Affordability is this year's theme for mic maker Telefunken Elektroakustik, who has announced the AR-51, the latest addition to the R-F-T line of tube microphones.

The AR-51 large diaphragm tube condenser microphone brings back the same circuit design used in the classic Telefunken ELA M 251E, but employs new cost-efficient manufacturing methods to meet the desired price point without going cheap on parts. We don't know the anticipated list price just yet, but so far, we can say that the AR-51 utilizes premium components, including a vintage New Old Stock (NOS) tube and a globally-sourced power supply and capsule.

According to the manufacturer, the circuit board has been designed for superior current handling, permitting the amplifier to have full access to the necessary "power on demand" for handling low frequency and transient information. Modifications have been made to the amplifier circuit to optimize the performance of the capsule.

This mic is ideal for recording acoustic and electric guitars, piano, percussion, and male and female vocals, as well as for drum overheads and close miked drums.

Look for the AR-51 at Winter NAMM 2010. For full specs, visit telefunken-elektroakustik.com.