In 1947, Telefunken began distribution of the U47 microphone. The fidelity and detail of the U47 pushed it to the forefront of recording studios everywhere. Shortly after, the ELA M 251E was introduced. Though only in production from 1959 until 1962, the Telefunken ELA M 251E is thought to be one of the best-sounding microphones ever created. While many other microphones were distributed and designed by Telefunken, the U47 and ELA M 251E remain their most famous contributions.
Telefunken Elektroakustik's origins began in 2000 with the reverse engineering of a single part known to break over time: the original ELA M 251E polar pattern selector switch. After painstakingly re-creating the switch, the next two years were spent reverse engineering the rest of the ELA M 251E microphone to original specification, as dictated by original documents and drafts. With the 251E revived, the C12 and U47 soon followed before Telefunken created the R-F-T Series, a line merging vintage-inspired microphone designs and modern manufacturing practices. Dynamic and phantom-powered designs utilizing the same principles soon followed.
In keeping to the high quality standards of their historic namesake, all Telefunken Elektroakustik products are meticulously built and tested to be worthy of the classic Diamond logo. Every microphone is hand-assembled and critically tested by a small, dedicated staff in the USA. All critical components are rigorously tested for quality and consistency, and all circuit boards are plugged and soldered by hand in Telefunken's Connecticut facility. The tagline, "Built to a standard, not to a price," is far more than an advertising line; it's a company-wide mentality.
As the saying goes, "If you want to hear a Telefunken, just turn on the radio." Telefunken microphones like the ELA M 251E and U47 have been an integral part of professional recording studios and have been featured on countless recordings for decades. From the early days of jazz, American standards, and rock 'n' roll to today's rap, pop, folk, and country, Telefunken has been along for the ride, capturing every note in unsurpassed fidelity.
Telefunken first took to the stage with the release of the M80 Dynamic in late 2008. The microphone quickly became a go-to choice for working professionals due to its pleasant frequency response, excellent feedback rejection, and ability to withstand the wear and tear of the road. In continuing Telefunken’s mission to provide high fidelity on any stage for any application, additional dynamic microphones have been introduced, including wireless capsules, low-profile instrument mics, and a multi-voiced large-diaphragm dynamic for kick drum and broadcast use.
As Telefunken Elektroakustik moves forward, one foot is rooted in the rich history of the brand, and the other in new pro audio innovations. Over the past few years, the company has introduced a new line of direct boxes, a series of XLR and instrument cables, studio isolation headphones, and vacuum tubes. Telefunken has evolved exponentially from a single pattern switch to one of the industry leaders in top-quality microphones and professional audio equipment for the studio and the stage, and they will continue to do so.
In 2015, Telefunken Elektroakustik began inviting touring bands and musicians into their Connecticut lab to perform a live set on the company’s soundstage. Titled "Live from the Lab," the video series has featured performances from over 150 artists from all different backgrounds and genres. Each session is accompanied by fully downloadable multitrack audio files as an educational resource for students, musicians, and engineers. Telefunken has also partnered with numerous festivals in the Northeastern USA to provide community support for music and to continue their ultimate goal of spreading positive energy and good vibrations through their microphones.
