Telefunken TF11 FET Mic Review / Test (vs. AT2020, NT1, U87Ai)

Today I review the new mic from Telefunken, and their only large diaphragm FET condenser mic, the TF-11. This mic offers a crisp top end, a neutral mid section, and a slight accentuated low-end. The self noise is ONLY 4dBa, and the mic exhibits outstanding off axis coloration making it great for use in reverberant rooms or when you need a clean recording.
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00:00 - Intro / Price / Disclaimer
00:28 - Setup
00:45 - What’s in the Box
01:19 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:59 - Specifications
02:25 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
02:47 - Plosive Test
02:58 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
03:18 - Background Noise Test
03:35 - Untreated Room Test
03:50 - Mic Mount Bump Test
04:07 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:22 - Intro to Comparison
04:34 - AT2020 Comparison
05:10 - Rode NT1 Comparison
05:48 - Neumann TLM102 Comparison
06:37 - Mojave MA201 Fet Comparison
07:18 - Shure KSM44a Comparison
08:13 - Blue Mouse Comparison
09:10 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
10:42 - Music Test
12:08 - Pros & Cons
13:08 - Overall Thoughts
15:28 - Recommendation
17:08 - Outro
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[@hibbasc1]

The TF11 sounds amazing …. brighter than some of the others - very pleasant sounding and not over-boosted on the low end.

[@jamesr141]

This guy knows how to demo a microphone. Efficient, thorough, informative. 10/10.

[@mitchschmidt4106]

First time listener here, so may I review you. Very impressed with your style and approach. You are a natural. Most appreciative of your comparisons which allowed myself to hear the differences. Many podcasters direct their show's focus towards themselves.... you do not. Very professional indeed. I was only looking at purchasing the TF 11. Not only shall I purchase two, I shall also subscribe to your channel. Again, very well done, and remember, today you have not added just a listener but a fan. Von Wayne.

[@VilifiedFreedom]

Your the best bro.. I only come here for all audio reviews.. I've got a few thing from you recommendations. You have not let me down yet!...Thanks!

[@shaunblanch935]

This was a fantastic mic comparison - thank you!

[@senzayyzone]

awesome sound is so pleasent to the ears such a well balanced audio!

[@EDXVA]

Great review, really nice guitar mic. Out of the bunch, I personally liked KSM44a the most!

[@kesamek8537]

Great video from most likely the #1 microphone demo channel on the Internet.

[@DapperDanLovesYou]

I recently saw this mic while looking for an upgrade in my studio. And while little existed in the way of audio on KZbin, I came to the same conclusion that you did. It's not just that it's too bright for most voices, it's also a HARSH and biting brightness. Possibly great in some instrument or room applications, not my favorite for speech or singing. I actually ended up choosing a boutique microphone, the BeesNeez BU87i C! For slightly over $700 USD (including shipping), it looks like a real winner from what I've read and heard and seen online. But I've got to wait for it to arrive before I can make that decision for myself!

[@music7arts]

I took a small snippet of your acoustic and voice from this video and eq's them etc. etc. thru my ATC's and PSI's just to see how well this mic would work in a mix. What I found for now and until I do more testing in a complete song of my own is that the mic seems to be very workable on acoustic like you stated. The low end is so smooth and clear. especially tweaking it. As of now I am also a impressed of how smooth clear the high and mid was after a major EQ tweak, meaning your voice still retaining super clarity but much more warmth. I can send you a before and after if you want to here. Just do not quote me though it's only my best guess without this actual mic in my hands yet, just a quick starting point if I was mixing an actual song. I think people should hear both the raw mic which you presented perfectly but also what it has the potential to sound like when edited. I say this because the mic is so clear hearing it in its raw state, it is scary and would turn people away from it. I almost had buyers remorse until I tweaked your guitar and voice.

[@lilsonni]

Man I really wanted to hear this mic compared to the TLM 103 lol. Great review, hopefully we get a review on the TF51 soon.

[@demon-ll9eg]

i think tlm 103 wins

[@mojaveampworks6055]

Thank you for the comparisons. Well worth the listen.

[@pineapplej7310]

That tf11 is pretty awesome! I'd be interested to see your review of the CAD CM217. I have 2 of them and they're some of my favorites

[@Kragatar]

Awesome sounding mic. Sounds like you're there in the room. Also, you could actually get away with using it backwards... the rear coloration sounds cool.

[@kissaguitar]

Thanks, great test. You got a new follower

[@Gongtopia]

Another great comparison review. I'd love to hear this on strings or a string quartet and mallet percussion. I have a feeling it would give the same 'airy' sound as it did on the acoustic guitar.

[@Podcastage]

That would be a very interesting test.

[@artysanmobile]

Very interesting comparo. The U87 is of course perfect. The TF11 is almost shockingly present, screaming out for a 1 or 2 db dip at 1-2k with the widest Q avail. Almost identical are the Shure 44 and the Blue each with barely less of the mentioned presence. The TF11, btw, is magic on your voice, just flatters the exact right range for you. I would expect it to respond really well to eq and gentle leveling. Really impressed. Very solid response no singer would fail to appreciate.

[@_KikeSanhueza]

Im so interested in mics but as i don't have money to upgrade my setup i rarely watch videos about them, anyways i still coming to this channel every now and then because it is so funny and useful

[@mrblicc]

The TF11 sounds airy and crisp in the high end, very much sounding ready to go sound for the mix. u87ai just has the overall body and character to be shaped into a mix ready vocal

[@karlhorak3031]

great ! informative - i just enjoyed watching this !

[@ChristopherczarSmith]

Sounded clearer than most of the other mics in the comparison. The blue surprised me. Surprised the mojave wasn't as clear as I expected

[@spikeimperial]

That one dislike is from a non-earthling.

[@coquio]

It's the crispiest mic of all the ones you compared it too. I really liked it.

[@mattbridges8908]

I think that TF11 sounds really great. I think that will be my first LDC.

[@vl292]

Telefunken sounds really good! So does the shure, blue and neuman. At2020 was surprisingly ok.

[@josephkeichline838]

I really thought the TLM 102 sounded the best for you. the TF11 almost sounds like your voice is echoing. You're awesome like always ;)

Very distinct sound. I would see it on pop vocal. The guitar electric sound to bright with not enough bottom but that thing sounds AMAZING on the acoustic guitar! A very bright and clean sound! Overall a 8/10

[@michaelhaney3175]

I am older than dirt, so the AT 2020 sounds more than adequate to me. Then again; the AT2020 is in my price range. I enjoy your work, so keep up the effort.

[@COPiX]

I was surprised at how similar those two sounded! I had to go back and re-listen like 3 times

[@ramencurry6672]

You are not older than dirt. The earth is 4.5 billion years old.

[@MattDxstined]

@@ramencurry6672 How can it be that old if the year is only 2021? The earth has only existed for 2,021 years dumbass.

[@Tim_ArtistName_Tallent]

That Blue mouse sounds nicee. And the Ksm44a nice too a little sibilant if not careful but a beautiful mic overall

[@BeatsBangcomtv]

I was debating between the TF11 and a WA-251. I’m glad I held off . Thanks for the vid!

[@1chromix]

I have the same dilemma. Which one did you choose?

[@BeatsBangcomtv]

@@1chromix I haven't purchased it yet, but I'm going with the WA-251. It has a CK12 styled capsule, but the tube warmth is what did for me. This TF11 seems really bright and sterile.

[@jerrycastillo9393]

how's the wa-251? @@BeatsBangcomtv

[@theiammike123]

I hope you'll do a review on the BOYA BY-M1000 (also known as MOVO VSM-7). Great reviews as always!

[@enado18]

For the shootout they all sounded good to me, none standing out as being much better or worse than the bunch. What caught my attention was the AT2020 sounded good, usually when you pull it out it sounds like some of its frequencies are going through a bit crusher plugin; not this time.

[@user-iq3mc2zb9w]

Price/Quality..... Mojave 201 FET win! :) For my taste.

[@MrNicknayme]

PLEASE!! Neumann TLM 193. I would love to hear what you think of it on acoustic guitar and spoken word. 🙏🏼

[@JaredSchumaier]

Great mic!

[@JR-el5pt]

No review needed, if you have the money, go for it. Is an amazing mic, no boosted freq on it. The flatness of the mic et you work with it however you want, like a blank canvas.

[@JaredSchumaier]

@@JR-el5pt couldn’t have said it better myself!

[@MrNicknayme]

Well, I do own the mic myself, but I would still love to hear the verdict AND the comparison to other mics, like a 87 and a 103, to name a few..

[@timrober75]

Holy Funken! Acoustic guitar shone through like a highly strung angel.

[@CanadanGames]

Hi! I bought a Samson Q2U based off your recommendation (Which I LOVE) a while ago wondering if you'll be reviewing the Samson Q9U. Looking to upgrade to that one. Love your reviews! Thanks!

[@NKWTI]

If you're a Nuemann fan but want to not go the TLM route, Telefunkin is obviously just as much of a long-standing legend and beast....and I think for the price, saving a few hundred off of a TLM 103 and going with this is a damn good deal.

[@AnodyneHipsterInfluencer]

I bought one on a whim because it was dirt cheap ($440 all in) and have found it's a fantastic mic in a bunch of different applications; as a single "picture of the kit" microphone either in the "crotch" position or facing the kit from a few feet away. As a mono overhead in between and just below a pair of stereo overheads, especially if the drummer is using dark, dry cymbals. In that same situation (dark, dry cymbals) they're great as a pair of stereo overheads. They were a pleasant surprise as tom mics, especially on smaller four piece kits with not so many cymbals and when using bigger toms (12" or bigger rack, 16" or bigger floor). Absolutely fantastic on electric guitar - clean or dirty - when paired with your favorite dynamic and/or ribbon mic. I use a Beyer M88 to add girth. It's my first call acoustic guitar mic (so long as the guitarist isn't also singing since it's cardioid only). Aimed right at the sound hole and it's especially fantastic on bigger, boomier acoustics. On smaller and brighter acoustics, I pair it with ribbon mics like Beyer M130's and 160's or an sE VR2 Voodoo. It's never the _first_ mic I think of for lead vocals but have already encountered a scenario where none of my "go-to's" (Soyuz 017, Pearlman "Church," modded Warm Audio 251, U87ai, TLM 103, c414) where really working on a particular vocalist so we just started throwing up and trying everything we had and the TF11 ended up being the perfect mic for that singer. As you can probably tell, it's become one of the favorite mics in my modest locker.

[@Podcastage]

I love comments like this where people who use this gear share their real world experience and how it worked. Thank you so much for your comment and sharing your insights. You rock!

[@daveball3081]

Through my studio monitors, the Telefunken TF11 and the Mojave MA201 sounded very similar. I liked the presence on the guitars. The mic almost sounds like a "loudness" circuit is turned on - not flat. I'd agree with Bandrew's V-Shaped analysis. I didn't hear anything that would draw me away from my Sennheiser MK4 for simple voice work.

[@snippletrap]

The Mojave sounded a little richer to me.

[@katukavo]

Amazing Mic! Best of all! TY!

[@marcotronic]

Thanks a lot for your video. That saved me from buying the Telefunken for my voice overs. Terribly unpleasant high frequencies and lacking in the "body" area. The Blue Mouse sounded best on your voice to my ears. Smooth in the high end and full.

[@wtulin1970]

Wow. Given the massive amount of good LDCs available under a grand, that thing sounds to me like 800 bucks worth of who gives a crap. I honestly couldn't say I preferred it to anything you compared it to. Thanks for another nugget of Tuesday fun. I always look forward to your vids.

[@dylanj8676]

That's because it's made with cheap Chinese components. That capsule is the same thing as Microphone Parts' RK-12.

[@badmiddens]

@@dylanj8676 Funny thing about that. I couple years ago, when I was even more of a microphone noob, I emailed mic-parts with a simple question of whether they made their own capsules or they sourced them elsewhere. Holy crap the diatribe I got in response... A huge paragraph about how they weren't about to reveal the source of their capsules and it was like they were butt hurt to even be asked. I replied something like "ok, settle down, wasn't trying to pry the secret recipe from your hands, was just wondering if you made your own stuff. Now I know I don't care." I don't know if you've poked around much on their site, but they even suggest replacing a Neumann capsule with one of theirs.

[@dylanj8676]

@@badmiddens It's likely Rayking or iSK (at least for the RK87 amd RK12). I find Mic-Parts, and their sister site Record Hacks, to be very arrogant. There's a lot of misinformation and biased opinion on them. Installing their capsules in a TLM103 would be a massive downgrade. The RK87 has a huge high end rise. This would turn the TLM103 into something like an MXL 2001.

[@geoffreymerrifield5666]

Great video. You stated you liked something more smooth for your vocals. What do you like best for your vocals?

[@MCAlvesPortugal]

Nice mic. Very distinct sound.😎

[@tecraven]

Love your channel and watch all of your videos. I apologise that this post has nothing to do with this particular video but I just wondered if you could recommend a good sturdy desk boom arm, or if you could give me a link to any that you had reviewed? I’ve tried buying some different ones off Amazon for around 20 or $30, but they have been flimsy and bend too easily and just don’t work very well. Thanks.

[@Skykingsound]

What surprised me is how close the u87 and the TLM 102 is. The 87 has a bit more sheen/high end on it. The TF11 vs the Rode NT1 was super close, but the NT1 was a little more full bodied and less high end. Honestly, I prefer less sheen and 10k boost.

[@TECHREACTION]

Thats an attractive microphone

[@Seanonyoutube]

Damn that U87 sounds incredible

[@victortang2125]

I thought the Shure KSM44 sounded almost exactly the same

[@viniciovp4ever]

All FET sounds so similar to me...they are all great, so I think it's a personal decision not based on sound quality, but onto subjective perceptions, likes and budget.

[@hdkarma1]

Nice review but PPLLEEAASSEEEEE Review the TF-29/39 Copperhead. I would really love to hear your take. Karma

[@lubosnovak3668]

If I don't get fooled by the consensus of the mic geek community (which I constantly do anyway), this is the best voiceover mic I've ever heard. Alongside MKH416.

[@d.y.7875]

Great song!

[@BenBlankenshipvo]

I like the Telefunken best. It has a crispier airier high mid and high end. I have the U87 and honestly it sounds more dull. The AT2020 sucks, the others were alright as well.

[@Podcastage]

Different strokes for different folks, but I can definitely hear the crispier high mids and high end and can understand why you'd enjoy that a bit more.

[@LongshanMusic]

The mountains may fall, the stars might dim, but at least when the world ends, we'll still hear Bandrew's 4-chord hymn. . . 🎸 🎶

[@RichViewMultimedia]

The U87 ai definitely sounds much cleaner. That high end on the TF11 would be an annoyance on some vocals. It just doesn't have the full spectrum like the U87, but excellent shootout!!!

[@techmed-rainer]

Thank you very much for your detailed review of the TF11. As spoken word is my focus (and violin) I found it nearly distracting with it's overly clear highs. Plus for me it seemed very sensitive to plosives. For me personally at this price I couldn't imagine buying and using it.

[@sirnigelcogs]

I think the NT1 compared favorably to it. It didn't sound the same, but it compared favorably. When you consider the NT1's price I'd have to say it was my preference of all the microphones tested. It's just a really good value. It would be nice to hear a test of the new MXL Revelation Mini FET, and also the Stage Right LC200.

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

Revelation has been failed by the Bandrew.

[@MrPhobart]

I’d like to see your opinion of the xvive wireless xlr. The band I’m in has used them to make sm58s wireless and to connect the mixer to the pa speakers with good results.

[@GodBlessGary]

The blue mouse is solid sounding forsure

[@TheOuthousePhilosopher]

I love the sound of the Telefunken. It sounded less sibilant than most. I liked it even better than the U87.

[@Seanonyoutube]

Really? I thought the U87 was so full and gorgeous sounding

[@TheOuthousePhilosopher]

@@Seanonyoutube I like a certain sound. I’ve never been a fan of Neumann.

[@kender6143]

It made my day when i remembered today was tuesday

[@anonymusum]

It lacks low mids. And that´s a very critical range for every mic cause that´s where it can go into muddy waters. That became very evident in comparison with the U87. But it would also be evident when comparing it to a TLM103.

[@josephnaru363]

Can you please make an upgrade review from the rode NT1 sinces you made a review severals years ago... you can compare with other news mic.

[@davidsillars3181]

Sounded good on the electric guitar. (a very cool guitar too) The Neuman TLM 102 sounded way better for voice. So yeah, not a voice choice but definitely a worthwhile instrument mic for the locker.

[@thestreetdisciple3955]

Nah tf11 is far greater then the 102 did you hear that clarity and fullness it has?

[@beatsforless8179]

Great reviews as always. How long u had your tf51 and where’s the review for it>?

[@Podcastage]

I've had it for maybe 6months. Haven't used it much so no review yet. Going to wokr from affordable tubes to the more expensive stuff. That's the plan at least

[@siniarch]

Quick question. The shock mount on the Rhode NT1, where did you get that? Does it come with the microphone? I've been looking for something like it. It would be great if I could get a name or a link. Thank you so much. Great video btw. Thank you much.

[@travsmac]

Only 4dBA of self-noise!!! Does Sweetwater still have these in stock....

[@cresshead]

the NT-1 sounded pretty good too.. i like all of them really ... the at2020 did sound a bit thin to my ears though in comparison.

[@0d0d0d]

The AT2020 sounds similar but harsher. The Rode NT1 sounds somewhat similar but has some of its own body and lacks the mid-high end the TF11 brings. The issue with the TLM102 is that Neumann has its own body with a "clear sound". It's just different than other microphones is it's difficult to compare. They aren't similar microphones. The Mojave microphone sounds pretty good compared to this, to be honest, I sort of prefer the sound but it is a harsh-sounding mic when you're close to it. The Shure microphone isn't really comparable. It doesn't have a similar sound and this microphone goes for more of a clean sound it seems without any boost in frequencies. But it isn't for everyone. The Blue Mouse sounds like a decent microphone. Considering the price it isn't for everyone but, I'm not impressed with the sound compared to the TF11. With the U87 AI yeah it's a very famous microphone but, considering the distance of speaking into it the sound will change. It's used as a voice-over mic often but, I don't think in this review the people using it as voice-over are as close to the microphone. Something to keep in mind with these microphones is that they all have different purposes. For me when listening to microphones I think about different purposes and as if someone were to just use it as a microphone for KZbin videos where you are commentating something or whatever it might be. I think a good mic to go for if you want something similar would definitely be the AT2020. All of these microphones when they are post-processed won't sound the same. That's why I think something like the Blue Mouse isn't going to sound like any of the other microphones. These microphones are unique in their own ways. Considering the similarity with the AT2020 and how good of a microphone that is, I would go with it especially with the price point. It does sound harsher and unfortunately, with the AT2020 I've noticed this "tin" sound and it doesn't introduce much body in my opinion but, it's still a great microphone. Great video as always

[@HungryForTastyFoodAndComicArt]

"C'mere, Stumpy! We gots some podcastin' ta do!"

[@COPiX]

Bandrew, Bubula, please review the KSM44a

[@microtasker]

For my ears, that TF 11 sounds dead nuts on. Does it make your top 3 Bandrew?

[@tashawnjones819]

I have. The 102 & love it

[@ZilaMike]

Hey , can you do the Warm Audio WA-47 jr ?

[@VOByRobbins]

Very nice mic on you Bandrew!!! You and telefunken, sitting in a tree--- LOL :)

[@jonthedon834]

Intresting mic

[@thebreakfastmenu]

TLM102 is life. TLM102 is love.

[@Harrie23]

Yesss!!

[@enado18]

Bandrew, could it save you time or effort to record multiple channels at the same time in shootouts?

[@00solman]

NT1 but I'm so bias toward the NT1. One day I should actually buy one.

[@levi8781]

i agree about the top end just sounds a lil harsh, i really want to buy this mic but im hesitate bc of that

[@johnkotches8320]

The Telefunken sounds a little brighter /grainier then the Neumann to me. Not objectionably so, just enough to be clearly different. Does the TF11 have a bump in the presence region compared to the Neumann? For Me Neumann (Black) and Blue Mouse were subjectively better... But it’s a preference. It’s hard to find mic as many mic demos with saxes so I use voices as a substitute.

[@simonebarbella4118]

Hi podcastage what is in your opinion the best mic at 300$? AKG C214, Aston Origin....?

[@dawsonzinza1671]

I know it's kind of a random question, but what is the microphone used in the "Never Going to Give You Up" music video?

[@saintmora]

@Podcastage Not sure if you have, but did you ever consider making a quick guide on how to treat your room for acoustics at different price points?

[@anon_forever]

Low end aside, it sounded surprisingly similar to the AT2020.

[@MyLeoOne]

I associate Telefunken with cheap oem rebranded radios and cassette decks so when you said the price I did a double take

[@dylanj8676]

I'm not giving Telefunken $1000 for a mic with an RK12 capsule. They made the ELA M 251 so they know these Chinese capsules are nothing like a CK12, but they're advertising this mic like it's similar to a C12, despite the fact that these edge terminated Chinese capsules are nothing like a CK12. They're more like a K67 with edge terminated wiring. Telefunken's Alchemy series is just glorified Chinese garbage at a premium price. Now if this were a $300 mic it might be a good deal. But the CAD M179 has a similar sounding capsule, and that's $200 and has 5 polar patterns. The edge terminated Chinese capsule Telefunken chose costs $30/pc from the factory, and I've seen sub $600 tube mics that have had the same capsule. There's no real reason for a cardioid only FET mic using it to cost almost twice as much as tube mics that used it. The Advanced Audio CM414 (same capsule, three pattern FET mic) is $400.

[@Liowen]

I worry for the camera by the door, one of these days the box thrown in that direction will do something bad to the camera and I will weep. 😭

[@themarcos150591]

Id wait and go for the Neumann TLM 49.

[@shubhshinde4438]

Please please please show us how do record so good electric on a amplifier?

[@chrisw5742]

oooh sounds like it would work great for singing into...

[@yungskitzo_661]

Would you say the tlm 103 is the best mic for rap & hiphop vocals

[@KaiRJ]

it does sound quite top heavy for a $900 mic, but god that is one gorgeous looking mic..

[@devilsdoorbell]

That Rode NT1 sure sounded nice. The TF11 was great as well, but $$$$

[@MrNicknayme]

No. Just no. I don’t like it at all. I like flat mics that can do it all, but needs some EQ, and I like purposemade mics that excel on one or a few things, like a kick mic for kickdrums or maybe bass or low toms. This TF11 has a nasty bump at 12KHz (or in that area), that just don’t work great on anything. I was thinking that it might be good on drum overheads, so I watched another youtube video, with an U47, a M69, a TF47 and the TF11. No. It will get annoying very fast. Great video, though. As always. Thanks!

[@dylanj8676]

That's because it's using a cheap capsule like the RK12. These actually have a lot of bumps in that area because they're nothing like a CK12 capsule. They're basically K67 capsules that are wired like a CK12. I could get 5 CAD M179s for that price. Telefunken actually sells the capsule for like $200 which is how I know it's identical to the RK-12.

[@shubhshinde4438]

Please make a video on tube mic

[@michaelj.4187]

okay, I like the TF-11...I don't think it's suited to your voice, but, did surprisingly well...my take by Michael J.

[@kennethbailey7105]

Lewitt Audio LCT 840? Like the one from your pet cemetery cover on the 2nd channel???😬😬😬

[@cheallen1626]

The Blue Mouse and the Telefunken sounded VERY similar to my ears.