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sE Electronics sE8 Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone (Matched Pair)

BH #SE8STEREOPR • MFR #SE-8 STEREO PAIR
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sE Electronics sE8 Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone (Matched Pair)
Key Features
  • Cardioid Polar Pattern
  • Matched Pair for Stereo Recordings
  • Gold-Sputtered, Small-Diaphragm Capsule
  • Transformerless Design for Transparency
Designed for stereo recording, the sE Electronics sE8 Matched Pair gives you two sE8 microphones in one convenient package. The sE8 itself is a small-diaphragm condenser microphone with a hand-made, gold-sputtered cardioid capsule. Suitable for live and recording scenarios, the microphone has been engineered to provide a balanced, transparent, and natural sound as well as a detailed transient response. With two microphones matched specifically for consistency, you'll be able to capture a clear and accurate stereo image.
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sE Electronics SE8 Overview

Designed for stereo recording, the sE Electronics sE8 Matched Pair gives you two sE8 microphones in one convenient package. The sE8 itself is a small-diaphragm condenser microphone with a hand-made, gold-sputtered cardioid capsule. Suitable for live and recording scenarios, the microphone has been engineered to provide a balanced, transparent, and natural sound as well as a detailed transient response. With two microphones matched specifically for consistency, you'll be able to capture a clear and accurate stereo image.

The sE8 boasts inherently low self-noise for capturing audio in particularly quiet situations. It also sports an SPL high enough to handle drums and a dynamic range large enough to handle record triple-piano to triple-forte velocities accurately.

Two switchable pre-attenuation pads are on hand, should you encounter particularly loud sound sources; one will shave off 10 dB, while the other will attenuate 20 dB. You'll also note a switchable low-pass filter that rolls off low end at either 80 or 160 Hz at 6 dB per octave.

To enhance durability—and to reject electrical interference and noise—the sE8 sports an all-metal chassis. The gold-plated, 3-pin XLR connector ensures signal reliability for a long time to come. Handcrafted and hand-tuned, the microphones come with two mic clips, two thread adapters, two windscreens, a stereo bar for mounting the microphones, and a robust metal case for protecting the mics when they're not in use.

Key Features at a Glance
  • 3-micron, gold-sputtered diaphragm 
  • Handcrafted, hand-tuned capsule 
  • Precision electrode design for a linear, naturalistic response
  • Backplate design provides smooth, natural sound and consistent off-axis response
  • Electronic design provides low noise without the use of integrated circuits
  • Transformerless design for transparency and clarity
  • Class-A circuitry for a high dynamic range and transient response without distortion
  • -10 and -20 dB pads, enabling a wide range of applications and close-mic techniques for brass instruments, snare drums, and more
  • Low-pass filters, selectable between 80 and 160 Hz
  • All-metal chassis provides efficient rejection of electrical interference and noise 
  • Includes two mic clips, each with a thread adapter
  • Includes two windscreens
  • Includes stereo bar for mounting microphones for stereo recording
  • Includes a robust metal case
UPC: 819032011225

sE Electronics SE8 Specs

Key Specs
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Element Type
Condenser
Controls
Pad, Low Cut/HPF
Frequency Response
20 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
139 dB (1 kHz, .5% THD)
159 dB (1 kHz, .5% THD, with Pad)
Analog Output
1x XLR 3-Pin Male
Power Sources
Phantom Power
Microphone
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Element Type
Condenser
Sound Field
Mono
Orientation
End Address
Controls
Pad, Low Cut/HPF
Pad
-10 / -20 dB
Filter & EQ
Low-Cut Filter: 80 Hz, 6 dB/Octave / 160 Hz, 6 dB/Octave
Circuitry
Solid-State
Performance
Frequency Response
20 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum SPL
139 dB (1 kHz, .5% THD)
159 dB (1 kHz, .5% THD, with Pad)
Sensitivity
-32 dBV
Dynamic Range
126 dB (without Pad)
146 dB (with Pad)
Equivalent Noise Level
13 dB (A-Weighted)
Connectivity
Analog Output
1x XLR 3-Pin Male
Power
Power Sources
Phantom Power
Operating Voltage
48 V (Phantom Power)
Physical
Color
Black
Mounting Thread Size
5/8"-27 Female (3/8"-16 Female with Included Adapter)
Dimensions
ø: 0.91 x L: 4.72" / ø: 23 x L: 120 mm
Weight
4.97 oz / 141 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
4.3 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
13.9 x 8.55 x 4.5"

sE Electronics SE8 Reviews

Terrible Self Noise

By Daniel
Rated 2 out of 5
Date: 2024-02-21

I found these to have terrible self noise in spite of how they are advertised. If you research the noise problem of these mics you will find a lot of reports of noise issues. They seemed nice regarding build quality but the actual audio was unusable for my purposes. Buyer beware.

Excellent Small-Diaphragm Condensers

By Tony
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-02-26

When I received these mics I had a slightly mixed first impression. The case was nice but the slots for the mics left them very slightly loose. The foam windscreens fit the mics perfect and are more uniform than many I've seen. The fit and finish of the spreader bar is less than stellar and the mic clips are pretty basic. The fit and finish of the mics themselves is excellent. After just a bit of testing I was grinning and couldn't be happier with my purchase. The sound is silky smooth and very natural. I prefer a neutral sound from a mic, and these deliver. I haven't done a ton of testing yet, but from my initial testing I'm extremely pleased with the sound. What sound profile you prefer is fairly subjective, but I think these are going to be great for me. The main thing that impressed me with these mics is the low noise floor. I tested these along side a Rode NT5. Based on the specs I hoped the noise floor would be better, but it's night and day. My NT5 has a noise floor that isn't terrible, but it never impressed me. Maybe I just got a poor sample. Either way, after making test recordings I listened first to the NT5. When I switched to the sE8 my eyes went wide because it was not a subtle difference. The sE8 has a far lower noise floor. They are a bit heavier, if that's an issue for you. With the adjustable pads and high-pass filters, smooth sound and low noise these mics are versatile and offer great performance. Not the cheapest out there, but highly recommended for the price.

See any errors on this page?

Can the capsules be interchanged for omnis? ...

Can the capsules be interchanged for omnis? Confusing because the Sound on Sound review said they are fixed but I see omni caps in your inventory.
Asked by: Terence
Yes, you can use the sE8 Omni Microphone Capsules - Matched Pair (B&H # SE8OMNICAPPR) in place of the cardioid capsules that come with sE8 microphones.
Answered by: Lisa S
Date published: 2022-04-04
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