Telefunken AK-47 MkIIFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 12 mentions across 10 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment67%
PROS 67%
CONS 33%

Rank based on 12 mentions across 10 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a tube condenser with forward, flattering mids for vocals
  • You're choosing between this and a vintage U87 but want less airiness
  • You need a versatile mic that also performs well on bass and guitar amps

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You're working with a sibilant vocalist and want to avoid extra top-end hiss
  • You prefer the AR-51's larger-than-life upper midrange character instead
  • You want the most percussive detail on palm-muted guitar (some found the M80 better there)

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal soundMinimal monitor and drum bleedTrusted for regular gig useDistracting large logoHigh price tag
Lewitt MTP W950
Studio-quality vocal sound
Minimal monitor and drum bleed
Trusted for regular gig use
Distracting large logo
High price tag
2Premium
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner SatisfactionExceptional Sound ClarityGreat for Field RecordingHigh PriceNot Omnidirectional / More MuffledUltrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
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High Owner Satisfaction
Exceptional Sound Clarity
Great for Field Recording
High Price
Not Omnidirectional / More Muffled
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3Premium
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operationClean, distortion-free audioSolid build quality
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Reliable, plug-and-play operation
Clean, distortion-free audio
Solid build quality
4Premium
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibilityVersatile across instrumentsStrong, non-boomy low endPrice barrier for some buyersUnclear M/S and connector design questionsLacking low-mid presence on some vocals
Lewitt LCT 640
Post-recording pattern flexibility
Versatile across instruments
Strong, non-boomy low end
Price barrier for some buyers
Unclear M/S and connector design questions
Lacking low-mid presence on some vocals
5Mid
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound qualityVersatile onboard EQ switchesBuilt-in gain boostHigh price for some buyersUncertain added value over existing setupFiddly dip switches
sE Electronics DynaCaster
Strong overall sound quality
Versatile onboard EQ switches
Built-in gain boost
High price for some buyers
Uncertain added value over existing setup
Fiddly dip switches
6Mid
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57Excellent on acoustic guitarDurable, long-lasting buildCan sound harsh in some applicationsAppearance not universally likedInconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
Shure Beta 57A
Smoother, clearer vocal sound than SM58/SM57
Excellent on acoustic guitar
Durable, long-lasting build
Can sound harsh in some applications
Appearance not universally liked
Inconsistent noise rejection vs SM57
7Mid
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocalsStriking, attractive designRecognizable, notable reputation
Sennheiser MD 441
Excellent sound on drums and vocals
Striking, attractive design
Recognizable, notable reputation
8Premium
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm characterCompetitive with top-tier micsFull-bodied, rich low endHard to distinguish from cheaper alternativesVery high pricePositioning-sensitive
Telefunken ELA M 251
Smooth, warm character
Competitive with top-tier mics
Full-bodied, rich low end
Hard to distinguish from cheaper alternatives
Very high price
Positioning-sensitive
9Premium
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67Warm, creamy tube toneAttractive appearance
MXL V69M
Rivals the Neumann U67
Warm, creamy tube tone
Attractive appearance
Best value
10Mid
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tonePreferred over U87ai in blind testsLow sibilance / smooth highsAudible distortion noted at price pointCan sound muddy or bass-heavyCardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
Neumann TLM 193
Natural, unhyped tone
Preferred over U87ai in blind tests
Low sibilance / smooth highs
Audible distortion noted at price point
Can sound muddy or bass-heavy
Cardioid-only, unlike multi-pattern siblings
You are here
31Premium
Telefunken AK-47 MkII
Detailed, flattering top endLong-term reliability and satisfactionForward vocal midsHot sibilance on some vocalistsLacks the AR-51's larger upper-midrange presenceLess palm-mute detail than an alternative mic
Telefunken AK-47 MkII
Detailed, flattering top end
Long-term reliability and satisfaction
Forward vocal mids
Hot sibilance on some vocalists
Lacks the AR-51's larger upper-midrange presence
Less palm-mute detail than an alternative mic

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Vocal mids stand out as the AK-47 MkII's signature strength. Multiple commenters singled out the mic's midrange as forward in a flattering way for vocals, with one long-term owner of 10 years calling it simply 'a great mic' specifically because of this quality. Compared to the AR-51, users noted the AK-47 has more top-end detail but lacks the AR-51's larger upper-midrange presence, making the choice between the two a genuinely tough one for vocal applications.

Instrument performance impressed on bass, guitar, and acoustic sources. One user was surprised how good the mic sounded on bass and especially guitar amp, though found it a touch edgy in the mids on an overdriven tone. Another described the AK-47 as sounding 'nice' and 'natural' on guitar in the edge mic position, and one commenter noted the acoustic guitar sounded warmer through the AK-47 than through the AR-51.

A recurring caution is hot sibilance on certain vocalists. One commenter specifically flagged that the AK-47's 's' sounds were 'a little hot' on the vocalist being tested, contrasting it with the AR-51 which handled the same sibilance better. This suggests the mic's extended top end, while generally praised for detail, can occasionally work against it depending on the singer's voice and delivery.

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