sE Electronics VR2 Active Ribbon Microphone

The sE Electronics VR2 is an active ribbon microphone built for recording sources that benefit from the natural character of a ribbon design while retaining useful high-frequency detail. It is suited to studio and live-recording applications including vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar cabinets, drums, piano, strings, brass, and woodwinds. Its active electronics provide a practical option for engineers working with interfaces, mixers, and preamps that supply 48V phantom power.

The VR2 uses a figure-8 pickup pattern, capturing sound from the front and rear while rejecting sound arriving at its sides. This makes it useful when room contribution, source placement, and off-axis rejection are important parts of the recording setup. The 20 Hz to 18 kHz frequency range supports close-miked instruments as well as more open room, overhead, and ensemble applications.

A hand-crafted, hand-tensioned 2.5-micron aluminum ribbon is paired with a neodymium magnet structure and active circuitry. This combination is designed to provide the smooth, detailed response associated with ribbon microphones while supplying a usable output for longer cable runs and lower-output sources. The VR2 is rated for sound-pressure levels up to 135 dB at 0.5% THD measured at 1 kHz.

The slim, flat chassis helps the VR2 fit where conventional side-address microphones can be difficult to position. It can be placed close to a guitar cabinet, drum head, or inside a kick drum when used with its included custom shockmount. The shockmount allows centered, reversed, flat, or angled microphone positioning for flexible placement around instruments and amplifiers.

For a complete recording chain, pair the VR2 with a balanced XLR input that provides standard 48V phantom power. Its 200-ohm electrical impedance and recommended load impedance above 1 kilohm support use with compatible microphone preamps, mixers, and audio interfaces. A wooden case, stand clip, thread adapter, and shockmount are included to support storage and mounting.

Key Features

• Active Ribbon Electronics: Uses 48V phantom power for an active ribbon microphone signal path.
• Hand-Tensioned Aluminum Ribbon: Features a 2.5-micron aluminum ribbon assembled by hand.
• Figure-8 Polar Pattern: Captures front and rear sound while rejecting sound at the sides.
• 20 Hz–18 kHz Response: Covers low-frequency body and extended upper-frequency detail.
• Slim Flat Chassis: Fits close to cabinets, drums, and other tight recording positions.
• Custom Shockmount Included: Supports centered, reversed, flat, or angled microphone placement.

Design & Installation

The VR2 has an all-metal housing, a flat round-edged chassis, and a gold-plated 3-pin XLR connector. Its microphone body measures 33 mm long, 20 mm wide, and 187 mm high, with a weight of 360 g. The compact profile is less than 3/4 inch thick for placement in confined setups.

Connect the VR2 to a compatible balanced XLR microphone input that supplies 48V phantom power according to IEC 61938. sE Electronics specifies a balanced cable with studio-grade connectors and a load impedance greater than 1 kilohm. Use the included shockmount, stand clip, and thread adapter to position the microphone for vocals, instruments, guitar cabinets, drum kits, or room recording.