Prior to 1959, TELEFUNKEN GmbH distributed Neumann GmbH microphones throughout the world. When Neumann GmbH decided to take their distribution direct, TELEFUNKEN GmbH commissioned Austrian company AKG Acoustics GmbH to produce a series of 5 microphones. This series of microphones was comprised of the famous ELA M 251, the ELA M 250, the stereo ELA M 270, and two small capsule microphones, the ELA M 260 and the ELA M 261.

TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik is pleased to offer the ELA M 260, their first small diaphragm tube condenser. While not a historically accurate reproduction of the original ELA M 260 like the "Diamond Series" microphones, their version of the ELA M 260 is definitely built with the same attention to detail and level of quality as its Diamond Series brethren.

The ELA M 260 is supplied with a set of three interchangeable capsules (the 260 cardioid, 261 omni, and 262 hyper-cardioid), as well as a custom adaptor designed by their friend and fellow audio enthusiast Chip Machokas that permits the use of any of the AKG "CK" series of capsules (or capsules made by other manufacturers with the same thread) AND Neumann bayonet-style capsules. It also features a brand-new circuit design based around a TELEFUNKEN EF-732 vacuum tube and a custom-wound output transformer made in the United States. The combination of these features yields a microphone that is unlike any other small diaphragm microphone that you have ever experienced.

In use, the ELA M 260 has plenty of tone with excellent detail and clarity. It captures sources with a natural presence, making it a fantastic tool for recording acoustic instruments of all types. Drum overheads, percussion, woodwinds, saxophones, strings, and especially acoustic guitar all sound amazing through the ELA M 260. Also, don't discount this for vocals just because it's small. Its unique tonal character is very well suited for a myriad of applications, both traditional and not.