sE Electronics sE8 | Cardioid Small-Diaphragm Condenser | 159dB Max SPL with Dual Pads

sE Electronics sE8  (sE Electronics sE-8)

Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

The sE Electronics sE8 is a cardioid small-diaphragm condenser microphone designed for transparent, natural sound and detailed transient capture in studio and live applications. Its hand-crafted, gold-sputtered capsule, low-noise transformerless electronics, switchable attenuation pads, and selectable low-cut filters make it suitable for both delicate acoustic sources and high-SPL instruments.

sE Electronics sE8 Competitive Differences

• Hand-crafted and hand-tuned small-diaphragm capsule with a 3-micron gold-sputtered diaphragm
• Transformerless Class-A circuitry provides transparent sound, fast transient response, and low noise
• Handles up to 139 dB SPL without attenuation and up to 159 dB SPL with the pad engaged
• Selectable -10 dB and -20 dB pads expand close-miking options for loud sources such as drums and brass
• Selectable 80 Hz and 160 Hz low-cut filters help reduce unwanted low-frequency energy
• All-metal chassis helps reject electrical interference while providing durable protection for live and studio use

sE Electronics sE8 Description

The sE Electronics sE8 combines a precision-engineered small-diaphragm condenser capsule with low-noise electronics to capture instruments with clarity, detail, and a natural tonal balance. Its cardioid polar pattern focuses pickup toward the front of the microphone, making it useful for isolating individual sound sources in recording and live environments.

The hand-crafted and hand-tuned capsule uses a 3-micron gold-sputtered diaphragm and a carefully designed electrode and backplate system. This construction is designed to provide a linear response, smooth off-axis behavior, and accurate transient reproduction. Transformerless Class-A circuitry delivers a wide dynamic range without relying on integrated circuits in the signal path.

For louder instruments and close-miking applications, selectable -10 dB and -20 dB attenuation pads increase the microphone's maximum SPL capability to as high as 159 dB. Switchable 80 Hz and 160 Hz low-cut filters, each with a 6 dB/octave slope, can reduce low-frequency rumble, handling noise, proximity buildup, and other unwanted bass energy.

An all-metal chassis provides durability while helping reject electrical interference and noise. With its combination of low self-noise, high SPL handling, and detailed transient response, the sE8 is suited to acoustic instruments, percussion, drum overheads, snare, brass, piano, and other demanding studio or stage applications.

sE8 Features

• Cardioid polar pattern
• Small-diaphragm condenser design
• 3-micron gold-sputtered diaphragm
• Hand-crafted and hand-tuned capsule
• Precision electrode design for a linear, natural response
• Backplate design for smooth sound and consistent off-axis response
• Transformerless electronic design for transparency and clarity
• Class-A circuitry for high dynamic range and transient response
• Low-noise electronic design without integrated circuits in the signal path
• Selectable -10 dB and -20 dB attenuation pads
• Selectable 80 Hz and 160 Hz low-cut filters
• All-metal chassis
• Gold-plated 3-pin XLR output connector
• 48V phantom powered
• End-address orientation

sE8 Specifications

• Microphone Type: Small-Diaphragm Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Sound Field: Mono
• Orientation: End Address
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Maximum SPL: 139 dB at 1 kHz, 0.5% THD without pad
• Maximum SPL with Pad: 159 dB at 1 kHz, 0.5% THD
• Sensitivity: -32 dBV
• Dynamic Range: 126 dB without pad
• Dynamic Range with Pad: 146 dB
• Equivalent Noise Level: 13 dB A-weighted
• Pad: -10 dB / -20 dB
• Low-Cut Filter: 80 Hz or 160 Hz, 6 dB/octave
• Circuitry: Solid-State, Class-A, Transformerless
• Analog Output: 1x 3-pin male XLR
• Power Requirement: 48V Phantom Power
• Mounting Thread: 5/8"-27 female; 3/8"-16 female with included adapter
• Dimensions: 0.9 x 4.7 in (23 x 120 mm)
• Weight: 5 oz (141 g)
• Color: Black

What's In The Box

• sE Electronics sE8 Microphone
• Microphone Clip
• Thread Adapter
• Windscreen