What it is and what it was built for
The Telefunken ELA M 251 is a large diaphragm condenser tube microphone built for studio vocal and instrument capture.
How it works, in terms a player would use
It is a large diaphragm condenser tube microphone. It requires external power and uses a vacuum tube in its signal path.
What it does better than anything else
It does nothing better than anything else according to the material. No comparative performance claims are verified.
What it does badly
It offers no documented flexibility in polar pattern, frequency response, or attenuation. It gives no user-accessible controls beyond what the material states.
What people made with it
The material does not state what people made with it.
Who should use it, and who should not
Someone who needs a large diaphragm condenser tube microphone should consider it. Anyone needing documented control options, modern reliability, or serviceable parts should not.
Is it worth your time
It is worth your time only if you need a large diaphragm condenser tube microphone and can source, maintain, and use one reliably.
