SE Electronics RN17 Cardioid 15mm Condenser Capsule

The SE Electronics RN17 Cardioid is a replacement and expansion capsule made specifically for the RN17 small-diaphragm condenser microphone. It provides a cardioid pickup pattern for recording a focused source while reducing pickup from the sides and rear. This single capsule is intended for owners of an RN17 microphone body, not as a standalone microphone.

Its compact 15 mm gold-sputtered diaphragm is designed for fast response to transients and detailed high-frequency capture. The cardioid pattern suits close and spot miking applications where source focus and off-axis rejection are useful. It is a practical option for acoustic instruments, percussion, vocals, piano, and drum overhead use.

The capsule is a true-condenser design, hand-crafted and individually tuned for consistency. A brass housing provides a durable physical structure and helps shield the capsule from electrical interference. When installed on the compatible RN17 body, it supports the RN17 system's 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range.

With the RN17 microphone system, the cardioid capsule is specified for 131 dB maximum SPL at 0.5% THD and an 18 dB equivalent noise level. These characteristics make it suitable for detailed recording work as well as many live-sound microphone applications. The RN17 microphone body supplies the required phantom-powered electronics and XLR output connection.

This capsule is useful as a replacement cardioid option or for expanding an existing RN17 setup. It can also support a matched multi-microphone workflow when used with compatible RN17 equipment. The optional RN17 omnidirectional capsule is sold separately for users who need a more open pickup pattern.

Key Features

• RN17-Specific Fit: Designed for use with the SE Electronics RN17 small-diaphragm condenser microphone.
• Cardioid Pickup: Focuses on the intended source while reducing off-axis sound pickup.
• 15 mm Diaphragm: Gold-sputtered diaphragm supports detailed transient and high-frequency reproduction.
• True-Condenser Design: Provides the operating characteristics of the compatible RN17 condenser system.
• Handcrafted Construction: Individually tuned capsule construction supports consistent performance.
• Brass Housing: Durable housing helps provide shielding from electrical interference.

Design & Installation

The RN17 Cardioid capsule uses a compact brass housing and gold-sputtered diaphragm construction. Its brass finish is distinct from the matte-black finish of the complete RN17 microphone body. This product is the capsule only; it does not include an RN17 microphone body, shock mount, cable, or stand mount.

Install the capsule only on a compatible SE Electronics RN17 microphone body according to the RN17 system instructions. The completed RN17 microphone connects to a microphone preamp or audio interface through XLR and requires 48 V phantom power. Use the cardioid capsule for close instrument, vocal, percussion, piano, and overhead placements where directional pickup is preferred.