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Telefunken TF29 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone

Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Mic with Cardioid Polar Pattern, Power Supply, Shock Mount, Case, and 7-pin Microphone Cable
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Telefunken TF29 Large-diaphragm Tube Condenser Microphone
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A Sound Investment

An evolutionary update of the CU-29 Copperhead, an original Telefunken Elektroakustik design that amassed legions of fans for its natural, unhyped sound and amazing value, the Telefunken TF29 Copperhead continues the tradition of outstanding sonic performance and value. The TF29 Copperhead large-diaphragm tube condenser mic delivers warm, clear bass, detailed midrange, and the silky high-end airiness of mics costing many times more. To deliver such an outstanding price/performance ratio, Telefunken gave the TF29 a fixed cardioid polar pattern, but this American-made gem doesn't skimp on component quality. Its 5654W NOS tube, Lundahl output transformer, and other top-drawer parts give this mic an open-sounding and sonically pleasing response. The Telefunken TF29 Copperhead is an affordable workhorse go-to mic that honestly captures vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, drums, and nearly any source you aim it at.

Meticulously selected parts

Spurred on by the discovery of a sizable cache of new-old-stock Telefunken tubes that were deemed suitable for microphone applications, Telefunken set sail on a 15-month quest to design a great-sounding cardioid-only large-diaphragm tube condenser mic and bring it to market at an affordable price. In the process, they experimented with components, selecting only the best-sounding, most stable ones for inclusion in this amazing mic. High-impedance runs were kept as short as possible to minimize noise. They auditioned an array of output transformers to find the one that delivered the most open-sounding and sonically pleasing response. The NOS tube and the Lundahl LL1935 output transformer ultimately made the cut, along with selected US-designed electronics and overseas-sourced parts. The result was the TF29's predecessor, the CU-29, a fabulous mic that went on to garner rave reviews among engineers at Sweetwater. The TF29 Copperhead is all that and more.

A valued addition to your mic locker

The Telefunken TF29 Copperhead isn't a re-creation of a classic mic — or even a variation on a theme. The CU-29 it's based on is a completely original design, the first of its kind. The TF29 has been tweaked and nuanced with over five years of "how-can-we-make-it-better" research and development. Every component in the circuit was analyzed and subjected to exhaustive instrument and listening tests. As a result, the TF29 uses a different NOS tube, for example, but the same Lundahl transformer, which couldn't be improved upon. With its extended low end, pleasing midrange, and an unhyped high end, the TF29's unique character and rich sonic texture will be a valued addition to your mic locker.

Cardioid-only?

You bet. If you had to choose only one polar pattern for all the mics in your studio, cardioid would be the one. Although Sweetwater certainly recommends having omnidirectional and figure-8 microphones on hand for tricky recording setups and advanced stereo miking techniques, your cardioid mics will be your "go-to" mics for the vast majority of recording and sound-reinforcement tasks. A great-sounding cardioid tube condenser mic like the Telefunken TF29 Copperhead will enjoy constant use in your studio. It's a sound investment.

Telefunken TF29 Copperhead Features:

  • Large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone
  • Cardioid polar pattern
  • Extended low-frequency response
  • Pleasing, natural midrange
  • Silky unhyped highs
  • All-brass K67-style center-terminated capsule
  • Premium Swedish-made Lundahl transformer
  • American-made NOS 5654W vacuum tube
  • Designed and hand-assembled in the USA
  • Includes M902 Power Supply, M803 Tube Microphone Cable, ZC03 Shell Case, M703 Shock Mount, M782 Stand Mount, and MS01Microphone Sleeve

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Tech Specs

  • Microphone Type: Pressure Gradient Condenser
  • Mono/Stereo: Mono
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Diaphragm Size: 1" (25.4mm)
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
  • Max SPL: 130dB SPL (1% THD)
  • Output Impedance: <300 ohms
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: 87dB
  • Sensitivity: 17 mV/Pa
  • Self Noise: 7dB
  • Tube: 5654W (NOS)
  • Color: Blue, Copper
  • Power Source: External M902 power supply
  • Connector: 7-pin XLR (mic), 3-pin XLR (power supply)
  • Dimensions: 7.87" x 1.81"
  • Weight: 1.4 lbs.
  • Included Accessories: Shockmount, Stand Mount, Carrying Case, Mic Cable, Mic Pouch
  • Manufacturer Part Number: SYTM-087

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

One of my best mics

I expected quality from Telefunken and they did not disappoint with this mic. You can absolutely hear the tune impart its color into the sound. I use it primarily on vocals with a Neumann TLM 102 on acoustic guitar. This combination is by far my favorite. Clients are impressed and so am I.
Music background: Recording Engineer, Musician
Rated 5/5

3-Dimensional Mic

Perhaps you've read about or experienced mics with a "3D" quality to them. This one delivers in spades (or, pardon the pun… space).

I've owned a number of the usual suspects in this price range: TLM103, C414XLII, etc. and nothing — I mean NOTHING — in this price range comes close to how big and 3D this mic sounds. So much so, that you really have to plan a session's mic choice from the beginning. Whatever you use this mic on will sit right up front in the mix, hyper-realistic and larger-than-life. Don't use it on bg vox or you'll end up having to play with level, eq, and reverb to tuck them behind the lead vocal. Same with instruments. If you have an acoustic guitar part that really needs to sit up front in the mix, throw the TF29 on it, but if it's a really strummy rhythm part that needs to sit back in the mix and blend with other instruments, use a SDC or a 57. Remember to use this mic judiciously for the most important elements of a song and you will be rewarded with an easier mix that has professional dimensionality from the start. (It's worth noting that upgrading your converters will help a lot, too. I invested in a Burl B2 AD and it's an absolute game-changer).

Tonally, another reviewer wrote that it's like a U87 with more presence and definition. Very good description of this mic. It's very warm, and very detailed at the same time. Exquisite on both male and female vocals. Barely needs any eq at all, but takes eq well without getting harsh. The top end screams quality. Smooth, airy, detailed… all the superlatives associated with mics 2-10x its price. Mids on this mic are my favorite of any mic in my locker. The typical advice is to pair tube mics with solid state pres and solid state mics with tube pres. This holds true with the TF29. The thickness and detail of my 1073 really brings out the best in this mic.

Aesthetically — as you can clearly see from the product photos — it may be the most beautiful mic on the market, IMHO. Physically, it's not a huge mic, but much heavier than you'd expect with the Lundahl transformers. When you're handling it, this mic screams quality.

So what are the drawbacks? Someone mentioned the build quality of the shock mount is less than they would expect. I'd echo this feedback, as I had to order replacement rubber bands when a couple broke after a year or so. Shout out to my Sweetwater engineer of 20+ years, Bob Mondok for the free replacements. Lesson learned? Although this mic is gorgeous and impressive, don't leave it on the the stand when not in use. Other than that, the mount does its job just fine. It's worth noting that if you don't have a mic stand with a weighted base, I'd really recommend ordering one. This is not a mic you want to risk mounting on a typical stage mic stand.

Overall, I can finally say that my search for the best lead vocal mic is over — and at a price point that belies its uncompromising quality. The TF29 is simply world-class.

Buy it.
Music background: Pro
Rated 5/5

Stellar mic!

Another guy that replaced his CV12. I liked that mic a lot until I replaced it with the Telefunken. This mic works great on female voices, male voices, acoustic guitars, you name it! Nice silky smooth high end (without needing a de-esser!) and very warm controlled mid & low end. Using with a Joe Meek Twin Q2 preamp, and the sound knocks me out! I'm very happy with this one.
Rated 5/5

Clarity, Clarity, Clarity

I only knew this mic existed because I found out it's the microphone Doja Cat uses. I had been using, and swearing by, an Avantone CV-12 for about 5 years now. I really didn't think there were any steals better than that on the market. But I had to try the TF29, seeing that it's price was only $ and produces Billboard hits. After having this for about 45 days here are my thoughts. Build quality (feel and finish) is 10/10. This thing looks pure sexy. Shockmount is decent, not the best. Power supply is sexy and luxurious. Now for the sound of the mic. After a sufficient 72 hours of burning in, it sounds like everything I could ask for. Compared side by side with vocals from the CV-12 it absolutely puts the Avantone to shame (even with an upgraded tube). I couldn't believe it. It made it sound hollow, and cloudy, no real meat to it. This thing has clarity from top to bottom. I can't even believe it only costs this much. The bottom end is MORE than present, it's actually much more than I expected. Sounds like a U87 but darker and oddly more clarity. For certain songs I need to add a brightening plugin of some sort (mainly "Fresh Air by Slate Digital") to get the pop style sound I like. I only use it for male vocals. I'd say this is perfect for female vocalists of any style. Males with a deeper voice, may or may not want something to brighten them a tad bit. For voiceovers and spoken word this will work for anybody and I don't think it could be beat. It's insanely quiet and accurate. I don't think any mic comes close to this at the price. I'm beyond satisfied.
Music background: Singer, Engineer for 10 years
Rated 5/5

Worth the investment - Awesome Mic!

Needed a new vocal mic but one that I could also use on acoustic and electric guitars. Looked and listened to WA-47, C414XLS, TLM 103, etc. All great mics. Ordered the TF29 based on what I initially heard. Immediately recorded D-15, D-18 and HD-28 to get a frame of reference. Couldn't believe the accuracy of the mic. Then did vocals and electric guitar (LP Custom Shop Custom through '79 Marshall Master Volume JMP Combo). Incredible sound. ZERO coloration. Playback was on Adam Audio, Yamaha and Focal monitors as well as Abbey Road Studio 3 Waves. Both I and my Producer friend who runs sound, mixes and masters for a rock 'n roll legend couldn't get over the accuracy of the mic. He has long used high-end U-47,67,87s but had never heard the TF29. He used a sound level meter to measure any spikes on his system as well - none whatsoever. My goal was to get a mic that could provide a great "no excuses" sonic starting point for vocals/guitars, etc. Couldn't be happier with selection. It's actually even better than I thought it would be and I had high expectations given the Telefunken story. 5 Year Warranty too with registration.

On the Sweetwater side, Ted Hunter was amazing as always. So was Ian Richardson in Service who helped me immediately replace the first mic that was damaged in transit. Got replacement the following day.

Great mic! Great service!
Music background: Musician/Songwriter
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