sE Electronics RN17 Omni Omnidirectional Capsule

The sE Electronics RN17 Omni is an interchangeable omnidirectional capsule made specifically for the RN17 small-diaphragm condenser microphone. It changes the RN17 from its standard cardioid configuration to an omnidirectional pickup pattern, allowing the microphone to capture sound from all directions. This makes it a practical expansion for engineers who need a more open representation of an instrument, ensemble, room, or performance space.

Designed for studio and live-recording applications, the RN17 Omni capsule is suited to room miking, overhead use, orchestral recording, acoustic ensembles, and ambient capture. Its omnidirectional response is intended to provide an even, natural presentation of the surrounding sound field. Because it is a replacement capsule rather than a complete microphone, it requires an sE Electronics RN17 microphone body.

The capsule uses an externally polarized true-condenser design with a 15 mm gold-sputtered diaphragm. This small diaphragm is designed for fast transient response and detailed high-frequency capture, while the omnidirectional pattern supports a broad and consistent pickup area. When installed on an RN17 body, the system is specified for a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range.

Each RN17 Omni capsule is hand-crafted, individually tuned, and calibrated for consistency. The precision-machined brass housing adds durable physical protection and helps shield the capsule from interference. For stereo recording, matched pairs of RN17 Omni capsules are also available separately.

The RN17 Omni is a focused upgrade path for existing RN17 owners who want an additional polar pattern without purchasing another complete microphone. It mounts to the RN17 through its dedicated screw connection and uses the microphone body's electronics, transformer, XLR output, and phantom-power supply. The retail package contains one omnidirectional capsule only.

Key Features

• RN17-Specific Compatibility: Designed exclusively for the sE Electronics RN17 small-diaphragm condenser microphone.
• Omnidirectional Pattern: Captures sound evenly from around the microphone for open, ambient pickup.
• 15 mm Gold-Sputtered Diaphragm: Supports detailed high-frequency capture and fast transient response.
• True-Condenser Design: Uses an externally polarized capsule design for accurate signal capture.
• Individually Tuned Capsule: Each capsule is hand-crafted and calibrated for consistent performance.
• Brass Housing: Precision-machined brass construction provides durability and interference shielding.

Design & Installation

The RN17 Omni uses a silver, precision-machined brass housing designed for professional recording environments. Its compact capsule format is made to integrate directly with the modular RN17 microphone system rather than function as a standalone XLR microphone. The housing protects the condenser element while retaining the RN17 platform's interchangeable-capsule design.

To use it, remove the installed capsule from a compatible RN17 microphone body and attach the RN17 Omni using its dedicated screw mount. The completed RN17 microphone connects to a mic preamp or mixer through the RN17 body's 3-pin XLR output and requires 48 V phantom power. Use the omni capsule for room, ensemble, orchestral, overhead, and ambience applications where broad pickup is preferred over cardioid isolation.