NUDE 251 Clone
This mic is our homage to the revered ELAM251. We think we've got pretty darn close. This large diaphragm tube driven condenser delivers a luscious, big warm open sound that the original is so renowned for. Using our C12 Clone Power Supply increases the microphones versatility by providing nine polar pattern settings.
Driven by our custom military grade Russian 6072a dual triode tube, featuring an edge terminated 34mm dual diaphragm 6 micron mylar capsule and a dual-bobbin output transformer this microphone will become one of your go-to's for vocals as was the original microphone that has featured on literally countless albums across the years but also be routinely put into service for all manner acoustic instruments.
We believe we've struck the right balance of high quality parts, attention to engineering excellence and mirroring of the original microphones sonic fingerprint at the price point that NUDE has become synonymous with. We deliver - Low Cost, Superb Sonic Quality Microphones an we believe this is the finest microphone we've offered to date.
The Numbers:
- Polar Pattern: variable – set on power supply – omni stepped through to fig – 8
- Capsule: edge terminated 34mm dual diaphragm 6 micron mylar
- Frequency Response: 17Hz - 22kHz +/- 3dB
- Sensitivity: -32dBu Ref. 1v/pa
- Output impedance: 200 Ohms @ 1K (nominal) transformer isolated
- Maximum SPL: >130dB @ .5% THD @1000Hz
- ENL <15dBA
- S/N 85dB ref. 1Pa
- Output Connector: Male XLR 7 pin proprietary – connects to powers supply with XLR 3pin output
What you Get:
- Ships in aluminum flight case with foam cutouts for all inclusions
- Microphone presented in blond wood display case
- Metal suspension mount
- 10m 7pin XLR Cable (connects microphone to Power Supply Unit)
- 1m IEC power lead
Power Supply Unit – this unit is where polar patterns are changed and audio from the mic is output as differentially balanced 3pin XLR
How it Sounds:
Here's a small selection of in-studio video case studies that have been made by NUDE Owners and shine a spotlight on the performance amnd capability you can expect. Browse the complete website "User-Reviews" and "Videos" section by clicking the links.
Andy Scott – Producer/Recording Engineer – Phonograph Productions, Sydney, Australia
NUDE Microphones listening - to internationally renowned Australian violinist Madeleine Easton playing Bach on a 1682 Giovanni Grancino violin // Producer/Recording Engineer Andy Scott at Phonograph Productions, Sydney, Australia explains his workflow which includes two NUDE Microphones and a UA6176 Channel Strip - A convergence of exceptional playing, an exceptional instrument and and exceptional technical equipment & capability...
@timgodwincreative - Producer/Drummer - Melbourne Australia
The NUDE 251 listening closely as @timgodwincreative delivers an epic vocal. Air, intimacy, detail, nuance… this is where new sonic worlds open up. Big emotion, fleeting detail, beautiful nuance ... the kind of listening that reminds us how much lives inside a great performance. We love listening.
Nik Solomou Music, Sydney Australia
Matt Davis - Mad Matt Sound Studios
A comprehensive review of the NUDE 251 Clone
What are NUDE Owners saying:
Here's a small selection of user-reviews that have been sent to us by NUDE Owners and which, broadly, speak to this microphone exceeding their expectations both sonically and build wise. Browse the complete website "User-Reviews" by clicking the links.
Julian T - Audio Engineer/Artist - Melbourne, VIC, Australia
"...In pursuit of finding my forever vocal microphone, some mates and I blind tested my new Nude 251, a coworker's Nude FET47, a Neumann u87Ai from work, as well as my Aston Spirit, Shure SM7B and Audio Technica AT4050. In the blind testing the Nude 251 took the cake for my vocals, but was VERY closely followed by the Nude FET47, to the point where the winning choice was down to which line of the vocal takes we were judging. I'm very happy with the incredible low end response and smooth high end the Nude 251 Clone has, but I can't shake the feeling that I'll come back for the FET47 eventually, as it sits perfectly between the tone of the 251 and u87 for me. I'm so pleased I opted to get NUDE in my studio!.."
David Lawrence - Audio Engineer - Sikeston, Missouri, USA.
"...Just wanted to follow up. Thank you for your superlative customer service. The microphone really has exceeded my expectations - warm, yet detailed and very low noise…really a first class product…"
Michael Lindholm - Musician/Producer - Norrköping, Sweden
"...I'm mostly back on track again, and have done a first session with the 251's. They do sound great - open and airy with a silky top..."
Jack Shi - Producer/Mixing Engineer at Aegis Production, Sydney Australia
"...The 251 clone from Nude microphones offers a warm, rich tonal character that beautifully captures vocals and instruments, making it a versatile tool in any recording studio. From my experience, it captures the smooth high end response and detailed mid-range that the Telefunken original is known for.
Combined with the switchable polar patterns that further enhance its versatility, making this 251 clone almost unbeatable for the price point..."
Tim McArtney - Recording and Mixing Engineer, Music Producer working from Hercules Street Studios, Studios 301, BMG Studios, Sony Music Studios
"...I love Nude Microphones. They are my first choice, and I always recommend them to both professionals — because of the sound and build — and to newcomers and hobbyists — because of the amazing price point. In this photo we're recording in the control room at Hercules Street Studios in Surry Hills. I've got 6 mics up and the Nude Microphones 251 Clone took the cake. That's Zane Banks with the glasses on — One of Australia's best guitarists and a Fender-endorsed artist — tracking his EP, with Julian Moss (Ian Moss's son) on BVs. It's just the most incredible clone I've heard, and it's highly versatile — not to mention the fantastic long lead it ships with...."
Dom Richmond (head of studio) - Eiger Studios – Leeds UK
“...New toy! We’ve treated ourselves to another Nude! Big fans of what they’re doing over at @nudemicrophones and their take on the Telefunken ELAM251 is pretty exceptional to say the least. This tube driven condenser delivers such a huge warm open sound that the original is so renowned for. It’s driven by their custom military grade Russian tube and will undoubtably become one of our go-to's for vocals as was the original that’s featured on countless albums across the years!...”
Dr St John Marsden - MMG Brisbane
"...The 251 is beautiful. It's like gently dipping vocals in aural honey..."
Microphone-Specific FAQs:
Here's are some of the most asked questions from NUDE M49 Microphone customers. Browse the complete website "FAQ" by clicking the link.
What is NUDE Microphones?
NUDE Microphones is a small Australian Microphone brand based in South Australia. We design honest, high-quality recording tools for people who care about sound, not status. Our core promise is: Low Cost, Superb Sonic Quality Microphones.
Why buy a NUDE Microphone?
NUDE Microphones are designed in South Australia for people who love sound: recording musicians, producers, engineers, creatives, podcasters, schools and studios who want superb sonic quality without paying for logo tax.
Our value proposition is simple: Low Cost, Superb Sonic Quality Microphones.
You’re buying directly from people who love microphones and care about useful recording tools, honest pricing and real-world audio challenges.
Do NUDE microphones need phantom power?
The NUDE 251 Tube driven condenser microphone does not need phantom power as it has its own proprietary power supply
How can I tell which is the front of my NUDE Microphone?
For NUDE tube condenser microphones such as the NUDE 251, the front is the side that sounds clearest, fullest and most direct when the mic is set to cardioid. The NUDE 251 has its polar selection switches on the front of the microphones Power Supply Unit.
Everyone’s looking for a magic bullet but trust your ears – they are the great arbiter –
Are NUDE microphones clones?
Some NUDE microphones are inspired by classic microphone designs and familiar studio workflows, but NUDE products are not presented as original vintage models. We specify, voice and sell microphones under the NUDE brand with honest descriptions, practical engineering and a strong value proposition.
Do NUDE Microphones come with a warranty?
Yes. All NUDE Microphones are covered by a 1 year warranty against manufacturing defects. If something fails that should not fail, contact us and we’ll help make it right.
Accidental damage, drops, dents, misuse, moisture exposure, wind blasts and phantom-power damage and recording a jet engine at 1m are not manufacturing defects, but we’ll still do our best to help you find a sensible repair path.
Where can I hear NUDE microphones in action?
You can hear NUDE microphones in real-world use on the NUDE Microphones YouTube channel, customer videos, owner shootouts and social posts.
