sE Electronics sE8 Cardioid Capsule (P) Matched Pair

The sE Electronics sE8 Cardioid Capsule (P) is a factory-matched pair of replacement cardioid capsules made for sE8 small-diaphragm condenser microphones. It gives owners of the sE8 omni system a way to change to focused cardioid pickup without purchasing another complete microphone pair. This package contains capsules only, not complete microphones or microphone bodies.

Cardioid pickup is useful when a recording setup needs more focus on the intended source and less pickup from the rear and sides. The matched pair is suited to stereo techniques, overhead use, ensembles, acoustic instruments, vocals, percussion, and other applications where consistent left/right response matters. Each capsule is selected as part of a matched set to support stable stereo imaging.

The capsule uses true-condenser construction with a hand-crafted, gold-sputtered small diaphragm. Its precision backplate and electrode design are intended to support smooth frequency response, natural tonal balance, quick transient handling, and consistent off-axis behavior. These qualities make it a practical option for detailed sources such as cymbals, strings, piano, acoustic guitar, and percussion.

When installed on a compatible sE8 microphone body, the cardioid capsule supports a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range and a -32 dBV sensitivity rating. The complete microphone configuration can handle high sound-pressure levels with its selectable pad settings, making it suitable for close placement on louder instruments. The microphone body's switchable low-cut filters can also help manage rumble, footfall noise, and excess proximity-effect bass.

This pair is an upgrade path for users who own sE8 omni microphones and want the directional behavior of the standard sE8 cardioid configuration. Installation uses the compatible sE8 microphone bodies, which provide the XLR connection, phantom-power operation, pads, and filters. For stereo recording, use the two matched capsules on a pair of sE8 bodies and position them with an appropriate stereo mounting method.

Key Features

• Factory-Matched Pair: Two capsules are selected for closely matched performance in stereo recording applications.
• Cardioid Polar Pattern: Focuses pickup toward the front of each microphone for more directional capture.
• True-Condenser Design: Uses small-diaphragm condenser construction for detailed, responsive sound capture.
• Gold-Sputtered Diaphragm: Hand-crafted diaphragm construction supports accurate transient reproduction.
• sE8 System Compatibility: Designed specifically for use with compatible sE Electronics sE8 microphone bodies.
• High-SPL Ready System: Supports the sE8 microphone configuration's pad-equipped operation for loud sources.

Design & Installation

Each sE8 Cardioid Capsule is hand-crafted and individually tuned by sE Electronics. The design combines a gold-sputtered diaphragm, precision electrode structure, and sophisticated backplate geometry in a compact replacement capsule. As a matched set, the two capsules are selected from a larger group for close sensitivity and response consistency.

These capsules are intended for sE8 microphone bodies, including use as a cardioid option for sE8 omni owners. Install one capsule on each compatible microphone body before connecting the microphones to balanced XLR inputs with 48 V phantom power. The capsules themselves do not include a microphone body, XLR connector, mic clips, windscreens, stereo bar, or case.