In this review for Pro Tools Expert, Technical Editor James Ivey takes a look at 2 microphones from SE Electronics. With the help of singer-songwriter, Joel Tavares, James tests the SE 2200A Mk2 cardioid large diaphragm condenser mic and the SE Voodoo VR2 Ribbon microphone.
SE 2200A II Cardioid
The 2200A is one of SE Electronics most successful microphones and the MK2 version takes up another gear. The version James has on review is the fixed cardioid version but there is also a multi-pattern version available.
Specification
Capsule Type: Hand-Crafted True Condenser
Diaphragm: 32mm Gold/Mylar
Directional Pattern: Cardioid
Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance: 200 Ohms
Sensitivity: 25.12 mV/Pa (-32 dB)
Max SPL: 135/145 dB (0/-10 dB pad) (0.5% THD @ 1kHz)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 80 dB
Self Noise: 14 dB(A)
Pass Filter Switch: 60 Hz
Preattenuation Pad: -10 dB
Matching Connectors: XLR3F
Power requirement: 48V phantom
Weight: 597g / 21.06oz
Diameter: 51mm
Length: 215mm
SE Voodoo VR2 Active Ribbon
The SE Voodoo series are some of the most cost effective ribbon microphones on the market and the VR2 is the active version requiring 48v phantom power. In my experience ribbon microphones sound amazing on acoustic instruments so testing the VR2 on acoustic guitar was an obvious choice as they give a very smooth yet dark sound at the top end.
Specification
Electronics: Active
Generating Element: Hand-tensioned 2.5µm aluminium ribbon
Directional Pattern: Figure-8
Frequency range: 20 Hz - 18 kHz
Impedance: 200 Ohms
Sensitivity: 10 mV/Pa (-40 dB)
Max SPL: 135 dB (0.5% THD @ 1kHz)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 76 dB
Self Noise: 18 dB(A)
Matching Connectors: XLR3F
Power requirement: 48V Phantom
Weight: 400g / 14.11oz
The track which was recorded in one pass for the review is an original composition by Joel Tavares called Broken Mirror. You can see and hear the full version of the track in the video below.