GEAR REVIEW
TELEFUNKEN ALCHEMY SERIES TF47
LARGE DIAPHRAGM TUBE CONDENSER MICROPHONE | Michael Hodge
KEY FEATURES
• Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-8
Patterns
• New Old Stock 5840W Vacuum Tube
• K47-style center-terminated capsule
• Custom BV8 Transformer
Telefunken is the legendary manufacturer of
some of the best and most loved microphones
in the world. Models like the U47, ELA M 251E,
and the C12 are found in about every pro studio
across the country. The whole point of recording
is to bring out the best possible representation
of your source, whether it's a Lead Vocal,
Instrument, Choir, or Orchestra. Telefunken's
new Alchemy Series TF47 brings the legitimate
Telefunken “German Mid-Forward Sound” into
a more affordable price range for Professional
and Project Studios.
OUT OF THE BOX:
Rather than the typical aluminum case,
Telefunken has opted for a modern, black nylon-
covered molded shell case. It has a heavy-duty
zipper and perfectly molded cutouts for the mic
and accessories. Included are two mounting
options (an elastic shock mount and a stand
mount), a 23-foot M 803 tube mic cable, an
M 903 power supply with AC cable, and a
soft leather sleeve. At first sight, the center- IEC connector and lighted power switch. On slightly toward the cone. It captured the energy
terminated capsule looks very close to a U47. the other end is the 7 pin input, XLR output, of the clean parts with punch and clarity.
The headgrille is a single reinforced piece, with and a three polar pattern selector for Cardioid, Because of the mic's roll-off at around 6 kHz,
two layers of mesh. The outside is like you'd Omnidirectional, or Figure-8. the crunch sounds weren’t too buzzy on top
like some other large diaphragm condensers. I
expect, and protects the very-fine inner layer.
The metal casing is black with a chrome top IN USE: and bottom and the iconic Telefunken logo Starting with Electric guitars, the TF47 did well indicates the front of the mic. It weighs in at at capturing the presence of the speaker with On female vocals, I tended to add a little 10 kHz
1.5 lbs and feels sturdy with a seven-pin male a smooth bass, and presence in the 2-5 kHz shelf about 2 dB to get the air on top that I like.
connector on the bottom. The base screws off range. I noticed a particular proximity effect and I didn't struggle with esses as much. Overall,
to access the tube if it needs replacing, but the found the mic sounded very good about 1 inch it was a very female-friendly microphone.
5840W should last for years. The M 903 power from the cab placed about mid-point between On male vocals, it has beautiful energy and
supply is dual voltage 115/230V with a fused the center and outside of the cone and pointed warmth, capturing the midrange in a way that
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December 2019
think the tube rounds things a little bit, as well.
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