Telefunken M60 FET Telefunken

With over a year and half of development and beta testing with top recording engineers, the newly designed M60 FET (Field Effect Transistor) small diaphragm microphone is TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik’s first non-vacuum tube, FET-based solid-state condenser microphone. The M60 FET Series is designed to utilize the same interchangeable TK6x capsules as the TEC Award-winning ELA M 260 small diaphragm tube microphone. 

The M60 FET Cardioid package includes one M60 amplifier paired with a TK60 cardioid polar pattern capsule. The TK60features a 6-micron gold-sputtered membrane measuring 15mm in diameter, with a surprisingly full low end, and a quick and accurate transient response. The frequency response is flat from 150 Hz to 7 kHz, with a smooth, airy presence peak at 8 kHz making it ideal for drum overheads, hi-hat and ride cymbals, piano, acoustic guitar, and other acoustic instruments.

Utilizing a unique proprietary circuit topology, this re-interpretation of the classic FET mic amplifier produces an exceptional transient response and SPL handling capabilities. Carefully selected and tested components are hand-plugged into gold-plated circuit board traces to provide an ultra-clean true Class A discrete amplifier with a frequency response of +/- 2dB from 20 Hz to 50 kHz. The output is matched with a custom American-made transformer that offers an especially low self-noise and a typical THD+N of 0.015% or better, making it ideal for critical recording applications.

The M60 FET‘s incredibly quick transient response captures nuances and subtleties with impressive precision and clarity. This results in an extremely detailed sonic image with definition and presence, perfectly suited for the complex character of stringed instruments and percussive sources.

The M60 FET amplifier body is finished in a durable, lightly textured black powder coat adorned with the historic TELEFUNKEN diamond badge. The microphone’s XLR connector shell complements the look with a matte black nickel-plated finish engraved with the model and serial number. The TK6x capsules feature a bright nickel-plated enclosure with a fine gold mesh pattern.

The M60 FET Cardioid system ships complete with an SGMC-5R 5-meter XLR cable with right angle female connector, M761elastic shock mount, and a foam windscreen, all packed in an FC61 zipper carrying case.

Specifications

Type                           Pressure Gradient Condenser
Capsule                     TK60 – 15 mm Edge Terminated Diaphragm
Tube Type                  Active FET Transistor (No Vacuum Tube)
Transformer               Custom Wound Telefunken T61CT
Polar Pattern              Cardioid
Frequency Range      20 Hz – 31.5 kHz, ± 2 dB (Amplifier)
Sensitivity                  8.6 mV/PA, ± 1db
THD at 1kHz at 1Pa (Amplifier) < 0.01%
Output Impedance     120 ?
Maximum SPL (for 1% THD) > 130 dB
S/N Ratio                   > 89 dBA
Self Noise (Amplifier) ≤ 5 dBA
Dimensions / Size     140 mm L x 21 mm Dia
Weight                        110 g
Current Draw from Mains 2 mA
Cable                          SGMC-5R – 5 Meter (16.9 ft) Cable, Right Angle Female 3 Pin XLR, 3 Pin Male XLR
Shockmount               M 961 – Suspended Elastic Mount
Flight Case                 ZC61 Soft Foam Zip Case, ZC62 for Stereo Set

The M60 Deluxe TRI-MONO Set ships complete with:  

• (3x) M60 FET microphone amplifiers 
• (3x) TK60 Cardioid capsules   
• (3x) TK61 Omnidirectional capsules  
• (3x) SD40 Diffusion Spheres 
• (3x) SGMC-5R XLR cables  
• (3x) M761 Elastic Shock Mounts  
• ZC63 Zipper Carrying Case  

Note: As of February 28, 2023, Telefunken M60 now have a 6 week lead time.