[SOLVED!] Marvels Of The Mics: Telefunken M80 Vs. M81

The microphone of your audio setup recently gave out so you need a replacement? Then it’s strongly recommended that you add Telefunken M80 and M81 to the list of models to check. Effective and efficient, the Telefunken mics perform admirably in a wide range of arrangements. In addition, assuming that you don’t take things to the extreme, Telefunken M80 and M81 will hold together for years to come.

If you appreciate the values of Telefunken M80 and M81 but cannot choose between them, our article is the solution for your dilemma. Down below is everything that you must keep in mind to pick the winner in Telefunken M80 vs. M81 by yourself.

Key Aspects Of The Mics

 

 

	Telefunken M80	Telefunken M81
Frequency range	From 30 Hz to 18 kHz	From 50 Hz to 18 kHz
Maximum sound pressure level	140 dB	135 dB
Impedance	300 Ohms	250 Ohms
Sensitivity	1.4 mV/Pa	1.0 mV/Pa
Diaphragm	25mm	25mm
Weight	13.09 ounces	15.2 ounces
Connector	Three-pin XLR	Three-pin XLR
Price	$250.00	$250.00
Misc	Clip, adapter and pouch	Clip, adapter and pouch
Warranty	3 months for capsule/1 year for amplifier and power supply	3 months for capsule/1 year for amplifier and power supply

Telefunken M80 Vs. M81: Faceoff

Handling

Designed to be handheld microphones, Telefunken M80 and M81 boast fantastic handling characteristics by all accounts. The ergonomic shapes of the Telefunken mics ensure a high level of comfort so they should feel good in the hand. In addition to that, while Telefunken M81 is slightly heavier than M80, their weights remain manageable. As a result, regardless of your choice in the end, you can rest assured knowing that you will get to manipulate the mic at will.

Sound 

A combination of wide frequency range (30 Hz – 18 kHz) and high maximum sound pressure level (140 dB) lets Telefunken M80 emit powerful sound. It’s important to point out that Telefunken M80 supports voices and instruments equally well. Naturally, Telefunken M80 earns a shower of praises from bands that play high-octane genres such as rock. Besides that, Telefunken M80 includes several helpful features to minimize distortions like booms, feedback, etc.

About Telefunken M81, its frequency range (50 Hz – 18 kHz) and maximum sound pressure level (135 dB) fall behind that of Telefunken M80. That being said, the gap is minor and Telefunken M81 gives a good account of itself for most of the time. Moreover, in terms of impedance, Telefunken M81 is the one that comes out on top in Telefunken M80 and M81 (250 Ohms vs.  300 Ohms). If you care about noise immunity, you won’t regret investing in Telefunken M81.

Price

It’s not uncommon for the price of mics to increase and decrease over time but usually, Telefunken M80 and M81 cost around $250. While the Telefunken mics cost more than the market average, the values they offer justify their price. Still, no matter what you choose, it’s strongly recommended that you buy your mic from reputable retailers. Steer clear of “too good to be true” bargains from little-known sources as such products likely have substandard quality.

Warranty 

Telefunken M80 and M81 come from the same brand so it’s only natural that they have the same warranty policies. Upon purchase, the Telefunken mics come alongside a three-month warranty for the capsule as well as a one-year warranty for the amplifier and power supply. Since the warranty policies cover part and labor, you don’t have to pay extra costs to have your mic repaired under warranty. All in all, if your mic fails due to manufacturing defects, you can count on Telefunken to set things straight.

Decision

While Telefunken M80 and M81 share many similarities, they still differ from each other in a number of aspects which result in unique performance. If you desire a mic that can handle high-intensity sound, you won’t regret investing in Telefunken M80. On the other hand, if you put noise immunity above all else, Telefunken M81 is going to be your best.

Setting Up A Mic: Guidelines

• Pay attention to distance and position: Different people have different arrangements but if possible, you should maintain a distance of 10 inches between you and your mic. In the case of position, it’s wise to take the orientation of your head into account. If you record with your head down, place the mic below your mouth and if you record with your head up, place it above your mouth. Feel free to treat the above as starting points and apply changes in times of need.
• Look for a good cable: In layman’s terms, your mic can only perform to its full potential if you have a good mic cable. Nowadays, mic cables come in all shapes and sizes but you should keep in mind issues such as impedance, shielding, etc.
• Give accessories some thought: If you want to optimize the performance of your mic, you should complement it using accessories like stands, mounts, filters, … By taking advantage of accessories, you should be able to eliminate vibrations, sibilance, plosives, etc.