sE Electronics sE2200 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

The sE Electronics sE2200 is a large-diaphragm, cardioid condenser microphone designed for studio recording, voiceover work, streaming, and close-miking instruments. Its fixed cardioid pickup pattern focuses on the source in front of the capsule while helping reduce pickup from the sides and rear. It is a practical choice for creators who need a detailed XLR microphone for vocals, spoken word, acoustic instruments, and amplified sources.

A hand-crafted 1-inch true condenser capsule gives the sE2200 its high-sensitivity studio-microphone operation. The capsule uses dual gold-sputtered diaphragms, individually tuned by sE Electronics, despite the microphone's cardioid-only pattern. The result is a balanced, open response suited to capturing vocal detail and the natural character of instruments.

The sE2200 uses a traditional discrete Class-A circuit design without integrated circuits, together with a custom-built output transformer. This engineering is intended to provide low-noise operation, useful sensitivity, and a full-bodied signal character. Its 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range supports recording duties from low instruments through detailed vocal and acoustic material.

Two switchable attenuation settings make the microphone more adaptable when recording loud sources. The -10 dB and -20 dB pads increase headroom for applications such as guitar cabinets, brass, drum overheads, and close-miked drums. Switchable 80 Hz and 160 Hz low-cut filters help reduce rumble, footfall noise, plosives, and excessive proximity-effect bass.

This microphone connects through a standard 3-pin XLR output and requires 48 V phantom power from a compatible audio interface, mixer, or dedicated preamp. The included sE Isolation Pack combines a shockmount with an adjustable metal pop filter for vocal recording setups. It can serve as a primary studio vocal microphone or as a flexible addition to a recording rig that already has XLR preamps and phantom power.

Key Features

• 1-Inch True Condenser Capsule: Hand-crafted capsule captures detailed vocal and instrument recordings.
• Cardioid Polar Pattern: Focuses pickup on the source positioned in front.
• Discrete Class-A Electronics: Uses selected components without integrated circuits.
• Custom Output Transformer: Adds transformer-coupled output stage to the microphone design.
• Switchable Pads: -10 dB and -20 dB settings support louder sources.
• Selectable Low-Cut Filters: 80 Hz and 160 Hz filtering helps manage low-frequency noise.

Design & Installation

The sE2200 has a heavily shielded all-metal housing with a premium finish and a gold-plated 3-pin XLR connector. Its 51 mm diameter body measures 215 mm long and weighs 611 g. The included Isolation Pack uses a quick-release shockmount and an all-metal adjustable pop filter that can also be removed when not needed.

Mount the microphone in the included shockmount on a stable microphone stand or boom, then connect it with a balanced XLR microphone cable to an interface, mixer, or microphone preamp. Enable 48 V phantom power only through compatible equipment, and select the pad or low-cut setting as needed for the source and recording distance. For vocals, position the pop filter between the performer and microphone; for loud instruments, start with the appropriate attenuation pad engaged.