sE Electronics sE6160 Shotgun Condenser Microphone

The sE Electronics sE6160 is a compact shotgun condenser microphone made for focused ambient capture, live sound, location recording, broadcast work, and studio applications. Its highly directional supercardioid/lobar pattern helps prioritize sound arriving from the front while reducing unwanted off-axis pickup. This makes it a practical choice when clarity and isolation are important in busy or loud environments.

For performers using in-ear monitoring, the sE6160 can be used to capture crowd and room ambience to restore a more natural connection to the venue. It is also suited to dialogue, audience miking, concert recording, and mobile boom use. The microphone's focused pattern supports higher gain before feedback than less directional ambient microphone options.

The sE6160 uses a hand-crafted small-diaphragm true condenser capsule and transformerless output circuitry. Its specified 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range, 25 mV/Pa sensitivity, and 13 dB(A) equivalent noise level support detailed capture with low self-noise. The design is intended to provide a controlled, natural sound character rather than excessive coloration.

Two onboard switches provide useful control for changing sources and venues. The attenuation pad offers 10 dB and 20 dB settings for high-SPL sources, while the low-cut filter provides 80 Hz and 160 Hz settings to reduce rumble, footfall noise, or excess low-frequency buildup. With its 20 dB pad selected, the microphone is rated for up to 157 dB SPL at 0.5% THD.

Its compact 250 mm length and 110 g weight make the sE6160 easy to integrate into a stand-mounted, boom-mounted, or portable recording setup. It connects through a standard 3-pin male XLR output and requires 48 V phantom power. A mic clip, thread adapter, windscreen, and soft case are included for a ready-to-use professional microphone package.

Key Features

• Shotgun Pickup Pattern: Supercardioid/lobar directionality focuses on the source ahead of the microphone.
• True Condenser Capsule: Hand-crafted small-diaphragm capsule supports detailed, low-noise audio capture.
• Dual Attenuation Pad: Switchable 10 dB and 20 dB pad settings accommodate louder sources.
• Switchable Low-Cut Filter: Choose 80 Hz or 160 Hz filtering to reduce rumble and excess bass.
• High SPL Handling: Handles up to 157 dB SPL with the 20 dB pad engaged.
• Compact XLR Design: Lightweight body uses a 3-pin male XLR connection and 48 V phantom power.

Design & Installation

The sE6160 has a roadworthy all-metal, die-cast housing designed for regular live-production and recording use. Its compact 19.6 mm diameter body measures 250 mm long and weighs 110 g. The included windscreen, mic clip, thread adapter, and soft case support transport, stand mounting, and basic wind protection.

Connect the microphone's 3-pin male XLR output to a balanced XLR microphone input with 48 V phantom power, such as a mixer, audio interface, field recorder, or dedicated microphone preamp. Use the supplied clip on a boom, stand, or compatible mounting system, and aim the front of the microphone toward the desired source. Select the pad for loud material and engage the low-cut filter when low-frequency vibration, handling noise, footfall, or proximity effect needs to be reduced.