sE Electronics RN17 Small Diaphragm Condenser: The Rupert Neve Signature Stereo Pair

The sE Electronics RN17 is a landmark in microphone engineering—the world’s first pencil condenser to feature a large-scale, hand-wound, ultra-high-performance transformer. Developed through a rigorous collaboration between sE’s Siwei Zou and the legendary Mr. Rupert Neve, the RN17 was built to achieve the "impossible": combining the surgical transient response of a small-diaphragm capsule with the silky, expensive-sounding warmth typically reserved for large-diaphragm classics.

The World’s Smallest Gold-Sputtered Diaphragm

The heart of the RN17 is its 15mm diaphragm, designed for uncompromising speed and detail:

• Unparalleled Transients: This ultra-small capsule reacts instantly to sound, making it world-class at capturing the delicate high-frequency nuances of acoustic guitars, piano hammers, and cymbal shimmer.
• Redefined Capability: While small capsules often struggle with low-end thinness, the RN17 maintains a full, accurate frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
• Hand-Crafted Precision: Each capsule is hand-crafted and tested to ensure the highest degree of sensitivity and musicality.

Massive Rupert Neve Transformer

The unusual, iconic chassis shape of the RN17 is dictated by its most critical component: a full-scale audio transformer custom-designed by Rupert Neve himself.

• Detailed Presence: Unlike standard "cold" sounding pencil mics, this massive transformer adds astonishing headroom and clarity across the entire spectrum, particularly in the forward, detailed mid-range.
• Low-End Authority: The transformer counters the typical limitations of small capsules, providing a depth and "weight" to the low frequencies that is truly unique in this form factor.
• Balanced Output: Provides a professional 200-Ohm impedance with a high Max SPL of 131 dB, allowing it to handle loud sources without sacrifice.

Factory-Matched Stereo Configuration

This RN17 SP (Stereo Pair) is meticulously curated for critical stereo recording applications like drum overheads, orchestral arrays, and grand pianos:

• Perfect Tolerance: Both the transformers and the cardioid capsules are factory-matched to guarantee a flawless, phase-coherent stereo image.
• Professional Flight Case: Ships in a secure, road-ready flight case featuring a wooden presentation box, two custom shock mounts, and a precision stereo mounting bar.
• Modular System: While it ships with cardioid capsules, the RN17 is compatible with optional

Technical Specifications Feature Specification Capsule Type Hand-Crafted True Condenser Transformer Custom Rupert Neve (Large-Scale) Polar Pattern Cardioid (Omni available separately) Max SPL 131 dB Finish Low-profile Matte Black

From the studio to the stage, the sE Electronics RN17 redefines what a pencil microphone can achieve. It is an investment in legendary Neve sonics for the most demanding audio professionals.