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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
Microphone Type
Small Diaphragm
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Element Type
Condenser
Controls
Low Cut/HPF, Pad
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
Microphone Type
Small Diaphragm
Polar Pattern
Cardioid
Element Type
Condenser
Sound Field
Mono
Orientation
End Address
Controls
Low Cut/HPF, Pad
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 Connector
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

I don't think that other reviewer was fair.

By Johannes
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2026-03-04

Write what you want in a review, but be aware that you are potentially ruining the average rating for a product that doesn't deserve it. No idea what the "terrible self noise" person could possibly mean. Now, mass produced products can be defective, in which case the only criterion should be how they handle the problem. I wrongly thought I had a problem with these at first, because it sounded to me like they weren't well matched. One seemed to be much louder. After thorough experimentation, I found that the culprit was a resonant mic stand. In the meantime, I contacted sE and described the problem. They offered a replacement IMMEDIATELY, no questions asked. I was very impressed and told them the problem was on my end. Having used these mics mostly on acoustic guitar in a stereo setup for a few months since, I can attest that they are reliable, crisp, natural and balanced. And also that we don't always know what we're talking about when we describe a product's shortcomings.

Nice mics, but slightly higher noise floor

By Thomas
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2023-02-22

I was very excited to hear these mics next to Neumann KM-184's. Overall the recording quality is on par with the KM-184s, but the sE8's have a slightly higher noise floor or hiss than the KM-184s. I compared both into a Midas MR-18 mixer and Presonus 1810C, and both showed the same results. Again, this is baseline noise in a quiet room, with both sets of mics connected concurrently with exactly the same preamp settings and no EQ applied. With any higher level input (voice, instrument, whatever) I would say they are almost indistinguishable. Overall good price point for a very comparable pair of small condensers.

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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