Video Chat with a Pro Audio Expert - Live

sE Electronics sE8 Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

BH #SE8 • MFR #SE-8
Print
sE Electronics sE8 Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Key Features
  • Cardioid Polar Pattern
  • Gold-Sputtered, Small-Diaphragm Capsule
  • Transformerless Design for Transparency
  • Selectable -10 and -20 dB Pad
The sE Electronics sE8 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.
More Details
Special Order
Expected availability: 2-4 Weeks
No Store Display
This item cannot be canceled or returned.
Free Standard Shipping
Protect Your Gear
Add a protection plan from $42.99
Ask an Expert
800-606-6969

sE Electronics SE8 Overview

The sE Electronics sE8 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.

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 microphone comes with a mic clip, a thread adapter, and a windscreen.

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 mic clip with thread adapter
  • Includes windscreen
UPC: 819032011218

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: 0.9 x L: 4.7" / 23 x L: 120 mm
Weight
5 oz / 141 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
0.755 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
7.8 x 5 x 3"

sE Electronics SE8 Reviews

Recommended for recording strings

By Aaron
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-09-23

Purchased this matched pair after extensive research into budget friendly options for recording my daughter’s sting ensemble. Fidelity to the sound is great and and the packaging keeps mics safe in transport. I recommend!

Great neutral sound

By Dave
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-12-18

I did a lot of research for a matched pair of SDC mics that can get close to Neumann 184s in quality but for a LOT less money. These are it. They have a great neutral-sounding response, perfect for acoustic instruments. Recommended.

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
  • y_2026, m_10, d_24, h_5CST
  • bvseo_bulk, prod_bvqa, vn_bulk_3.0.48
  • cp_1, bvpage1
  • co_hasquestionsanswers, tq_1
  • loc_en_US, sid_1365779, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=HAS_STAFF_ANSWERS, direction=DESCENDING)]
  • clientName_bhphotovideo
Whatever You Need, We've Got It