An evolutionary update of the CU-29 Copperhead, an original Telefunken Elektroakustik design that amassed legions of fans for its natural, unhyped sound and amazing value, the Telefunken TF29 Copperhead continues the tradition of outstanding sonic performance and value. The TF29 Copperhead large-diaphragm tube condenser mic delivers warm, clear bass, detailed midrange, and the silky high-end airiness of mics costing many times more. To deliver such an outstanding price/performance ratio, Telefunken gave the TF29 a fixed cardioid polar pattern, but this American-made gem doesn’t skimp on component quality. Its 5654W NOS tube, Lundahl output transformer, and other top-drawer parts give this mic an open-sounding and sonically pleasing response. The Telefunken TF29 Copperhead is an affordable workhorse go-to mic that honestly captures vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, drums, and nearly any source you aim it at.

Meticulously selected parts

Spurred on by the discovery of a sizable cache of new-old-stock Telefunken tubes that were deemed suitable for microphone applications, Telefunken set sail on a 15-month quest to design a great-sounding cardioid-only large-diaphragm tube condenser mic and bring it to market at an affordable price. In the process, they experimented with components, selecting only the best-sounding, most stable ones for inclusion in this amazing mic. High-impedance runs were kept as short as possible to minimize noise. They auditioned an array of output transformers to find the one that delivered the most open-sounding and sonically pleasing response. The NOS tube and the Lundahl LL1935 output transformer ultimately made the cut, along with selected US-designed electronics and overseas-sourced parts. The result was the TF29’s predecessor, the CU-29, a fabulous mic that went on to garner rave reviews among engineers at Sweetwater. The TF29 Copperhead is all that and more.

A valued addition to your mic locker

The Telefunken TF29 Copperhead isn’t a re-creation of a classic mic — or even a variation on a theme. The CU-29 it’s based on is a completely original design, the first of its kind. The TF29 has been tweaked and nuanced with over five years of “how-can-we-make-it-better” research and development. Every component in the circuit was analyzed and subjected to exhaustive instrument and listening tests. As a result, the TF29 uses a different NOS tube, for example, but the same Lundahl transformer, which couldn’t be improved upon. With its extended low end, pleasing midrange, and an unhyped high end, the TF29’s unique character and rich sonic texture will be a valued addition to your mic locker.

Cardioid-only?

You bet. If you had to choose only one polar pattern for all the mics in your studio, cardioid would be the one. Although Sweetwater certainly recommends having omnidirectional and figure-8 microphones on hand for tricky recording setups and advanced stereo miking techniques, your cardioid mics will be your “go-to” mics for the vast majority of recording and sound-reinforcement tasks. A great-sounding cardioid tube condenser mic like the Telefunken TF29 Copperhead will enjoy constant use in your studio. It’s a sound investment.

Telefunken TF29 Copperhead Features:

• Large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone
• Cardioid polar pattern
• Extended low-frequency response
• Pleasing, natural midrange
• Silky unhyped highs
• All-brass K67-style center-terminated capsule
• Premium Swedish-made Lundahl transformer
• American-made NOS 5654W vacuum tube
• Designed and hand-assembled in the USA
• Includes M902 Power Supply, M803 Tube Microphone Cable, ZC03 Shell Case, M703 Shock Mount, M782 Stand Mount, and MS01Microphone Sleeve