If you are looking for a professional microphone for your studio or home studio recordings , models adorned with the Telefunken logo are a safe bet . Try the Telefunken TF-47, among others.
This is a tube condenser microphone that is part of the Alchemy series along with the TF-29, TF-39, and TF-51. These models are renowned for their versatility and exceptional sound quality . Let's take a closer look at all this. Here is the complete review of the TF-47 large diaphragm condenser microphone from Telefunken.
Focus on the Telefunken brand
Before testing the Telefunken TF-47, a quick look back at the history of Telefunken and the rebirth of its emblematic microphones .
Telefunken is a German brand founded in 1903. This company's reputation for microphone design is well established. Along with its eternal rival Neumann, this company clearly dominates the high-end microphone .
As for Telefunken Elektroakustik, this company is based in the United States in Connecticut. After obtaining the rights to use the Telefunken name in 2001, it began reissuing the German manufacturer's legendary microphones.
Telefunken Elektroakustik offers a wide range of choices. Among others, you will find condenser microphones , wireless microphones, dynamic microphones and many more in their catalog.
Telefunken Elektroakustik's most notable success was undoubtedly the reissue of the Telefunken ELA M 251 in 2002 and the Telefunken U47 in 2004. And these are the brand's most popular microphones.
In order to preserve its vintage microphones, Telefunken does not hesitate to take inspiration from them to produce its new generation microphone . Without forgetting of course to add a touch of modernity to the design. And this obviously has an impact on the sound reproduction of the microphone . This is particularly the case of the Alchemy series of which the Telefunken-47 is a part.
Telefunken's TF-47 benefits from the same design as the studio's two monuments: the Neumann U47 and the Neumann M49 . But what about the sound quality of the TF-47? Does this model offer the sound character of the legendary U47? What application is this microphone best suited for? What about the accessories that come with the microphone? This is what we will discover together in the following lines.
Telefunken TF-47 Microphone Overview
The Telefunken TF-47 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone just like the Neumann M147 microphone . Unlike dynamic microphones which use a moving coil, condenser microphones use the condenser principle. And it is this electronic component which will promote the storage of electrical charges.
This is a model inspired by the U47 and the M49. This microphone benefits in particular from the same transformer that equipped the U47, namely the famous BV8. It also has a brass K47 capsule . Just like Telefunken's AK47 MkII, the TF-47 is equipped with a 5840 W vacuum tube .
When it comes to build quality, Telefunken never disappoints. This TF-47 is the perfect example. This can be explained by the fact that it was made by hand and has high quality materials . The body and grille of this model are entirely made of metal.
In terms of looks, the TF-47 displays a good balance between retro style and modern style . On the front of the microphone, we find the Telefunken logo.
With its weight of 710 g , the Telefunken TF-47 is rather light. Furthermore, its length and diameter are respectively 200 mm and 46 mm .
Another guide : Neumann M149 microphone . It is a tube condenser microphone that can offer up to 9 different polar patterns. In this guide, we have developed the complete test of this microphone, its sound quality, its technical characteristics, and without forgetting our opinion on the Neumann M149.
Accessories delivered with the Telefunken TF-47 microphone
The Telefunken TF-47 comes in a nice zippered storage box. Obviously, it doesn't come alone: it comes with some practical accessories. Let us cite among others:
- An M 803 tube microphone cable: a 7 meter XLR cable compatible with several models from the Telefunken brand (the Alchemy series, the RFT and the ELA M 260)
- An M 903 power supply to operate the microphone and change its sensitivity
- An M 703 spider suspension to avoid unwanted vibrations
- An M782 mount
- A 5/8 inch to 3/8 inch thread adapter
- A storage cover to protect the microphone from dust
- A carrying case to make it easier to transport the mic when you go on tour.
Considering all these accessories, opting for the Telefunken TF-47 is a good investment. Indeed, if these are purchased separately, the bill may be steep. The price of the M803 cable, for example, is around 150 euros. As for the elastic shockproof support, count on around 67 euros to get one. Not to mention the other accessories.
The Telefunken TF-47 and its 3 directivities to choose from
Impossible to talk about the Telefunken TF-47 microphone without mentioning its 3 polar patterns . It must be said that this is a very appreciated feature of this microphone.
Note that the 4 models in the Alchemy series all display more than one polar pattern, except the TF-29 (only a cardioid polar pattern).
The Telefunken TF-47 offers 3 choices of directivity: cardioid , omnidirectional and bidirectional (or figure eight). These options allow you to modify the microphone sensitivity according to your preferences and your needs in terms of results.
If you only want to capture the sound in front of the microphone , choose the cardioid polar pattern . This is the ideal solution for recording the voice of a single person. Indeed, once activated, this option will reject sound sources coming from the rear. As for sounds from the sides, these will be greatly attenuated.
If you want to capture the voice of two singers simultaneously, in this case, bidirectional directionality would be the most suitable choice. This type of directivity makes it possible to capture sound sources coming from the front and back of the microphone.
As for omnidirectional polar pattern , this option allows the mic to capture sounds equally throughout the recording room. So, if you want to record a choir or the ambience of a room, you will need to switch to this mode. This is also the option to choose for a symphony orchestra recording .
How to change the sensitivity of the Telefunken TF-47 microphone? You can easily switch from one mode to another using the external power supply that comes with the microphone.
Telefunken TF-47: its areas of application
The TF-47 is a versatile model that can be used in both a home studio and a professional recording studio . It is suitable for a wide variety of applications. Among other things, it can be suitable for recording vocals (singing and voice-over) and acoustic instruments (guitar, piano, drums, percussion, etc.). This mic can also be used to capture a guitar amp.
When it comes to singing, this model can suit all musical styles . Moreover, the manufacturer recommends this microphone for rap , R&B, rock and female soul.
By having two TF-47 microphones at your disposal, you can easily practice stereo recording techniques .
For example, for Mid-Side sound recording , simply adjust the directivity of one of the two microphones to cardioid mode and the other to bidirectional mode. Another example: if you want to perform the Blumlein technique , activate the figure-of-eight polar patterns of both microphones.
In all cases, be sure to position your microphones correctly. When recording Mid-Side, you must point the Mid microphone in front of your source. As for the Side microphone, it must be placed below the Mid perpendicular to the latter. Likewise, if this is a Blumlein technique, make sure to place the two TF-47s (with bidirectional polar patterns enabled) so that they intersect at a 90° angle.
You will have understood : the Telefunken TF-47 is a condenser microphone which is suitable for multiple uses . Note, however, that if you want to acquire a microphone for podcasting or streaming, you will find what you are looking for by opting for a USB microphone . In particular, favor renowned models such as the Blue Yeti and the Rode NT-USB.
Zoom on the sound quality of the Telefunken TF-47
The sound quality of the TF-47 is very close to that of the original Telefunken U47 . It should be noted that the latter has already participated in the success of legendary artists such as the Beatles, Frank Sinatra and John Coltrane.
The TF-47 has kept the warm sound of the U47, but still offers a modern style . It reproduces highs with great detail. It adds depth, no matter what sound source is in front of it. Compared to other models in the Alchemy series, the Telefunken TF-47 offers smoother highs . Furthermore, this studio microphone effectively rejects background noise .
Given its sound characteristics, this model is ideal for voice recording. In particular, it delivers impeccable sound whether on male or female voices. What's more, it requires very little equalization. It also performs well when picking up drums and guitar .
Its frequency response is between 20 Hz and 20 kHz . We can note an accentuated midrange between 3 and 5 kHz . This mic can withstand a sound pressure of 125 dB without distortion. Its output impedance displays 300 ohms . Its signal-to-noise ratio and its self-noise are 84 DBA and 10 DBA .
The TF-47 strongly attenuates plosives. However, consider investing in an anti-pop filter if you want to obtain impeccable results.
Unsurprisingly, this microphone is sensitive to the proximity effect . It must be said that this is a common feature of condenser microphones. This model is no exception to the rule. So, if you want to attenuate low frequencies, you should move the mic a little further from the source. Conversely, you should move about 10cm closer to the mic to emphasize the bass.
Technical characteristics of the Telefunken TF-47
- Microphone type: large diaphragm condenser microphone
- Polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, figure 8
- Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: 22 mV/Pa
- Maximum SPL: 125 dB
- Output impedance: 300 Ohms
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 84 DBA
- Own noise: 10 DBA
- Transformer: Telefunken BV8
- Power supply type: external power supply
- Dimensions (length x diameter): 200 mm x 46 mm
- Weight: 650g
Our Overall Opinion
Overall Sound Quality
Value for money
Global mark
Our opinion on the Telefunken TF-47 microphone
In terms of sound quality, there is not much to complain about with the Telefunken TF-47. Obviously, this model is not perfect, but the sound it produces is still exceptional.
Its sound quality has nothing to do with that of low-end condenser microphones. Just like the legendary U47, this model offers a warm sound. Its ability to reproduce sound with clarity and precision is impressive.
A feature that I particularly appreciate about the Telefunken TF-47: its adaptable sensitivity according to needs. Being able to easily switch between three different polar patterns makes this mic versatile.
It is particularly effective when taking vocals. In addition, you can easily use your sensitivity to the proximity effect to bring out the bass. On the instrument side, it delivers a fantastic rendition on an acoustic guitar take.
Another strong point of the TF-47 lies in its accessories, notably the shock-absorbing suspension. It must be said that few brands include this ultra practical device among the accessories that accompany the microphone.
Considering its design quality, sound quality, versatility and accessories, this microphone offers very attractive value for money.
In short, if you are looking for a versatile studio microphone for everyday use, I recommend the Telefunken TF-46.
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