Product Overview

Smooth Analog Linear Response Meets Dazzling Custom Shop Metallic Aesthetics

While many modern performance microphones are engineered with an aggressive high-end presence boost, some sound sources require a smoother, more balanced presentation. The Telefunken M81 Chrome addresses this exact acoustic need, housing the highly linear, body-focused electronics of Telefunken's Dynamic Series inside a gorgeous, mirror-reflective custom chrome plating. This premium metallic finish gives the microphone a commanding visual signature that beautifully reflects stage lights during a performance.

Beneath its rugged, custom shop finish, the M81 Chrome is engineered to serve as an acoustic problem solver. If your source has a naturally bright or harsh character—whether it is a sibilant vocalist, a piercing snare drum, or an aggressive guitar amplifier cabinet—the M81 steps in to tame the top end. It retains the immense headroom and robust low-frequency foundation of a world-class moving coil mic, trading sharp high-mid presence for a smooth, flat, "mix-ready" frequency spectrum.

Product Description

Tailored Frequency Curve and Custom American Transformer Core:

The defining characteristic of the M81 Chrome is its flat, linear frequency tuning. It features an ultra-thin, low-mass Mylar diaphragm capsule designed to respond instantly to transient notes. However, unlike microphones that add an artificial treble peak, the M81 steps back to deliver a controlled top-end response. It rolls off smoothly above 15 kHz, making it the perfect tool for softening digital sibilance or high-frequency acoustic harshness.

To inject warmth, authority, and professional weight into your signal path, Telefunken includes a custom-wound AMI/TAB-Funkenwerk step-up impedance transformer inside the handle. Made and calibrated in the USA, this premium audio component adds subtle analog saturation, allowing the lower-mid frequencies to sound dense, rich, and well-supported. It guarantees that the audio retains structural integrity and resists RF interference across long cable runs.

Aggressive Supercardioid Isolation and Proximity Suppression:

The M81 Chrome excels at navigating complex acoustic spaces. Its highly directional Supercardioid polar pattern focuses directly on the source, creating a narrow pickup angle that rejects background stage bleed, loud drum monitors, and surrounding multi-instrument spill. This makes it an invaluable tool for small live tracking rooms or dense concert stages where absolute acoustic isolation is a priority.

The internal acoustic ports of the capsule are carefully balanced to control the proximity effect. When placed close to a source—such as right up against a guitar grille cloth or held closely by a vocalist—the M81 prevents the boomy, muddy lower-bass accumulation that can ruin a mix. Instead, it maintains low-frequency clarity, ensuring the source sounds natural, intimate, and perfectly balanced from the moment you hit record.

Key Features

• ALL-CHROME METALLIC FINISH: Dazzling, mirror-shine plated chrome body finish with a matching chrome wire mesh grille for a premium stage presence.

• SMOOTH, LINEAR TOP-END: Specifically voiced to tame harsh frequencies, sibilant vocals, piercing cymbals, and bright brass instruments.

• LOW-MASS DIAPHRAGM CAPSULE: Ultra-thin 25 mm membrane offers lightning-fast transient response without adding artificial mid-range congestion.

• AMERICAN-MADE TRANS-ENGINE: Houses a custom-wound AMI/TAB-Funkenwerk transformer for unmatched analog depth, warmth, and high headroom.

• SHARP SUPERCARDIOID ISOLATION: Directional pickup pattern focuses strictly on the sound source while blocking out off-axis background stage bleed.

• BALANCED PROXIMITY DESIGN: Intelligently calibrated capsule prevents low-bass muddiness, keeping close-up vocals and cabinets clean and defined.

• ROBUST 135 dB SPL PROTECTION: Effortlessly captures high sound pressure sources like heavy snare hits and roaring guitar stacks without clipping.

• HAND-CALIBRATED IN THE USA: Proudly engineered, hand-assembled, and quality-tested at Telefunken’s South Windsor, Connecticut facility.

Technical Specifications

What’s Included in the Box

• 1 x Telefunken M81 Premium Dynamic Handheld Microphone (Chrome Finish Edition)

• 1 x Telefunken M780 Heavy-Duty Plastic Microphone Stand Clip Mount

• 1 x ZB81 Dedicated Leatherette Zippered Storage Bag Pouch

• 1 x Official Telefunken Elektroakustik Limited Warranty & Product Guide