Telefunken ELA M 251From real comments

Verdict distilled from 20 mentions across 10 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment67%
PROS 67%
CONS 33%

Rank based on 20 mentions across 10 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a smooth, transparent, full-bodied tube condenser sound
  • You're comparing top-tier vocal mics like the U87 or Brauner VMA
  • You value vintage mystique and rare-parts construction

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You're not willing to pay $9,000+ for a microphone
  • You can't tell the difference from cheaper alternatives in blind tests
  • You've had issues with harshness in the 8-12kHz range

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
Sennheiser MKH 8040
High Owner Satisfaction
Exceptional Sound Clarity
Great for Field Recording
High Price
Not Omnidirectional / More Muffled
Ultrasonic Self-Noise & Wind Rumble
3Premium
Sennheiser AVX
Reliable, plug-and-play operationClean, distortion-free audioSolid build quality
Sennheiser AVX
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
You are here
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

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Smooth, full-bodied sound wins over multiple listeners. Across several shootout comparisons, listeners repeatedly praised the 251 for having 'the most body' and a smoother character than competitors like the Brauner VMA and U87. One commenter ranked it above the Brauner, U87, and TLM103 combined, while another called it 'amazing open, transparent sound' with a silky high end reminiscent of other premium transparent microphones.

Extremely close to rivals like the U87 and VMA. Many commenters found the differences between the 251 and mics like the Neumann U87 and Brauner VMA to be marginal, with one stating you 'can't tell which is which' in blind tests. Others gave the U87 a slight edge for a particular voice, with the 251 a very close second, suggesting the 251 competes at the top tier without being a dramatic standout.

Steep price sparks debate over real value. Vintage units reportedly sell for around $10,000, while a new reissue was priced near $9,495. One commenter argued the expense comes from rare parts and mystique, suggesting modern manufacturing could achieve similar quality for less, while purists remain unmoved by that argument. This price debate colors much of the discussion around the mic's overall value proposition.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?