sE Electronics RN17 Cardioid(P) Matched Pair Microphones

The sE Electronics RN17 Cardioid(P) is a factory-matched stereo pair of small-diaphragm condenser microphones for professional recording and live-sound capture. It is designed for applications that benefit from accurate transient response, controlled cardioid pickup, and consistent stereo performance. Typical uses include acoustic guitar, piano, drum overheads, percussion, strings, woodwinds, choir, and orchestral recording.

Each RN17 uses a hand-crafted true-condenser cardioid capsule and a gold/Mylar diaphragm design. The compact diaphragm is intended to respond quickly to detailed high-frequency material while retaining a balanced midrange and low-frequency presentation. Its cardioid pattern helps focus on the intended source while reducing pickup from the rear.

A full-scale transformer custom-designed by Rupert Neve is a defining part of the RN17 design. The transformer is substantially larger than those commonly used in small-diaphragm microphones and contributes to the microphone's available headroom and balanced output character. Each microphone connects through a standard 3-pin XLR output and requires 48V phantom power.

This Cardioid(P) package is intended for stereo microphone techniques where close matching between channels matters. The pair's transformers and cardioid capsules are factory-matched for tolerance, supporting consistent level, tonal balance, and stereo imaging between the two microphones. A precision stereo mounting bar is included for convenient paired placement.

The RN17 pair can also be expanded with optional omnidirectional capsules, sold separately. This gives an owner the option to adapt the microphones for more open or ambient recording approaches without replacing the complete system. With shock mounts, storage accessories, and a flight case included, the set is suited to studio installations and portable professional recording rigs.

Key Features

• Factory-Matched Stereo Pair: Matched transformers and cardioid capsules support consistent stereo recording.
• Hand-Crafted True Condensers: Individually made capsules provide the RN17's cardioid capture format.
• Gold/Mylar Diaphragms: Compact diaphragm construction supports fast transient response.
• Custom Rupert Neve Transformer: Full-scale transformer design supports balanced output and headroom.
• 48V Phantom Powered: Works with microphone preamps and interfaces supplying P48 power.
• Expandable Capsule System: Optional omnidirectional capsules are available separately for alternate pickup.

Design & Installation

The RN17 uses a matte-black microphone body with a large-diameter transformer housing and a slim capsule section. Each microphone measures 200 mm long and weighs 320 g. The matched-pair package includes two custom shock mounts, a wooden presentation case, empty capsule canisters, a precision stereo bar, and a flight case.

Connect each microphone to a balanced XLR microphone input on a preamp, mixer, recorder, or audio interface, then enable 48V phantom power only after the connections are secure. Mount the microphones in the included shock mounts or on the included stereo bar for coincident or spaced-pair techniques as appropriate for the source. The optional omnidirectional capsule is purchased separately and can be used when a less directional pickup pattern is preferred.