sE Electronics sE7 Small-Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone

The sE Electronics sE7 is a compact small-diaphragm condenser microphone built for detailed instrument recording and live sound capture. Its cardioid pattern focuses on the intended source while helping reduce pickup from the sides and rear. It is suited to acoustic guitar, piano, strings, woodwinds, drums, percussion, and cymbal overhead applications.

A 1/2-inch back-electret condenser capsule and ultra-thin diaphragm support fast transient response for material with sharp attacks and subtle detail. The microphone is designed to provide a natural, balanced presentation across its 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range. Its compact pencil-style format makes placement practical in tight recording positions.

The sE7 uses discrete Class-A circuitry and a transformerless output stage. This design supports a short signal path and a clear, controlled signal for microphone preamps, mixers, and audio interfaces. With 19 mV/Pa sensitivity and 16 dB equivalent noise, it is equipped for close and more distant instrument miking duties.

For loud sources, the switchable -20 dB attenuation pad raises maximum SPL handling from 136 dB SPL to 156 dB SPL. This helps when placing the microphone near drums, brass instruments, or guitar speaker cabinets. A switchable 80 Hz low-cut filter can reduce rumble, footfall noise, wind noise, and excess low-frequency buildup from close placement.

The sE7 fits easily into a recording setup that uses standard balanced XLR microphone connections and 48V phantom power. It can be used as a single spot microphone or paired with another sE7 for stereo recording techniques. The included mic clip with thread adapter and windscreen provide the basic accessories needed to begin setup.

Key Features

• Cardioid Pickup Pattern: Focuses capture on the source in front of the microphone.
• 1/2-Inch Back-Electret Capsule: Supports detailed instrument and percussion recording.
• Switchable -20 dB Pad: Helps accommodate high-output and close-miked sources.
• 80 Hz Low-Cut Filter: Reduces low-frequency rumble and proximity-effect buildup.
• Class-A Transformerless Circuit: Provides a direct signal path to connected preamps.
• All-Metal Chassis: Provides durable housing for studio and stage use.

Design & Installation

The sE7 uses an all-metal chassis with a compact 23 mm diameter body and a gold-plated 3-pin XLR connector. Its 120 mm pencil-microphone form factor is suitable for stand, boom, and clip-based positioning around instruments. The microphone weighs 128 g and includes a mic clip with thread adapter plus a windscreen.

Connect the sE7 to a microphone input using a balanced XLR cable, then enable 48V phantom power from a compatible interface, mixer, or dedicated phantom-power supply. Use the low-cut filter when low-frequency noise or close-miking bass buildup is present, and engage the -20 dB pad for loud sources or when a preamp input is overloading. Position the end-address capsule toward the desired source and use the supplied clip to secure it to a compatible microphone stand or boom.