sE Electronics sE8 Small Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Mic

The sE8, a brand new high-performance handcrafted small-diaphragm condenser, has been freshly crafted in the labs at sE. This microphone is well-suited for any challenges encountered in the studio or on stage. The sE8's new hand-made capsule features a sophisticated backplate design that provides a perfectly balanced sound, ensuring it is never harsh or aggressive - making it ideal for sources like high-hats and drum overheads. Remarkably, it is one of the quietest small-capsule mics on the market, boasting the highest dynamic range and SPL handling in its class, along with attenuation pads and low-cut filters for superb flexibility, enabling the sE8 to handle any sounds, whether in the studio or on stage.

As described by Mix Magazine in January 2018, the sE8 "...was reminiscent of some of the best condensers I've used, some much more expensive." This testament to the microphone's exceptional quality is a point of pride for the sE team.

The sE8's handcrafted true condenser capsule features gold-sputtered diaphragms, ensuring maximum reliability. Each capsule is meticulously handcrafted and individually tuned in the sE factory. The ultra-precision electrode design is optimized for superb linearity and natural sonics, while the ultra-thin 3 micron gold-sputtered diaphragm delivers superior transients. The newly-developed backplate design provides a smooth, natural sound and truly consistent off-axis responses, all achieved through the sophisticated acoustic design with precision components, ensuring the avoidance of coloration in demanding applications.

The sE8 is the quietest pencil mic in its class, thanks to the sophisticated electronic design that provides extremely low noise without the use of integrated circuits. The transformerless design ensures excellent transparency and clarity, while the proven Class-A circuitry guarantees a high dynamic range without distortion and brilliant transient response.

Versatility is a hallmark of the sE8, with two switchable pads and two low-cut filters. The -10 dB and -20 dB attenuation pad switches provide extended dynamic range, enabling a wide range of applications and close-mic techniques for brass instruments, snare drums, and more. The two low-cut filters, selectable at either 80Hz or 160Hz, help eliminate low-frequency rumble or footfall noise, as well as compensate for excessive bass (proximity effect) with close-mic techniques.

The sE8's handcrafted capsule is a point of pride for the sE team, as this attention to detail is almost unheard of for affordable microphones. The factory-matched stereo pair makes the sE8 an excellent choice for various applications, including guitars, strings, pianos, percussion, cymbals, and even chorus or orchestral use.

In summary, the sE8 boasts impressive specifications, including a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, a sensitivity of 25 mV/Pa (-32 dBV), a maximum SPL of 139 / 149 / 159 dB SPL (0/10/20 dB pad), an equivalent noise level of 13 dB(A), a dynamic range of 126 / 136 / 146 dB (0/10/20 dB Attenuation pad), a signal-to-noise ratio of 81 dB, and a 48V phantom power requirement. With its 110-ohm impedance and recommended load impedance of >1k Ohms, the sE8 measures 23mm in diameter and 120mm in length, weighing 141 g.

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