REFURBISHED - STEREO PAIR - Telefunken TD 25 TS 1960S - XLR

A MATCHED PAIR OF A TELEFUNKEN CLASSIC

The Telefunken TD 25 is a particularly interesting microphone to pair because the model exists in numerous small variations. Different production examples can show differences in finish, construction and even capsule implementation.

These two microphones were therefore not paired simply because they carry the same model number.

They were selected because they are essentially identical examples of the same TD 25 version, with matching construction and closely corresponding performance. Both have also undergone the same refurbishment process, making them particularly suitable for use together as a stereo set.

OPTICAL CONDITION

Both microphones are in excellent used condition, showing only minimal signs of age and use.

Small dents and minor marks may be visible in the metal mesh, but overall the pair presents exceptionally well and the two microphones also correspond very closely cosmetically.

TECHNICAL CONDITION

Refurbished – Excellent

Both microphones have been carefully opened and serviced.

The capsules and housings were cleaned and the aging internal acoustic foam was removed and replaced with newly fitted material.

Both microphones have also been professionally converted to modern balanced 3-pin XLR, allowing immediate use with contemporary recording equipment.

BUILD & DESIGN

The TD 25 is housed in a substantial metal body with the distinctive elongated mesh section that gives the microphone its immediately recognizable appearance.

Its construction reflects the functional character of German microphones of the period: robust metalwork, compact dimensions and very little unnecessary decoration beyond the small Telefunken identification badge.

The unusual relationship between the grille and capsule orientation is an important part of the design. What visually appears to be a conventional side-address microphone is actually -

TOP-ADDRESS DESIGN

One of the most easily misunderstood aspects of the TD 25 is its capsule orientation.

Despite the microphone's prominent elongated side grille, the capsule is actually directed toward the top of the microphone. The large side mesh is therefore not its primary pickup area.

This creates an interesting off-axis behavior. As the source moves away from the top axis, the upper frequencies gradually soften, providing a natural tonal change depending on microphone angle.

Once its actual orientation is understood, the TD 25 becomes a surprisingly versatile and controllable vintage dynamic.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Type: Dynamic
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Address: Primarily top-address
Impedance: High impedance
Connector: Balanced 3-pin XLR – converted
Frequency Response: Approximately 80 Hz – 13 kHz

RESPONSE

Presence emphasis around 3–5 kHz

• Gradual high-frequency roll-off above approximately 8–10 kHz
• Reduced response below approximately 150 Hz

SOUND CHARACTER

The TD 25 has a focused, mid-forward character with the gentle coloration expected from a good vintage dynamic microphone.

The midrange remains articulate, while the upper frequencies are softened rather than aggressively bright. The limited extreme low end keeps the microphone controlled, and a subtle vintage coloration gives voices and instruments considerable personality.

Its top-address construction also provides another useful tonal tool: moving a source away from the primary axis naturally reduces high-frequency information.

As a pair, the TD 25s can produce a particularly interesting vintage stereo image on acoustic instruments, percussion, guitar amplifiers, room recordings or other sources where a perfectly modern, clinically neutral stereo sound is not necessarily the objective.

These are not merely two TD 25 microphones bundled together. They are two closely corresponding examples of the same version, identically refurbished and specifically selected by Micsterlab for use as a stereo pair.