The sE Electronics sE8 Small-Diaphragm Pencil Condenser Microphone features two attenuation pads, two LCFs and an all-metal housing. The sE8 is small in stature but huge in sound, fit for the studio and stage. Featuring a new hand-made capsule that implements a sophisticated backplate design providing a perfectly balanced sound, this microphone is never harsh or aggressive, thereby ideal for sources such as hi-hats and drum overheads. It is also one of the quietest small-capsule mics on the planet with the highest dynamic range and SPL handling in its class, along with attenuation pads and low-cut filters for superb flexibility.

Gold-sputtered diaphragms ensure maximum reliability whilst every capsule is handcrafted and individually tuned. An ultra-precision electrode design is optimised for superb linearity and natural sonics. Proven Class-A circuitry ensures a high dynamic range without distortion and brilliant transient response. The -10 dB and -20 dB pad switches provide extended dynamic range, enabling a wide range of applications and close-mic techniques for brass instruments, snare drums, and more. Selectable at either 80Hz or 160Hz, two filters help eliminate low-frequency rumble or footfall noise, as well as help compensate for excessive bass with close-mic techniques.

• Capsule: Hand-Crafted Small-Diaphragm True Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Frequency Range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 25 mV/Pa (-32 dBV)
• Max SPL: 139/149/159 dB (0/10/20 dB Pad) (0.5% THD @ 1kHz)
• Equivalent Noise Level: 13 dB(A)
• Dynamic Range: 126 / 136 / 146 dB (0/10/20 dB Attenuation Pad)
• Signal-Noise Ratio: 81 dB
• Low-Cut Filter: 80 / 160 Hz, 6 dB/Oct (Switchable)
• Attenuation Pad: 10 / 20dB (Switchable)
• Powering: 48V
• Electrical Impedance: 110 Ohms
• Recommended Load Impedance: >1k Ohms
• Current Consumption: 2.7 mA
• Connectivity: 3-Pin Male XLR Connector
• Dimensions: 23 x 120mm
• Weight: 141g
• Includes: Mic Clip, Thread Adapter, Windscreen

The sE8s are good-value all-rounders, and a stereo pair would make a useful addition to any small-studio mic locker.

In Use

My first was with acoustic guitar, which the sE8s handled very well, avoiding the harshness often encountered when using mics with more pronounced presence peaks. They also worked nicely as more distant mics when recording an electric guitar amp – from 1-5 metres away the sound felt really natural. Percussion proved no challenge for these mics either, and even the loudest drum kits are not going to cause problems, thanks to those dual pad settings. My Rototoms sounded just as I wanted them to without further EQ and without needing to switch in the pads. When I recorded using the two mics as a coincident pair, the stereo image was well balanced, and the off-axis response also holds up well, with relatively little HF drop-off at 90 degrees off-axis.

Given that these are by no means expensive microphones, they perform very well and the sE Electronics sE8s would make a practical and affordable addition to a small studio that already has

Pros

• Well-Balanced Natural Sound
• Dual Pad & Filter Options
• Creditable technical specifications

Cons

• Nothing to Dislike at the Price

Alternatives:                                                 

• Aston Microphones Starlight
• Rode NT5
• Sontronics STC-1 Silver