Telefunken TF11 Large-diaphragm FET Condenser Microphone

Upgrade Your Studio With the Austrian Sound

The Telefunken TF11 is a high-performance, phantom-powered FET condenser mic voiced to deliver a decidedly “Austrian” sonic signature reminiscent of the renowned C12. Telefunken did not skimp on quality in order to bring it in at an affordable price point for serious home studios (not that they ever do). The TF11 is handcrafted in America and features only the highest-quality components such as a CK12-type edge-terminated capsule, a discrete Class A JFET amplification stage, and a custom OEP/Carnhill output transformer made in the UK. Now, we should point out that the microphone does have a fixed cardioid polar pattern, but that’s not a compromise at all for perhaps 90% of your typical studio and stage applications. If you want an affordable workhorse large-diaphragm FET condenser mic that delivers outstanding performance on vocals and instruments of all types, make room in your mic locker for the Telefunken TF11. Trust us — you’ll be reaching for it constantly.

High-performance capture of vocals and instruments

Boasting a lovely, open, and highly detailed sound with quick transient response, the TF11 is perfect for capturing vocals and acoustic instruments of all kinds, while its robust build quality makes it ideal for live sound reinforcement as well as studio work. Captured with the TF11, pop and rock vocals take on added sonic authority. Open up the kit by using a pair of them for drum overheads or room mics. From tambourines and shakers to marimba and congas, you'll find that percussion sits perfectly in the track. Pianos and acoustic guitars shimmer gloriously. The TF11 is also an excellent choice for upright bass, cello, and strings in general, while brass instruments take on new life when captured with this amazing microphone.

Unique circuit design

Developed, handcrafted, and tested to fastidious quality standards in Telefunken’s Connecticut facility, the TF11 employs discrete, Class A through-hole topology in a unique circuit design that incorporates top-drawer parts shared with other Telefunken microphones. Its CK12-type edge-terminated capsule is a single-membrane version of the capsule in the TF51. The high-performance, ultra-low-noise JFET amplification stage is similar to the one in the M60, and is coupled with a custom large-format, nickel-iron-core transformer made in the UK by OEP/Carnhill. Other premium components include UK-made polystyrene film capacitors and Nichicon Fine Gold electrolytic capacitors.

Versatile cardioid polar pattern

Think about it: If you had to choose only one polar pattern for all the mics in your studio, cardioid would be the one. Although we certainly recommend having omnidirectional, figure-8, and hypercardioid microphones in your mic locker, your cardioid mics will be your go-to microphones for the vast majority of recording and live sound reinforcement tasks. A great-sounding cardioid condenser mic like the Telefunken TF11 will enjoy constant use in your studio.

The Telefunken legacy of quality

Founded in 1903 with the merger of two German electronics companies, Telefunken quickly became a global technology leader in radio communications, vacuum tubes, television, preamplifiers, microphones, and more. In the ’40s and ’50s, they were distributor for the legendary U47 and ELA M 251, widely considered the holy grails of tube condenser mics. In the modern era, Telefunken Elektroakustik has built their sterling reputation with high-performance microphones that today are found in studios worldwide — including Sweetwater Studios and the personal studios of many of our engineers and employees. The Telefunken legacy of quality continues with the TF11. Add one — or better still, a stereo pair — of them to your mic locker today.