Telefunken TF51 Review / Test (vs. AT2020, NT1, TLM103, U87, U67)

[@d3j4v00]

My God. This one sounded better on my phone speaker than most of your mic tests sound on my good headphones. So crisp!

[@techmed-rainer]

Danke! It's great to see you happy with your gear, Bandrew 🎤

[@Podcastage]

Thank you so much Rainer!!!

[@techmed-rainer]

@@Podcastage As always, you're very welcome!

[@danielsaintmusic]

Just got one, best mic I’ve used so far! Sounds incredible on vocals and just about everything else so far!

[@jmclane27]

Thinking about pulling the trigger myself. Are you still loving it?

[@danielsaintmusic]

@@jmclane27 you won't regret it! seriously I think the only upgrade I would ever do from here is to a Neumann U87ai. and honestly the differences there would still be minimal in a mix (mostly for nostalgia/bragging rights at that point) the TF51 sounds so crisp and modern while still retaining a lot of low end so you can be pretty versatile in your approach depending on genre

[@ItzrealMusic]

@@jmclane27exactly you won’t regret it I got one as well honestly no need to get a Neumann let the mic warm up for an hour break in the tubes and out in work the microphone is very smooth 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@dre3809]

@@danielsaintmusic have you used the Neuman u87 on vocals before and do you still swear by this mic? I’m debating between this, the Tlm 103 n the u87. Can only buy one but I can buy any of them. I’m really torn between my dad’s all saying “it’s not the arrow it’s the Indian” meaning is not so much the mic as much as it was Whitney Houston singing into the mic, even if it was a $600 mic. Enough EQ and bam. And or just going for it. Right now my mic is my weakest link. But I don’t know if I’m making excuses to just get a really good mic that matches the rest of my equipment and perhaps give me even if it’s a little bit of an edge on my recording. To the point where I’m like nah I’ll just get the tlm 103 and work with EQ on that. But then I’m like bro might as well just get the u87. But then I’m like umm, I can settle for the middle man, this telfunken lol Honestly I’ve heard pure sounds of the Telefunken and I believe I like them but I’ve also heard a processed u87 on a song against other high priced mics with that same song and I like it over all. So again, long story short… are you still loving this or did you get bored haha Thanks in advance!!

[@danielsaintmusic]

@@dre3809 this is a really valid question! The whole "its not the gear its how you use it" is very true in almost every area but with mics it can be a little bit more of both in my opinion. what I mean by that is that with a "bad" mic no amount of eq or compression is going to give you more frequencies to work with or give you that really silky pleasant "air" that a lot of modern vocals have on them nowadays. if you take a lesser end mic and just boost the highs its not gonna sound the same as a mic that has a natural airy high end. if anything the "bad" mic will now just sound really harsh and even piercing. as far as the mic options you have in front of you, I absolutely LOVE my TF51 still to this day and use it on everything and everyone that comes through my studio. the warmth in the low end is insanely good and round without being overpowering in the low mids. the highs and the airiness is also just incredible and can be pushed rather hard with little to no harshness. honestly for most applications I can just record the vocalist, do a low cut, add some compression and reverb and call it a day... at least for a cover song or for instagram content etc and it sounds professional. that being said I still dream of one day owning a u87, and if that's in your budget id say go for it! either mic will serve you well, but personally I would avoid the TLM103 if possible as it doesn't have as pleasant of a low end and the highs can be a bit harsh in my opinion. you could even get a TF51 and a nice preamp instead of the u87 too!

[@EvanVincent.]

These are GREAT sounding mics!!!! WOW! The fullness of the low-end sounds great on the vocals and acoustic gtr. The midrange is always the most telling of an expensive or cheap mic and they sounds really flat (in the best way), articulate and clear. Not harsh. The air is really nice on the top end.

[@bootlebeats6331]

The TF51 was my choice over the others in the comparison test. Great review.

[@kebbinator]

The 251 is such a beautiful sounding microphone. One of my all time favourites. It has the low mid body and warmth of a U67 but the non-sibilant presence of a C800. I think it sounds especially good on intimate female vocals.

[@realtalkroscoeg]

U67 is better

[@kebbinator]

@@realtalkroscoeg No mic is ‘better’ than another, it all depends on the source and the context of the mix. The U67 is a beautiful mic too, one of my go-tos especially for male Rock and Pop Punk vocals. It has all the positive characteristics of the U87 but with less midrange honk, and more low mid fullness and warmth. But it definitely wouldn’t be my first choice for a bright, modern Pop female vocal.

[@DemonCreep]

Happy to be early. Love your reviews. Been using the Shure Sm7B for a few years after watching your reviews. Been a great addition for my narrations. Also, 1900 bucks for a mic is crazy! But I guess if you make a living doing it, may as well spend the cash.

[@vincenteoppolo9025]

THANK YOU FOR CREATING THIS .. I believe the 51, 47, 103, 87, and 67 clearly sonically separate themselves from the rest of the pack. I agree that mic is super quiet & does a great job rejecting unwanted sound. I agree with all your comments regarding the sound. I really wanted this mic but opted for the Austrian Audio OC818. The OC818 gave me a fantastic C12 inspired sound plus it does stereo and if I want, the ability to manipulate the polar patterns at a lower price point and without the extra costs associated with the tube. Still..... I would love the TF51 if I had $2000 to drop

[@ItzrealMusic]

It’s amazing for sure I use it for rap

[@dontahinton7203]

​@@ItzrealMusicThe TF51?

[@ItzrealMusic]

@@dontahinton7203 yessir

[@ItzrealMusic]

@@dontahinton7203 does have a little color to the sound not going to lie to you to but best mic I’ve had honestly

[@Dracomies]

Love how this mic sounds on you! This mic sounds so smooth!

[@artysanmobile]

In one of my earliest recordings, Linda Ronstadt’s engineer brought four original ELAM251s for the toms. 🤣

[@Podcastage]

Now THAT is my kind of engineer. hahahaha.

[@artysanmobile]

@@Podcastage They were not in big demand then, maybe $3-400 ea. That was 1977. In January of that year, I purchased 2 new U87s, consecutive serial numbers, for $1200 the pair. I still have those magnificent microphones, working like new.

[@marcuszettergren8885]

This mic have got to be a fav among voiceovers and specifically, audiobook recordings. I can totally hear George Guidall reading a book with this mic. Amazing floor, and incredibly versatile across spoken words spectrum, at most, if not all, frequencys.

[@Rod-Wheeler]

Great sounding microphone. Great review as always!

[@chrisk.6246]

Great review (as usual), and I think your solo for this video is my favorite so far! Wow, this mic really stands head and shoulders above the others until the U87 and U67 come out, and even then holds its own!

[@timrober75]

Best acoustic guitar recording i've heard in a while. The separation in the music test is glorious, probably due to the low self-noise from a stunning mic. WOW!

[@paulcope834]

I love these microphones I've bought loads for my hotel. Operating them in the small crawl space in the AC vents above rooms i can quickly shift between cardioid and Omni to keep track of customers whenever they visit the powder room. The click is a bit loud so perhaps they can fix this later.

[@zeitakulobusta]

Wtaf??

[@chinmeysway]

You just need to add more vents thus more mics for said vents, then you can leave in cardioid position; no need to trouble yourself with unanswered customer service requests.

[@paulcope834]

@@chinmeysway exactly be proactive with requests. That's the difference between 5 star and a cheap motel.

[@CarsonHoy]

Try adding a towel to any hard surfaces in the AC vents to help your tone - he has a video explaining how you can do this 👍🏻👍🏻

[@nikolasnavarro4161]

I remembered your review of the TF47 on my way home from work today. All I was thinking was "man, I hope Bandrew gets to review the TF51 and compare both mics"... Didn't have to wait long, I suppose!

[@detox-dtxmusic6854]

Hey dude, just want to say thank you for all the work u do.

[@Hugmir]

I've always been skeptical of the tube mics, but now you do certainly have me interested. I'm just a bit confused by you calling this microphone bright - it feels to me like it's a nicer sounding NT-1, and... well, yes, NT-1 does have a slight presence boost, but I don't think I'd call it bright; overall this thing here sounds really charmingly natural with just the right amount of desirable warmth added.

[@bryanakcasu]

You would love the Manley Silver. It would be perfect for your voice. Smooth and weighty but somehow still has air.

[@jroar123]

I built both of my microphones. The quality is as good if not better than Telefunk. I built them for around 200 each. It’s sensitivity can hear butterfly wings flapping in the air.

[@MrBrowninsauce]

How much do you sell your mics for?

[@jroar123]

@@MrBrowninsauce : I have a degree in Electrical Engineering and 30 years of experience working in the petrochemical industry. It’s a hobby to deconstruct high-end equipment and to see for how little in cost I can build it myself. Often I find that I can increase the quality for a fraction of the price. I also like to do what I call freak-outs. I will take old 1960’s cabinet stereo’s that I find at the Good Will and turn it into a powerhouse high quality piece of equipment that looks like something to be thrown away until they see the improvements. Friends come over never knowing what my next project might be. Like I said, it’s just a hobby.

[@MrBrowninsauce]

@@jroar123 O wow.. What a great ability.... Very impressive. Thanks for sharing sir.

[@kebbinator]

Vintage tube mics aren’t revered for their quality or sensitivity, but for their sonic character. Any modern, cheap FET condenser will have a more sensitive capsule and a lower noise floor than any of the famous vintage tube mics, but that doesn’t mean they sound ‘better’. Not to knock your mics at all, I’m sure they sound great. I just don’t think it’s the right metric to compare them against.

[@ostrol1590]

What sort of builds did you go for? I'm building two u87s right now!

[@gunluv96]

Great review!!! Earned a sub when you said the tf51 will never sound like the elam 251!!! Truth will set people free. Rotfl

[@JackHaveman]

The jumping between mikes is nice, to find out the 51 beats them all!

[@Podcastage]

The 51 really is a great sounding mic.

[@nissespjutijarfalla6085]

A comparison between Elam and this would do the job

[@alexlechanteur3606]

Finally the review I was waiting ha ah one of my dream mics ! love telefunken work !

[@wearashirt]

i have the frequency response of your voice written to heart

[@techmed-rainer]

It's Tuesday - Podcastage time with Bendrum

[@somecallmetim2580]

[@thexlr8rkid]

I wish every audio review were just like this video

[@Podcastage]

That's very kind of you to say. Glad you found the format to be satisfactory.

[@emanuel_soundtrack]

i am another SM57 satisfied user here, i watched your review before buiyng. Blows my mind that i can record good voice with a fan in the room, that i never get feedback etc, it is like always edited. And better than this: i can sing and play guitar with one mic as well, it is like if the mic were more intelligent than the guy who made Kontakt ˋs GUI so small!

[@IAMTYNCH]

Please do the Sony C80 comparison 🔥 I really been interested in seeing how it sits against a TLM 49, TELE TF51, and the U47

[@QuantumGamingUploads]

Yay Bandrew with another great weekly video.

[@BUZZ_LIQ]

Telefunken TF51 is insane!! The best.

[@bernburg1999]

This video confirmed it. I need this microphone 😮‍💨

[@Freez_Izzy]

Not expect at all, how actually good TF51. Thanks, Wizard King.

[@vminator]

The output knob on the WA73 is a boost knob. Middle is unity.

[@lawrence78]

I think I finally found my favorite sounding mic

[@nicholasmullins3693]

Listening to you describe the sound of the microphone, I'm in my head going "Yep, that's the voicing of a C12 style capsule!" Weird that the response graph looked more like a U87 though.

[@Podcastage]

Also sounds nothing like a u87. It’s why I include all the tests and demos for people to hear. That way they don’t have to rely on graphs alone. You can hear the mics in action and in context.

[@pattalkstoparakeets2235]

This mic sounds fantastic for electric guitar!

[@meh5981]

love the video very informative!! I have a question considering i just purchased The telefunken TF51. Does the power supply plug into an audio interface such as focusrite or does it need something else?

[@NebulonRanger]

Tube mic power supplies plug into your mains power.

[@meh5981]

@@NebulonRanger thanks i got it

[@meh5981]

which mic is better than this one

[@jonathanhorne6503]

I have the generation 1 version of the mic. The AR51. There was an upgrade Telefunken offered but I don’t think the upgrade was ever done. My mic has a low level ringing that is annoying. It’s not really an issue at moderate gain settings. I need to experiment more and see if it’s an issue at capsule settings.

[@Podcastage]

Sorry to hear the mic is ringing for you and I hope that can be resolved. Was it an upgrade from AR51 to TF51, or was it a mod they would do for you?

[@78SE]

I love this show. Regards from Spain.

[@somecallmetim2580]

Gee. These all sound the same through my cell phone speaker... The off axis was the thing that caught my attention, it actually feels like someone just turned down the volume.

[@xJKrew]

I love this channel !! ❤️

[@jmdmusicstudios2026]

Any chance you’re gonna review the TF-39 copperhead to finish off the trio?

[@Podcastage]

I haven’t bought that one because it was a lot less interesting to me based on what I saw, so probably won’t be checking that one out.

[@bartoszp2135]

I think it's too bright to listen it comfortable for longer time, but great for more dramatic trailer.

[@bryanakcasu]

Great video. How did the TF51 compare to the TF11? I mostly want to know which was brighter. Which would you consider more "airy"? How did the TF51 compare to the Manley Reference? Thanks!

[@ArtVandelay592]

Bandrew actually compared the TF51 to the Manley in his review of that mic which he did two weeks ago. I know you didn’t ask me, but personally I think the Manley is way overly bright on Bandrew’s voice whereas the TF51 while still bright, is a much more balanced and warm tone which I prefer, and it’s less than half the price.

[@bryanakcasu]

@@ArtVandelay592 Ah, missed that one thanks. I agree on the Manley.

[@davidsais6384]

I skipped through the comparison tests quickly so unfortunately can't accept your congratulations for making it halfway through. Maybe next time I'll have more patience. Sorry.

[@BillAnciaux]

Best microphone company name.

[@omnitone]

H E L L O N E U M A N N

[@elsheddars3918]

Hahaha

[@ItzrealMusic]

I have this mic don’t regret it one bit I caught it on sale so I didn’t pay 1,900$

[@OmgItsAlexOfficial]

Just bought this. Coming from a CV-12 myself.. I get this uncomfortable mid-range on my voice with the cv12, it's a great mic otherwise. I heard the same character in your review.. the TF51 mids sound smoooth. Will do an a/b myself.

[@denniseustace4754]

So, what do you think after owning it for a month? Compared to the CV-12 and or a TLM 103 if you have one.

[@OmgItsAlexOfficial]

@@denniseustace4754 I've never tried a Neumann unfortunately. So far I've only tracked 2 songs with the tf51. Without even recording a thing, the difference in noise is immediately apparent. The tf51 sounds super quiet even with a ton of processing on, as in like noise rejection from the room compared to the avantone. My voice also just sounds more like a "recording" is the best way to describe. The thing I notice the most between budget vs expensive mics is the harshness in the upper mids when I'm belting and really singing. It tends to hey harsh easy but with the tf51 I have to cut out less harshness. It just sounds better.

[@denniseustace4754]

@@OmgItsAlexOfficial Thanks!

[@youngavid209]

For recording artist which do you prefer to serve the vocals the best the tf 51 or any of the Neumann mics ?

[@Futureys]

i never heard of this mic but it sounds very nice

[@stefanweilhartner4415]

i don't like the warm audio preamp, it lacks in detail, it sounds very uncomfortable, like having a ton of earwax in the ear. the neuman tlm103 is cheaper with more clarity and detail. good value for the money. u87 ai is best.

[@just2red]

Could you please make a comparison between shure sm7b and baby bottle sl and for what purposes they are?

[@stevetimko1461]

How long do these tubes last?

[@IljaMichalic]

I am still positively shocked, how the TLM 103 sounds great (for its price). It is real Neumann with Neumann sound, technology and experiences, for the abou 1/3-1/4 of the price of the 87s and I am sure, on the final recording (without the direct comparsion), nobody can recognize, if the recording was made with the 103 or 87. But I disargree, that the TF51 can not sound very very similar to the 251, because it is 1/5 of the price of 251 - I rhink, on the original 251, the 80% of the price is marketing, history and reputation of the 251. Without it, it would not cost many more than 2000 USD today - today, with so big competition with the new "3rd" mic manufacturers (United, WA, Rode, AT, Austrian audio...)

[@Podcastage]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it. I have not used a proper 251, so I'm not able to be the judge. I just can't imagine Telefunken giving you a sound that is too similar to a mic that they are currently selling for 1/5th the price.

[@IljaMichalic]

@@Podcastage I can imagine that. Is a Rolls-Royce, Lambo, Ferrari... 10-20X better than y "normal" good and high quality car? It is not. The (over)price of these cars are only a perfect marketing and a benefit of the existence of a very rich people. Big studios are rich, so they can buy a mic in the price range 3 000-10 000$, but I tink, the TLM 103 (for example) gives you a 95-98% of the sound of mics between 3000-10000 (20000?) dollars (U87, C12, 251...).

[@dontahinton7203]

Great video ✊🏾

[@Podcastage]

Thanks so much Don I really appreciate that.

[@loganschrader8297]

For vocals which would you prefer, sony c100 or Telefunken tf51?

[@eddwardmusic]

def tf51

[@ChristianMorenoOficial]

telefunken vs neuman 149 ? Whats is better please help me

[@majapapaya7334]

Incredible good. Sounds like a tubemic.

[@Podcastage]

Yeah it sounds great. Thanks for listening.

[@majapapaya7334]

@@Podcastage hey, I think I own a nearly similar DIY-Mic from a guy from the US. Called c12-251-clone and sounds amazing in my ears. He builds the best DIY-mics I know.

[@pattalkstoparakeets2235]

I want a sticker for making it halfway through!!

[@elitehulk431]

so we got XLR microphone with audio service, there is gain knob. But wait.. what gain set in windows settings?

[@AlanAstro]

Pls Warm audio 8000 review 🎶🙏👌

[@yaadiiboy9429]

Just bought this mic. My first tube mic. Im getting a lot of static noise when recording. Is this normal??? My chain is a : Telefunken TF51 - Neve 1073 500 series- distressor- Apollo twin x. Not sure if I’m doing something wrong

[@Podcastage]

You shouldn't be getting a lot of static noise. This is a relatively low noise tube mic. So unless you're cranking the gain on the 1073, and then compressing the heck out of it, that could do it. Or maybe you're running incorrectly into the Apollo Twin X. Try eliminating each component to identify what is causing the problem. Connect the mic direct to the X8; is there excessive static? Then add the preamp into the chain and make sure you're running line level into the Twin X; now is there excessive static. Then try adding the compressor into the chain; now is there excessive static. This will help you identify which component is leading to the hiss you're hearing.

[@thefilmandmusic]

King bee stood up well

[@sachii.k1802]

review on the antelope edge solo mic??

[@Mikey__R]

I think the TF51 actually sounded better than the Neumanns. Neumenn? EDIT: On your voice at least, and on my older studio speakers in my less than ideal living room.

[@Podcastage]

The TF51 does sound great. I still think I might prefer one of the Neumann's over this, but they're also nearly 2x/3x the price. This has a great sound to it and if that's the only criteria, then baddabing baddaboom, it does that.

[@jazi5466]

Please Review TF29 Copperhead !!!

[@rubberducky704]

Should of let this video "Leak" out early. I'm sorry. I can't help myself

[@birdlawyer3411]

Ik this doesn't have to do with the mic in the video but I'm wondering if anybody can help me out I've been looking into a microphone to get for a while now and narrowed it down to The Shure mv7 (USB) or the Rode Procaster If you know what ones better than feel free to respond, Thanks in advanced

[@Karakan62]

2 years later now tf51 price is 2500€ damn

[@SlyVIN]

Is at2020 goated?

[@jamesr141]

Tf51 vs Sony C100 vs TLM103 What am I buying?

[@Podcastage]

You tell me. Which are you buying? I know what I'd buy, but for that money you should be certain that you're the one who likes the sound and performance not some guy on the internet. I include the samples and comparisons so you can decide if you enjoy it. If you have a mic rental place that's another way you could rent each mic to see which one you like best. Sorry to not give you an answer you wanted.

[@jamesr141]

@@Podcastage Fair enough. But I seek your advice because you know so much about microphone. "I know what I'd buy". Can you share this? By the way, are you gonna review UA Bock 187? It looks tasty.

[@godlyencounters]

Can I use this mic with a pre amp and my apollo?

[@eddwardmusic]

u can use any mic with any preamp (not usb ones imho)

[@godlyencounters]

@@eddwardmusic I’m just having a hard time getting signal connecting them both together

[@ItzrealMusic]

Any luck with your issue?

[@ADMATrill]

I currently have the TF11. Is an upgrade to the TF51 worth it?

[@eddwardmusic]

just buy it and try it, you can always return back (30 days ?)

[@velvet7513]

Posted 3 m ago nice 👍

[@MrTolikll]

Pliz Roccat Torch rewiew ...

[@ericdano]

Why do you wear TWO watches????

[@inaifdz]

vs WA cx12?

[@stanleynowak9325]

Everyone, say Telefunken 5 times fast.

[@Kragatar]

Sad-w and spacebar key..................s.

[@GamerToday]

You saying metal or punk almost rings like a swear word for some reason 😆 😅

[@Podcastage]

I'm not THAT vulgar. Ha.

[@Tommyinoz1971]

It sounded better after I cleaned the wax out of my ears.

[@СергейЧупин-м9ы]

who can help me to understand waht the difference between Tf51 and Ar 51?

[@eddwardmusic]

Just a new revision, like MK I, MK II. MK III etc.

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

I think this mic is only fit for PODCAST. Not good for vocals instruments.

[@exit_hero2230]

Oops 2000 my bad affordable i guess

[@TheRandomINFJ]

K who feels like giving me $1900? 🤔😂

[@fescolfaro]

Sounds seriously good. Coming from a person with a good mic locker. TF51 is on my watchlist 🥸

[@jcap8391]

Any mic over 1k should be a jack of all trades or it's a fail imo

[@djmidnightwolf]

Is this the TF51? 🤣

[@pattalkstoparakeets2235]

Clearly, at 4 feet away, this microphone massively distorts and is therefor a hard pass.

[@exit_hero2230]

Probably 2500 at least lol

[@MADagain]

Telefunken used to make cheapo TV's wtf is this haha

[@dickginkowski6071]

Sounds great for you, Bandrew...but so does the Avantone for 1/4 the cost.

[@ymgmdmgmom]

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