sE Electronics sE7sF(P) SideFire Condenser Microphone Pair

The sE Electronics sE7sF(P) sE7 sideFire is a factory-matched pair of small-diaphragm condenser microphones designed for instrument recording and live sound. Its 90-degree side-address capsule layout helps solve placement challenges where a traditional end-address pencil microphone may be difficult to position. It is well suited to drums, percussion, acoustic guitar, piano, strings, woodwinds, choirs, and stereo ambience capture.

Each microphone uses a cardioid pickup pattern to focus on the intended source while reducing pickup from the rear. The 1/2-inch back-electret condenser capsule is designed for clear, balanced reproduction and fast transient response. This makes the pair practical for detailed sources such as cymbals, acoustic instruments, and percussion.

The sE7 sideFire uses discrete Class-A electronics and a transformerless output stage. Its equivalent noise level is rated at 16 dB(A), with a 78 dB signal-to-noise ratio. The resulting design is intended to capture fine detail without adding unnecessary noise in studio or stage signal chains.

A switchable 20 dB attenuation pad expands the microphone's maximum SPL handling from 136 dB to 156 dB SPL. This supports close placement on loud sources such as snare drums, brass instruments, and percussion. A switchable 80 Hz low-cut filter can help reduce rumble, footfall noise, wind noise, and excessive proximity-effect bass.

The matched-pair configuration is selected for closely consistent performance, making it appropriate for stereo techniques and ambient recording. Connect each microphone to an XLR-equipped microphone preamp, mixer, or audio interface that supplies 48V phantom power. The included clips, thread adapters, and windscreens provide the basic hardware needed to mount the pair on standard microphone stands.

Key Features

• 90-Degree SideFire Capsule: Enables practical positioning in tight or awkward miking locations.
• Factory-Matched Pair: Supports consistent stereo and ambient microphone techniques.
• Cardioid Pickup Pattern: Focuses on the source and reduces rear pickup.
• Switchable 20 dB Pad: Accommodates high-SPL instruments and close-miking applications.
• 80 Hz Low-Cut Filter: Helps reduce low-frequency rumble and excessive bass buildup.
• Class-A Transformerless Circuit: Provides a short, clean signal path for detailed capture.

Design & Installation

The sE7 sideFire has an all-metal chassis, a gold-plated 3-pin male XLR connector, and a 90-degree rotated capsule arrangement. Each microphone measures 23 mm in diameter and 130 mm in length, with a weight of 163 g. The metal housing is designed to support durable studio and stage use while helping reject electrical interference.

Use one microphone for close instrument capture or deploy both for stereo overhead, spaced-pair, or ambient applications. Each mic requires a balanced XLR connection and 48V phantom power from a compatible mixer, microphone preamp, or audio interface. Engage the 20 dB pad for very loud sources, and use the 80 Hz low-cut filter when low-frequency noise or close-placement bass buildup is a concern.