sE Electronics RN17 Cardioid Small-Diaphragm Condenser Mic

The sE Electronics RN17 is a small-diaphragm condenser microphone designed for detailed studio and live sound capture. It is supplied with a cardioid capsule for focused pickup of a source while reducing pickup from the sides and rear. The RN17 is suited to engineers, musicians, and production teams that need a compact XLR microphone for close or spot miking.

Its cardioid response and 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range make it a practical choice for acoustic guitar, piano, strings, woodwinds, percussion, drum overheads, and choir work. The microphone is built to capture fast transients and fine high-frequency detail while retaining a full low-frequency presentation. A 131 dB maximum SPL rating at 0.5% THD allows it to be used on many high-level acoustic and percussion sources.

The RN17 was developed as part of the sE Electronics and Rupert Neve collaboration. Its design combines a hand-crafted true-condenser capsule with a full-scale custom transformer designed for the microphone. This transformer-based circuit is intended to provide headroom, defined midrange detail, and balanced low-frequency response.

The included cardioid capsule is the standard configuration for this single-microphone package. An omnidirectional capsule is available separately for applications where a more open pickup pattern is preferred. This gives users an upgrade path without replacing the microphone body.

For practical recording setups, the RN17 connects through a standard 3-pin XLR output and requires 48V phantom power. A dedicated shock mount is included to help reduce vibration transferred through a microphone stand. The microphone, wooden box, metal case, thread adapter, and user manual provide a complete protected starting package for studio or stage use.

Key Features

• Cardioid Capsule: Focuses capture on the intended source and helps reduce surrounding pickup.
• True Condenser Design: Provides the sensitivity required for detailed instrument and ensemble recording.
• Custom Rupert Neve Transformer: Supports balanced output, headroom, and a full-frequency presentation.
• Gold-Sputtered Diaphragm: Designed for rapid transient response and high-frequency detail.
• 48V Phantom Power: Works with compatible XLR microphone preamps, mixers, and audio interfaces.
• Custom Shock Mount: Helps limit stand-borne vibration and handling noise during recording.

Design & Installation

The RN17 uses a hand-crafted true-condenser capsule, an unusually substantial transformer housing, and a matte black finish intended to remain visually unobtrusive on stage or in the studio. Its microphone body measures 200 mm long, with a 44 mm transformer diameter and 17 mm capsule diameter. A wooden box and metal case are included for storage and transport.

Mount the RN17 in its included custom shock mount on a stable microphone stand, using the included thread adapter when needed. Connect its 3-pin male XLR output to a compatible microphone preamp, mixer, or audio interface, then supply 48V phantom power. Use the supplied cardioid capsule for focused spot miking, or add the separately available omnidirectional capsule when a more open pickup pattern is needed.