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An introduction to sE Electronics sE8, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Fit for any challenges in the studio or on stage, the sE8 is a brand new high-performance handcrafted small-diaphragm condenser, fresh from the labs at sE.
— sE Electronics official site
What is sE8?
The sE Electronics sE8 is a small-diaphragm (1/2-inch) condenser microphone with a handcrafted capsule. sE describes it as a high-performance model for the studio and the stage. Its pattern is cardioid.
The recommended uses listed by sE are acoustic guitar, choir, orchestral and strings, piano, woodwinds, drums, percussion and cymbals / overheads. Small-diaphragm condensers are a type often used for acoustic instruments and drum overheads.
The circuit is a transformerless Class-A design, with two switchable pads (-10 dB and -20 dB) and two switchable low-cut filters (80 Hz and 160 Hz) built in. These help when placing the microphone close to loud sources or avoiding low-frequency rumble.
The body is all metal with a gold-plated XLR connector. A mic clip (with thread adapter) and a windscreen are included, and the sE8 is compatible with separate omni and supercardioid capsules. A matched pair is also offered.
Handcrafted 1/2-inch capsule
sE says each capsule is handcrafted and individually tuned in its own factory. It uses a 3-micron gold-sputtered diaphragm and is designed for reliability in studio and stage use.
Transformerless Class-A circuit
The design uses no integrated circuits or transformer, aiming for wide dynamic range and fast transients. It may be a candidate for capturing fine instrument detail.
Two switchable pads
The -10 dB and -20 dB pads extend maximum SPL to 139 / 149 / 159 dB. They may help when placing the mic close to loud sources such as snare or brass.
80 Hz / 160 Hz low-cut filters
Two 6 dB/octave filters are built in. They can reduce footfall rumble and tame the bass boost from proximity effect.
All-metal housing
sE says the all-metal chassis rejects electrical interference. The gold-plated XLR is intended to give a reliable connection.
Compatible with other capsules
It works with sE's separate omni and supercardioid capsules, for those who want different patterns from the same body.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | 1/2-inch true condenser (handcrafted capsule) |
| Polar pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency range | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 25 mV/Pa (-32 dBV) |
| Max SPL | 139 / 149 / 159 dB (0 / 10 / 20 dB pad, 0.5% THD @ 1 kHz) |
| Equivalent noise | 13 dB |
| Dynamic range | 126 / 136 / 146 dB |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 81 dB |
| Low-cut filter | 80 / 160 Hz, 6 dB/oct, switchable |
| Pad | 10 / 20 dB, switchable |
| Electrical impedance | 110 ohms (recommended load >1k ohms) |
| Powering | 48 V phantom (P48) |
| Current consumption | 2.7 mA |
| Connector | 3-pin male XLR |
| Dimensions | 23 mm diameter x 120 mm length |
| Weight | 141 g |
What is included and system requirements
- sE8 microphone
- Mic clip (with thread adapter)
- Windscreen
- Matched pair: stereo mounting bar, two windscreens, two mic clips and a metal flight case (pair product only)
- Requires 48 V phantom power
How to use it
- Attach the mic clip to a stand and set the sE8 in it.
- Connect the microphone to an interface mic input with an XLR cable.
- Turn on 48 V phantom power on the interface after connecting.
- For loud sources choose the -10 dB or -20 dB pad.
- Engage the 80 Hz or 160 Hz low-cut if low rumble or boominess is a concern.
- For acoustic guitar, aim around the 12th fret to the edge of the sound hole and try different distances.
- For drum overheads, use two microphones for a stereo image.
- Raise the interface gain and record while keeping headroom for peaks.
Acoustic guitar
Small-diaphragm condensers are often chosen for stringed instruments. The pads and low-cut let you adjust placement easily.
Drum overheads and hi-hats
sE lists cymbals and hi-hats among recommended uses; with two microphones you may build a stereo overhead pair.
Piano, choir and orchestral recording
The matched pair may suit people who want stereo recording.
Snare and other loud sources
With the pads, maximum SPL extends to 159 dB, which may give headroom for close placement.
Who it may suit
- Home recordists capturing acoustic instruments or drums
- Those who want a stereo pair for piano or choir
- Those who want pads and low-cut built into the microphone
- Those who may later swap capsules to change patterns
Good to know before you buy
- 48 V phantom power is required.
- The pattern is cardioid (omni and supercardioid are separate capsules).
- Products inside the drum packs come without a protective pouch.
- It is a different type from large-diaphragm vocal condensers.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
RØDE K2
The sE8 is a 1/2-inch small-diaphragm, fixed-cardioid mic running on phantom power and weighing 141 g. The K2 is a 1-inch large-diaphragm mic with continuously variable pattern, using its own power supply, weighing 815 g.
Price
Please check the official page for the price.
Sources: seelectronics.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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