The RN17 is a condenser mic with an extraordinarily small diaphragm that provides an intensely immediate transient response.

Capsule Type: Hand-Crafted True Condenser

Diaphragm: 17.2mm Gold/Mylar

Directional Pattern: Cardioid (omnidirectional capsule available separately)

Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz

Impedance: 200 Ohms

Sensitivity: 5.96 mV/Pa (-44.5dB)

Sensitivity (Figure-8): 2.51 mV/Pa (-52dB)

Max SPL: 131 dB (0.5% THD @ 1kHz)

Signal to Noise Ratio: 76 dB

Self Noise: 18 dB(A) (cardioid), 15 dB(A) (omni)

Matching Connectors: XLR3F

Power requirement: 48V phantom

Weight: 320g / 11.32oz

Diameter: 44 mm (transformer), 17mm (capsule)

Length: 200 mm

Designed with Mr. Rupert Neve, the RN17 redefines the capabilities of an SDC. This is the world's first pencil microphone with a large-scale, hand-wound, ultra high performance transformer.

The second product of the sE / Rupert Neve collaboration, work on the RN17 began with a discussion between Rupert and Siwei Zou on the merits and problems of small-diaphragm condensers.

"I said, 'That transformer is too big. This is a small-capsule microphone. Impossible.'"

According to Siwei, "The SDC's problem is that they have a very clear sound - the SPL is high, but the sound is very cold, not like with a large diaphragm. The quality of the transformer can make the sound much, much better - but with a small transformer, nobody can do it."

"Rupert told me, 'I want THIS transformer.' I said, 'That transformer is too big. This is a small-capsule microphone. Impossible.' He said, 'I want the impossible to be possible.'"