Telefunken ELA M 260 Cardioid Tube Condenser Microphone Stereo Set

Telefunken ELA M 260 Cardioid Tube Condenser Microphone Stereo Set

The Telefunken ELA M 260 Cardioid Tube Condenser Microphone Stereo Set is a matched pair of professional small-diaphragm microphones designed for detailed stereo recording. Equipped with interchangeable TK60 cardioid capsules, EF-732 vacuum tubes, and custom-wound output transformers, this stereo microphone system combines classic tube circuitry with modern recording functionality for acoustic instruments, drum overheads, vocals, and ensemble performances.

Designed for professional recording studios, audio engineers, and acoustic music production, the ELA M 260 stereo pair provides the flexibility needed for capturing natural instrument detail and spacious stereo recordings. Its cardioid polar pattern emphasizes sound arriving from the front of each microphone while reducing sensitivity to sound from behind. This directional response helps engineers isolate instruments and manage unwanted room reflections. Whether recording acoustic guitar, orchestral instruments, percussion, or vocal performances, the matched microphones support consistent stereo imaging and detailed sound reproduction. The system accommodates common stereo recording techniques, making it a versatile choice for professional microphone collections.

Inspired by Telefunken's original ELA M 260 microphone design from the 1960s, this modern version incorporates updated electronics while retaining key characteristics of vintage tube microphone construction. Each microphone uses a new-old-stock EF-732 vacuum tube and a custom-wound output transformer. The stereo set includes dedicated power equipment, microphone cables, shockmounts, and a protective case. Its complete accessory package provides the essential components for integrating two tube condenser microphones into a professional recording setup.

Key Features

• Matched Stereo Microphone Pair: Includes two ELA M 260 small-diaphragm tube condenser microphones selected for coordinated stereo recording applications.
• TK60 Cardioid Capsules: Provides focused directional pickup for capturing acoustic instruments, vocals, percussion, and ensembles while reducing unwanted rear pickup.
• EF-732 Vacuum Tube Circuitry: Uses premium new-old-stock vacuum tubes to provide the tonal characteristics associated with traditional tube condenser microphones.
• Custom-Wound Output Transformers: Incorporates dedicated transformer circuitry designed to support clean signal transfer and usable recording headroom.
• Interchangeable Capsule Design: Features removable TK60 cardioid capsules as part of the ELA M 260 microphone architecture.
• Professional Stereo Recording: Supports stereo microphone techniques for acoustic instruments, drum overheads, ensemble recording, and room capture.
• Dedicated Microphone Power Supply: Includes external power equipment specifically intended for operation with the tube microphone system.
• Complete Stereo Recording Package: Includes microphone cables, shockmounts, and a protective storage case for professional studio use.

Matched Tube Condenser Microphones for Stereo Recording

The ELA M 260 Cardioid Stereo Set provides two matched small-diaphragm condenser microphones for applications requiring coherent stereo imaging and detailed acoustic reproduction. A matched microphone pair helps engineers maintain consistent performance between left and right recording channels.

This configuration is particularly useful when recording acoustic instruments, drum overheads, percussion ensembles, and orchestral performances. The microphones can be positioned using stereo recording arrangements to capture instrument placement, room ambience, and the spatial characteristics of a performance.

TK60 Cardioid Capsules for Focused Sound Capture

Each microphone comes equipped with a Telefunken TK60 cardioid capsule. The cardioid pickup pattern provides increased sensitivity toward sound sources positioned in front of the microphone while reducing sound arriving from the rear.

This directional characteristic makes the TK60 capsule suitable for recording individual instruments, managing microphone bleed, and capturing controlled stereo recordings in professional studio environments.

The interchangeable capsule construction allows the microphones to use their supplied TK60 capsules without permanently integrating the capsule into the microphone body. This listing includes the cardioid configuration only.

EF-732 Vacuum Tube Microphone Circuitry

The ELA M 260 incorporates a premium new-old-stock EF-732 vacuum tube within each microphone. This tube forms a central component of the microphone's amplification circuitry and contributes to its traditional tube condenser design.

The microphone design draws inspiration from the original ELA M 260 while incorporating updated circuit construction. Its tube-based architecture makes it an option for engineers seeking the sonic characteristics of traditional vacuum tube microphones in a contemporary recording system.

Custom-Wound Output Transformers

Each ELA M 260 microphone uses a custom-wound output transformer as part of its analog signal path. The transformer works with the microphone's internal circuitry to deliver its output signal to compatible recording equipment.

This transformer-based construction is an important element of the ELA M 260 design, contributing to the microphone's tonal character and supporting professional recording applications where signal detail and headroom are important.

Professional Recording Applications

Acoustic Guitar and String Instruments

The small-diaphragm condenser design makes the ELA M 260 stereo pair suitable for capturing string articulation, transient detail, and the acoustic character of guitars and orchestral string instruments. Stereo positioning allows engineers to capture both direct instrument sound and spatial information.

Drum Overheads and Percussion

When used as a stereo overhead pair, the microphones can capture cymbals, percussion transients, and the overall acoustic presentation of a drum kit. Their cardioid pickup characteristics provide useful directional control when positioning microphones around multiple instruments.

Orchestral and Ensemble Recording

The matched pair supports stereo recording techniques for chamber ensembles, acoustic performances, and orchestral instruments. Engineers can adjust microphone spacing and placement to control stereo width, source separation, and the balance between direct sound and room ambience.

Vocal Recording

Although designed around small-diaphragm condenser technology, the ELA M 260 also accommodates vocal recording applications. Its tube circuitry and cardioid capsule provide an alternative microphone character for studio vocals and acoustic vocal performances.

Integrated Stereo Microphone System

The stereo package combines two microphones with the accessories required for their operation and positioning. Dedicated power equipment supports the vacuum tube circuitry, while the included microphone cables connect the microphones to the supplied power system.

Shockmounts provide mounting support and help reduce the transmission of mechanical vibrations from microphone stands. A protective case provides organized storage and transportation for the stereo microphone system and its accessories.

Technical Specifications

General Specifications

• Manufacturer: Telefunken
• Model: ELA M 260
• Product Configuration: Cardioid Stereo Set
• Microphone Type: Tube Condenser
• Diaphragm Type: Small-Diaphragm
• Microphone Quantity: 2
• Stereo Matching: Matched Pair
• Primary Applications: Studio Recording, Acoustic Instruments, Drum Overheads, Vocals, Stereo Recording

Capsule and Polar Pattern

• Capsule Model: Telefunken TK60
• Capsule Quantity: 2
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Capsule Design: Interchangeable
• Included Capsule Configuration: Cardioid Only

Microphone Electronics

• Microphone Circuit Type: Vacuum Tube
• Vacuum Tube Model: EF-732
• Vacuum Tube Type: New-Old-Stock
• Output Transformer: Custom-Wound Transformer
• Circuit Design: Updated ELA M 260 Tube Microphone Circuit
• Power Requirements: Dedicated External Microphone Power Supply

System Configuration

• Recording Format: Stereo Microphone Pair
• Microphone Construction: Small-Diaphragm Tube Condenser
• Directional Pickup: Cardioid
• Included Mounting Accessories: Shockmounts
• Included Connection Accessories: Microphone Cables
• Included Storage: Protective Case

What's in the Box

• 2 x Telefunken ELA M 260 Tube Condenser Microphones
• 2 x Telefunken TK60 Cardioid Capsules
• Dedicated Microphone Power Supply
• Microphone Cables
• Microphone Shockmounts
• Protective Storage Case