For the AR-51, Telefunken took the amplifier electronics of a C-12 and ELA M 251E and married them to an offshore capsule and power supply so we can bring the best of both worlds together for what are destined to become the classics of tomorrow. While the capsule is built off shore, it is tested to very high tolerances for consistency in our Connecticut based US laboratory. The capsule is then coupled to a slightly tweezed classic amplifier. The core of this amplifier is NOS [New Old Stock] ECC81 vacuum tube which is coupled the same German built output transformer you will find in our far more expensive C-12 and ELA M 251E. In use, the R-F-T AR-51 is a fantastic utility mic! Its smooth mid-range, open top end, and solid well-balanced low frequency translation make it a great choice on anything from vocals to drums and percussion to acoustic guitar to saxophone. There are 1000 more uses, but we think you get the idea that this is indeed a remarkably versatile microphone. The remote pattern selector (located on the power supply) provides 9 different polar patterns, giving the user a myriad of choices for how to record the source sound in a manner that will best compliment their production. Type Condenser Pressure Gradient Capsule dual sided gold sputtered membrane Frequency Range 20Hz / 20kHz Polar Pattern Omni, Cardioid, Figure 8 with 6 intermediate stages Sensitivity 14MV/Pa = -37dB (0dB = 1v/Pa) -10bD Impedance 200 ohms stock SPL 138 dB Non Linear Distortion Less than or equal to 0.5% at 100 dyne / cm sq Equivalent Noise 16 dB (a-weighted) Tube Type NOS ECC81 twin triode Power Dedicated Power Supply Weight 27oz (765g) Size 9 1/2" (241mm) length x 1 3/4" (44.45mm) diameter Extras Modern Power Supply, Shock Mount, Wooden Box