Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I source BN251 replacement tubes locally?

A: Yes. BN251 replacement tubes can be sourced locally. The relevant tube types are 12AT7 or 12AY7, and they are common enough that many customers and dealers can source them without needing to order directly from BeesNeez.

If you are unsure which tube to choose, contact us before buying.

Q: What is the difference between the BN251 and the Tribute 2?

A: The BN251 is the better choice if you want a part-for-part style 251 clone. The Tribute 2 is a BeesNeez original-format microphone with our own body and connector design, nine polar patterns, and a tube approach closer to the AC701K style. Tonally, it sits closer to an ELA M 250-style idea while still being a BeesNeez design.

Both are excellent microphones. The best choice depends on whether you want the historically faithful 251 direction or the more original BeesNeez format with extra pattern flexibility.

Q: What is the difference between the ELA M 251 and the Tribute 2?

A: The BN251 is the better choice if you want a part-for-part style 251 clone. The Tribute 2 is a BeesNeez original-format microphone with our own body and connector design, nine polar patterns, and a tube approach closer to the AC701K style. Tonally, it sits closer to an ELA M 250-style idea while still being a BeesNeez design.

Both are excellent microphones. The best choice depends on whether you want the historically faithful 251 direction or the more original BeesNeez format with extra pattern flexibility.

Q: What makes the CK12 capsule special?

A: The CK12 is a legendary large-diaphragm condenser capsule developed in Vienna in the early 1950s. Its intricate brass-ring construction, edge-terminated dual diaphragms, and multi-chambered acoustic design helped create the open, detailed, and airy sound it is famous for.

The BN251 uses a BeesNeez CK12 capsule, designed to capture the musical character and tonal qualities that made the original CK12 so influential.

Q: What is the difference between the ELA M 251 and the ELA M 250?

A: The ELA M 250 and ELA M 251 are closely related microphones that were developed by AKG for Telefunken in the late 1950s. Both are based around the legendary CK12 dual-diaphragm capsule and share much of the same fundamental design. The primary difference between the two models is their available polar patterns.

ELA M 250 — Cardioid and Omnidirectional
ELA M 251 — Cardioid, Omnidirectional, and Figure-8

The additional Figure-8 pattern is the defining functional difference. The ELA M 250 provides two polar patterns, while the ELA M 251 adds the third pattern, giving the microphone greater flexibility for recording applications such as vocal duets, mid-side recording, room capture, and other stereo techniques.

Both microphones use the famous CK12 capsule. The ELA M 250 and 251 were derived from AKG's C12 design, but incorporated changes to the circuit, microphone body, head basket, and pattern-selection system. The pattern selector was moved from the external power supply, as used on the C12, to the microphone itself.

There is also an important distinction between the non-E and E versions of these microphones. The original ELA M 250 and ELA M 251 used the Telefunken AC701 tube, while the ELA M 250E and ELA M 251E were the export versions and used a 6072A tube, which was more readily available outside Europe.

In practical terms, the relationship can be summarized as follows:

ELA M 250 — CK12 capsule, Cardioid and Omni, AC701 tube in the original non-E version.
ELA M 250E — CK12 capsule, Cardioid and Omni, 6072A tube.
ELA M 251 — CK12 capsule, Cardioid, Omni, and Figure-8, AC701 tube in the original non-E version.
ELA M 251E — CK12 capsule, Cardioid, Omni, and Figure-8, 6072A tube.

Although the ELA M 250 and ELA M 251 share many components and much of the same circuitry, they should not be thought of as completely identical microphones with a different switch. The headbasket, body, internal construction, and acoustic environment surrounding the capsule all contribute to the final sound.

For the BeesNeez BN251, the ELA M 251 configuration is particularly important because the microphone is designed around the three-pattern 251 concept. The additional Figure-8 pattern gives the BN251 greater versatility while retaining the characteristic CK12-based tonal approach associated with the ELA M 251.

If you only require Cardioid and Omni, the ELA M 250 concept provides everything you need. If you want the additional flexibility of Figure-8, the ELA M 251 is the more versatile design.