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The V-251 Microphone is a recreation of one of the most famous tube microphones in history, the Telefunken ElaM 251.
We have implemented it with high-grade parts, including specially selected film-and-foil input and output capacitors, a selected low-noise 6072 tube, and a custom T/14 transformer. The result is a stunning single-triode tube mic that rivals the performance of multi-thousand dollar commercial microphones.
Like all of our custom microphones, the V-251 is built to order. Allow 3-5 business days for us to build it, burn it in, and test it. If you are facing a session deadline, in advance to check the turnaround time.
Our V-251 improves on the original design in the following ways:
The V-251 mic body has a black finish, with a vintage diamond MP logo badge on the front. (We do not have any custom color options for the V-251.)
We are aware that two of the product photos on this page show the older body style with laser-engraved 'micparts' text logo. That body has been out of production since 2021 or so. All V-251 mics have the diamond logo badge, which is made from brass, then plated, then antiqued.
Typical off-brand "professional microphone cables" can cause up to a half-volt in loss to the critical tube heater supply. We sell an upgraded cable made with genuine (imported from Gotham in Switzerland -- we do NOT use the thinner stuff from China sold as "Gotham" by online vendors), terminated in our shop with Neutrik connectors, then conditioned for 72 hours on a proprietary cable conditioning device.
The standard power supply that accompanies most tube microphones priced below $2500 is a diode-regulated design that can suffer from voltage drift. This can cause subtle changes to tube harmonics, which can be audible. Our "VPS1" power supply provides tightly regulated voltage, superior filtering, and slow ramp-up power to extend the life of the tube. It allows B+ and heater voltages to be set independently via internal trimpots. The VPS is available as a .
Our newest optional upgrade to the V-251 package is for the shockmount. The standard shockmount uses thumbscrews to clamp the mic into the mount. This device works, but is difficult to use. We developed a superior alternative: see our .
How does the V-251 differ from our ?
Both are premium DIY tube microphones based on vintage models. Both use the 6072 tube (selected for low noise and low microphonics). Both deliver exceptional performance, far above what the price point would suggest. But they differ in component selection, topology, features, and specifications:
In practice, both circuits offer performance rivaling commercial mics priced above $1900. The V-251 has additional features, and has more "tube sound" (2nd harmonic coloration). The V-12 has higher output, and therefore requires 6dB less preamp gain on quiet sources.
Which of these mics best suits your needs depends on what you record, and what features you need.
Charlie and Ernesto at Ultimate Studios recorded a complete song (drums, guitars, bass, vocals, piano, organ) with just one Platinum Edition V-251. Watch the music video here:
(Three separate episodes show the sessions. See those on the .)