of three interchangeable capsules: the TK60 cardioid, TK61 omni, andTK62 hyper-cardioid. With all three capsules the user can have the flexibility to record their source material in any way they wish. Each system also includes an M960 power supply, M801 25′ dual-shielded TX-7 tube microphone cable, M761 elastic shock mount, wooden microphone box and a dedicated power supply.

All system packages of the ELA M 260 can have a custom adaptor added which was designed by friend and fellow audio enthusiast, Chip Machokas, that permits the use of any of the AKG “CK” series of capsules (or capsules made by other manufacturers with the same thread) and Neumann bayonet-style capsules. This adapter is available for an additional $79 USD through the Restoration Parts page.

 Stereo Set

The matched Stereo Set comes in a custom locking flight case that carries both M801 cables, M761 shock mounts, microphones, wooden boxes, and an American-made dual-channel M960S power supply unit. This newly designed power supply is fully regulated and will power one or both microphones simultaneously, and features a slow-ramping heater voltage to ensure vacuum tube longevity. The ELA M 260 Stereo Set also features two sets of 3 interchangeable capsules: the TK60cardioid, TK61 omni, and TK62 hypercardioid, so the user can have the flexibility to record their source material in any way they wish.

The microphones will also feature the same flint gray finish made popular by the R-F-T AR-51, so you will be able to know in an instant, which microphones are from your Stereo Set, and which are your individual ELA M 260 systems.

The ELA M 260 features an amplifier circuit based around a New Old Stock (NOS) EF-732 / 5840W vacuum tube and a custom output transformer that is wound to exacting specification in the United States. Each of these components is rigorously tested in our laboratory prior to installation, and hand-selected for matched pairs. The capsules have matched frequency responses, the tubes have matched gain and noise specs, and the amplifier circuits have matched gain and frequency response.

Stereo recording techniques include X/Y coincidental pairs with the microphones in cardioid, and A/B spaced pairs with either cardioid or omni-directional patterns. Using these techniques, or others, in conjunction with a pair of ELA M 260‘s will result in an ideal recording set up for string sections, acoustic guitar, drum overheads, or as room microphones.

The ELA M 260 Stereo Set offers the user the knowledge and comfort that the tools they are using will give identical responses for their most important stereo recording.

Tri-Mono Set

The TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik TRI-MONO package for the ELA M 260 system consists of three ELA M 260 microphones [finished in black], a 3-channel power supply capable of powering all three microphones, three elastic shock mounts, and a set of three 10-meter AccuSound TX-7 tube mic cables with right angle XLR connectors. In order to foster an element of creativity, all three capsule systems [TK60 cardioid, TK61 omni-directional, and TK62 hyper-cardioid] are included in the package, along with a set of three 50mm and a set of three 30mm diffuse field spheres.

Specifications

Type                          Pressure Gradient Condenser
Capsule                    TK60, TK61, TK62 – 15 mm Edge Terminated Diaphragm
Tube Type                Philips & Raytheon JAN EF732 / 5840W (NOS)
Transformer             Custom Wound Telefunken T60
Polar                         Pattern Cardioid, Omindirectional, and Hypercardioid (Interchangeable Capsules)
Frequency Range    20 Hz – 20 kHz, ± 3 dB
Sensitivity                16.5 mV/Pa ± 1 dB
THD at 1kHz at 1Pa (Amplifier) < 0.15%
Output Impedance    200 ?
Maximum SPL (for 1% THD) 135 dB
S/N Ratio                  83 dBA
Self Noise (Amplifier) 11 dBA
Dimensions / Size      140 mm L x 21 mm Dia.
Weight                       116 g
Current Draw from Mains 55 mA
Power Supply           M 960 – 7 Pin Female XLR Input, 3 Pin Male XLR Output
Cable                        M 860R – 25 ft Accusound TX-7 Cable, Right Angle 7 Pin Female XLR, 7 Pin Male                                        XLR
Shockmount             M 961 – Suspended Elastic Mount
Wooden Box            WB60
Flight Case              HC60 – Hard Shell Protective Case (not included), FC60S for Stereo Set, FC60T for                                      Tri-Mono Set

Note: As of February 28, 2023, Telefunken ELA M 260 now have a 6 week lead time.