sE Electronics RNT Multi-Pattern Tube Condenser Microphone

The sE Electronics RNT is a large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone designed for professional studio recording of vocals and instruments. It combines a hand-crafted 1-inch true condenser capsule with tube and discrete Class-A amplification stages. Its included external Floor Box power supply provides the controls and connections needed for a complete recording setup.

The RNT is suited to vocal tracking, acoustic instruments, guitar cabinets, piano, strings, woodwinds, percussion, drum overheads, toms, and room recording. Nine selectable polar-pattern positions allow the microphone to capture anything from a focused source to a wider balance of direct and ambient sound. This flexibility helps one microphone serve several roles in a studio locker.

A hand-selected 12AU7/ECC82 tube operates within the microphone body, while the external Floor Box contains the second active stage. Both stages use fully discrete Class-A electronics, and the Floor Box uses custom op-amp cards associated with Rupert Neve Designs' 5088 console. Custom Rupert Neve Designs transformers are used in the microphone and Floor Box signal stages.

The RNT provides switchable gain settings of -12 dB, 0 dB, and +12 dB to accommodate quieter sources and high-SPL close-miking situations. Its selectable 40 Hz and 80 Hz low-cut filters can help reduce rumble, footfall noise, wind noise, plosives, and excess proximity effect. With a maximum SPL rating of 151 dB SPL at 0.5% THD, it is specified for demanding recording applications.

The microphone connects to its included Floor Box with the supplied 8-pin cable, while the Floor Box sends balanced audio from its 3-pin XLR output to a microphone preamp or audio interface. No phantom power is required from the connected preamp or interface. A custom shock mount, wooden microphone box, flight case, IEC power cable, and related accessories are included for storage and setup.

Key Features

• 1-Inch True Condenser Capsule: Hand-crafted large-diaphragm capsule captures detailed studio recordings.
• Nine Polar Patterns: Select omni, cardioid, figure-eight, or intermediate positions.
• 12AU7/ECC82 Tube: Hand-selected tube forms the microphone's first active stage.
• Class-A Signal Path: Fully discrete electronics are used in both active stages.
• Switchable Gain: -12 dB, 0 dB, and +12 dB settings broaden usability.
• Low-Cut Filters: Switchable 40 Hz and 80 Hz filtering reduces unwanted low frequencies.

Design & Installation

The RNT uses a sturdy all-metal microphone body and an external metal Floor Box power supply. Its microphone body measures 62 mm in diameter and 240 mm long, while the included custom shock mount helps isolate the microphone from stand-borne vibration. A wooden microphone box and flight case are included for protected storage and transport.

Mount the microphone in the supplied shock mount on a stable microphone stand, then connect the supplied 8-pin cable between the microphone and Floor Box. Connect the Floor Box to AC power with the included IEC cable and run a standard balanced XLR cable from the Floor Box output to a microphone preamp or audio interface. Do not apply phantom power from the connected interface or preamp; allow approximately 15 minutes of warm-up time before recording for the tube to stabilize.