Telefunken TF39 Copperhead Deluxe
Best tube condenser for professional studio vocal and instrument recording.
Experience classic sound with the Telefunken TF39 Copperhead Deluxe, a premium tube large diaphragm condenser microphone. Engineered for professional audio capture, it features a pressure gradient condenser capsule and a NOS 5654W tube paired with a Lundahl LL 1935 transformer for a clear, transparent signature sound. Its versatility shines with three switchable polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8. This robust microphone includes an external power supply, shock mount, holder, and a durable transport case, making it ready for demanding studio environments.
$1495.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
203
/ 2337
#203 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
+194%
Above average
Type
Tube large diaphragm microphone
/ Tube large diaphragm microphone
Who it's for
- Vocalists and acoustic musicians seeking a classic, rich sonic texture
- Engineers needing versatile polar patterns for complex recording setups
- Studio professionals prioritizing long-term reliability and premium build quality
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious home recordists and hobbyists with limited gear funds
- Users preferring low-maintenance, plug-and-play solid-state microphone workflows
- Engineers requiring clinical, transparent, and uncolored audio capture
Performance breakdown
Sonic Transparency
Lundahl transformer integration delivers exceptionally clear and natural audio reproduction.
Tube Character
NOS 5654W vacuum tube provides that sought-after vintage warmth and depth.
Recording Versatility
Three switchable polar patterns adapt effortlessly to any studio recording scenario.
Build Integrity
Robust construction ensures long-term reliability in demanding professional studio environments.
Dynamic Range
Handles high SPL levels with grace, maintaining detail during loud sessions.
Accessory Completeness
Includes everything needed for immediate professional setup right out of the box.
Key Specs
Type
Tube large diaphragm microphone
Transducer Principle
Pressure gradient condenser
Polar Pattern
Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-8 (Switchable)
Frequency Range
20 - 20,000 Hz
Sensitivity
17 mV / Pa
Impedance
300 ohms
Max SPL
130 dB
Tube Type
5654W (New Old Stock)
Features
- Classic tube sound signature
- Three switchable polar patterns
- Premium Lundahl transformer
- NOS 5654W vacuum tube
- Pressure gradient condenser technology
- Includes comprehensive accessory package
- Robust build for studio use
- Versatile for various recording tasks
What customers say
The Telefunken TF39 Copperhead Deluxe is celebrated for its rich sonic signature, delivering desirable tube warmth that adds depth to recordings. Users consistently highlight its excellence on vocals, noting its smooth high frequencies maintain clarity without harshness. This microphone proves versatile across many sources, helping them sit perfectly in a mix with minimal adjustment. Build quality is universally praised, reflecting premium construction. While expensive, the consensus is that the TF39 offers exceptional value compared to vintage or higher-priced flagship models. For those seeking character and professional warmth over absolute transparency, this microphone is considered a top-tier investment that elevates production quality.
Know before you buy
The TF39 offers a classic, warm tube sound signature. Thanks to its NOS 5654W vacuum tube and Lundahl transformer, it provides a transparent yet rich tone that excels at capturing natural detail in vocals and instruments.
Yes, because it is a tube condenser microphone, it must be used with the included external power supply unit. You will need to connect the microphone to the power supply via the provided cable, and then connect the power supply to your audio interface or preamp using a standard XLR cable.
The TF39 features three switchable polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8. This versatility allows you to adapt the microphone for various recording scenarios, such as isolating a single vocalist or capturing a room's natural ambience.
The TF39 has a maximum SPL of 130 dB, which is sufficient for most studio applications, including vocals, acoustic guitars, and percussion. However, for extremely high-SPL sources like close-miked guitar cabinets or snare drums, you may want to ensure your gain staging is managed carefully.
The package comes with everything you need to get started in a professional environment, including an external power supply, a dedicated shock mount, a microphone holder, and a durable transport case for safe storage and travel.
While the microphone requires its own dedicated power supply, it outputs a standard line-level signal via XLR. You can connect it to any standard audio interface or microphone preamp with phantom power, though the tube character will shine best when paired with a high-quality preamp.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$1495