sE Electronics VR1-NG
(sE Electronics VR1NG)
Passive Ribbon Microphone
The sE Electronics VR1-NG is a passive ribbon microphone designed for professional studio recording, instrument capture, and live sound applications. Featuring a hand-crafted 2.5µm aluminum ribbon, extended 20Hz-18kHz frequency response, and figure-8 polar pattern, it delivers the smooth, natural character of traditional ribbon microphones while preserving detailed high-frequency reproduction. With 135dB maximum SPL handling, phantom-protected circuitry, and rugged all-metal construction, the VR1-NG is well suited for recording electric guitar cabinets, drum overheads, acoustic instruments, brass, strings, and room ambience.
sE Electronics VR1-NG Competitive Differences
- Hand-Crafted 2.5µm Aluminum Ribbon: Features a carefully hand-tensioned aluminum ribbon manufactured by specialized technicians to deliver natural transient response, smooth midrange detail, and balanced sound reproduction.
- Extended 20Hz-18kHz Frequency Response: Captures detailed high frequencies while maintaining the warm, natural tonal characteristics traditionally associated with ribbon microphones.
- Passive Ribbon Design: Operates without external power or active electronics, providing traditional ribbon microphone performance with a sensitivity of 1.8mV/Pa (-55dBV).
- 135dB Maximum SPL Handling: Accommodates loud sound sources including electric guitar cabinets, drum kits, brass instruments, and other high-output equipment.
- Figure-8 Polar Pattern: Captures sound from the front and rear while rejecting sound from the sides, supporting controlled microphone placement and creative recording techniques.
- Phantom-Protected Circuitry: Designed to withstand accidental application of phantom power while requiring no phantom power for normal operation.
- Extended High-Frequency Ribbon Technology: Incorporates a specialized mechanical design developed by sE founder Siwei Zou to provide an open, detailed response beyond that of many conventional ribbon microphones.
- All-Metal Housing: Durable construction helps reject electrical interference and protects the microphone during studio and live sound applications.
- Gold-Plated XLR Connector: Provides dependable signal connectivity for professional recording equipment and microphone preamps.
- Custom Shockmount: Included suspension mount supports flexible microphone positioning, including close placement against guitar cabinets, drums, and other instruments.
- Complete Microphone Package: Includes a shockmount, microphone stand clip, thread adapter, windscreen, and protective soft case.
sE Electronics VR1-NG Description
The sE Electronics VR1-NG combines traditional ribbon microphone warmth with an extended frequency response designed for modern recording environments. At its core is a hand-crafted 2.5µm aluminum ribbon, carefully tensioned by specialized technicians to provide a smooth transient response, natural tonal balance, and detailed sound reproduction. Its full-frequency design extends from 20Hz to 18kHz, preserving the richness of low and midrange frequencies while capturing additional high-frequency detail. This makes it particularly effective for electric guitars, acoustic instruments, percussion, and other sound sources where both warmth and clarity are important.
Unlike active ribbon microphones, the VR1-NG operates without phantom power and relies on its passive ribbon transducer to produce an audio signal. Its 1.8mV/Pa (-55dBV) sensitivity and 300-ohm output impedance make it particularly suitable for louder sources, while quieter instruments and vocals can be captured using a microphone preamp with sufficient clean gain. The microphone also features phantom-protected circuitry designed to withstand accidental application of phantom power. Its natural tonal response provides engineers with flexibility when recording instruments that can sound overly bright or harsh through other microphone designs.
The VR1-NG features a figure-8 polar pattern that captures sound from both the front and rear while providing strong rejection at the sides. This directional response allows recording engineers to control unwanted sound, capture room ambience, and experiment with stereo techniques such as Mid-Side recording. Its 135dB maximum SPL capability makes it suitable for close-miking loud electric guitar amplifiers, drum kits, brass instruments, and other powerful sound sources. The extended high-frequency response helps preserve cymbal detail, guitar attack, and instrument articulation without sacrificing the smooth character associated with ribbon microphones.
Designed for professional use, the VR1-NG features a rugged all-metal housing that helps reduce electrical interference and protect its internal components. A gold-plated 3-pin XLR connector provides reliable connectivity, while its compact 5-inch body allows flexible placement around instruments and in crowded recording environments. The included custom shockmount supports conventional positioning as well as close placement against guitar cabinets, drums, and other sound sources where microphone positioning can be challenging.
The VR1-NG includes a shockmount, microphone stand clip, thread adapter, windscreen, and protective soft case for convenient setup, storage, and transportation. Combining passive ribbon operation, extended frequency response, and high SPL handling, it provides recording engineers, musicians, producers, and sound technicians with a versatile microphone for guitar cabinets, drum overheads, room recording, acoustic instruments, orchestral ensembles, and selected live sound applications.
VR1-NG Features
- Passive ribbon microphone for studio recording and live sound applications
- Hand-crafted and hand-tensioned 2.5µm aluminum ribbon transducer
- Neodymium magnet assembly for ribbon transducer operation
- Natural ribbon microphone sound with detailed high-frequency reproduction
- Extended 20Hz-18kHz frequency response
- Passive electronics requiring no external power
- Phantom-protected design withstands accidental application of phantom power
- 1.8mV/Pa (-55dBV) sensitivity
- Figure-8 polar pattern with front and rear pickup and strong side rejection
- 135dB maximum SPL handling at 0.5% THD and 1kHz
- 300-ohm electrical output impedance
- Recommended microphone preamp load impedance greater than 1k ohm
- Specialized ribbon design developed by sE founder Siwei Zou for extended high-frequency response
- Suitable for electric guitar cabinets, acoustic guitars, drums, and percussion
- Effective for drum overheads, room recording, and ambient microphone techniques
- Suitable for strings, orchestral instruments, woodwinds, and brass
- Can capture vocals and quieter instruments with sufficient microphone preamp gain
- Supports Mid-Side and other creative microphone recording techniques
- Smooth transient response for natural instrument reproduction
- Compact microphone profile supports close placement around instruments
- Durable all-metal housing helps reject electrical interference and noise
- Gold-plated 3-pin male XLR connector for reliable signal connectivity
- Custom shockmount supports flexible microphone positioning
- Included microphone clip and thread adapter for stand mounting
- Included windscreen for reducing wind and air movement noise
- Protective soft case for storage and transportation
VR1-NG Specifications
- Product Type: Passive Ribbon Microphone
- Microphone Series: Voodoo VR Series
- Transducer: Hand-Crafted 2.5µm Aluminum Ribbon
- Magnet: Neodymium
- Electronics: Passive
- Polar Pattern: Figure-8 (Bidirectional)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-18kHz
- Sensitivity: 1.8mV/Pa (-55dBV)
- Maximum SPL: 135dB (0.5% THD @ 1kHz)
- Equivalent Noise Level: 19dB
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 75dB
- Electrical Impedance: 300 Ohms
- Recommended Load Impedance: Greater Than 1k Ohm
- Power Requirements: None (Passive, Phantom-Protected)
- Output Connector: 3-Pin Male XLR, Gold-Plated
- Housing: All-Metal Construction
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 1.30 x 0.79 x 5.00 in (33 x 20 x 127 mm)
- Weight: 8.11 oz (230 g)
- Included Mounting Accessories: Shockmount, Microphone Stand Clip, Thread Adapter
- Included Protection: Windscreen and Soft Case
What's In The Box
- sE Electronics VR1-NG Passive Ribbon Microphone
- Custom Shockmount
- Microphone Stand Clip
- Thread Adapter
- Windscreen
- Protective Soft Case
