Sonic Characteristic

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.

Circuit Design

The ELA M 260 system features a new circuit design based around a New Old Stock (NOS) EF732 / 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.

Accessories

All ELA M 260 system packages are supplied with a set of three interchangeable capsules: the TK60 cardioid, TK61 omni, and TK62 hyper-cardioid. With all three capsules the user can have the flexibility to record their source material in any way they wish. Each microphone also includes a M 960 power supply, M 801 25’ dual-shielded TX-7 tube microphone cable, M761 elastic shock mount, and wooden microphone box.

TK60 Cardioid Capsule (ELA M 260, M60)

The TELEFUNKEN TK60 is a small diaphragm cardioid capsule used with the ELA M 260 tube microphone and the M60 FET microphone.  Featuring a 6-micron gold-sputtered membrane measuring 15mm in diameter, the TK60 has a surprisingly full low end for a small diaphragm capsule, and offers a quick and accurate transient response.  These small diaphragm capsules are tested to a strict ±1dB sensitivity tolerance.  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, acoustic guitar, and other acoustic instruments.

TK61 Omni Capsule (ELA M 260, M60)

The TELEFUNKEN TK61 is a small diaphragm omnidirectional capsule used with the ELA M 260 tube microphone and the M60 FET microphone.  Featuring a 6-micron gold-sputtered membrane measuring 15mm in diameter, the TK61 offers a large, open sound perfect for capturing the subtle nuances and space of your recording environment.  The frequency response is flat from 20 Hz to 5 kHz, with a smooth, airy presence peak at 8 kHz. These small diaphragm capsules are tested to a strict ±1dB sensitivity tolerance.  When used with the diffuse field spheres in the ELA M 260 Tri-Mono system, the TK61 omnidirectional capsule captures the ambience and vibe of your room to breathe life into any recording.

TK62 Hypercardioid Capsule (ELA M 260, M60)

The TELEFUNKEN TK62 is a small diaphragm hypercardioid capsule used with the ELA M 260 tube microphone and the M60 FET microphone.  Featuring a 6-micron gold-sputtered membrane measuring 15mm in diameter, the TK62 provides a wide cardioid pattern flat in response from 150 Hz to 3 kHz, with a dip at 6 kHz and a smooth, airy presence peak at 8 kHz. These small diaphragm capsules are tested to a strict ±1dB sensitivity tolerance.  This tightened polar pattern is great for use on cymbals, percussion, and as a stereo pair for live performance recording.

Technical Specifications

Type: Pressure Gradient Condenser

Capsule: TK60, TK61, TK62 - 15 mm Edge Terminated Diaphragm

Tube Type: NOS EF732 / 5840W

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 Ω

Maximum SPL (for 1% THD): 135 dB

S/N Ratio: 83 dBA

Self Noise (Amplifier): 11 dBA

Dimensions: 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

Wooden Box: WB60

Flight Case: HC60 - Hard Shell Protective Case (not included), FC60S for Stereo Set, FC60T for Tri-Mono Set