sE Electronics X1A-25AERB Red Condenser Microphone

The sE Electronics X1A-25AERB is a red 25th Anniversary Edition cardioid condenser microphone made for recording vocals and instruments. It is designed for home studios, project studios, content creators, and musicians who need a single XLR microphone for a variety of sources. Its side-address format and cardioid pickup pattern focus on the source in front of the microphone while reducing pickup from the rear.

The X1 A uses a 2/3-inch back-electret condenser capsule and offers a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range. Its published sensitivity of 20 mV/Pa and 16 dB(A) equivalent noise level support detailed recording work without requiring a complicated microphone setup. The microphone is suitable for vocals, acoustic instruments, amplified guitar, drums, percussion, brass, and other close-miked sources.

A switchable -20 dB attenuation pad expands the microphone's ability to work with loud sound sources. Maximum SPL handling is rated at 130 dB SPL without the pad and 150 dB SPL with the pad engaged, both measured at 1 kHz with 0.5% THD. This makes the X1 A practical for recording louder sources while helping prevent overload at the microphone output.

The switchable 100 Hz low-cut filter helps reduce low-frequency rumble, footfall noise, and excess bass caused by close microphone placement. Its 6 dB-per-octave slope provides a simple way to clean up a recording before it reaches an interface or mixer. The integrated windscreen also helps control plosive energy and provides added capsule protection.

This microphone connects through a standard 3-pin male XLR output and requires 48V phantom power supplied by a compatible audio interface, mixer, or external phantom-power source. It fits naturally into an XLR-based recording setup rather than connecting directly by USB. A swivel mic clip and microphone-stand thread adapter are included for stand mounting.

Key Features

• Cardioid Condenser Capsule: Focuses pickup toward the front of the microphone for targeted recording.
• 20 Hz–20 kHz Response: Covers the full published frequency range for vocals and instruments.
• -20 dB Pad: Adds headroom for close-miking loud instruments and amplified sources.
• 100 Hz Low-Cut Filter: Helps reduce rumble, vibrations, and excessive low end.
• Integrated Windscreen: Helps manage plosives while protecting the microphone capsule.
• Gold-Plated XLR Output: Provides a durable balanced connection to compatible recording equipment.

Design & Installation

The X1 A uses an all-metal chassis with a red finish and black grille for this 25th Anniversary Edition. Its body measures 58 mm in diameter by 169 mm long and weighs 390 g. The microphone includes an integrated windscreen, gold-plated XLR connector, and a rugged metal housing intended to help reject electrical interference.

Mount the microphone in the included swivel mic clip on a compatible stand, using the included thread adapter when needed. Connect it to a microphone preamp, audio interface, mixer, or phantom-power source with a balanced 3-pin XLR cable, then enable 48V phantom power. Use the low-cut filter for low-frequency cleanup and engage the -20 dB pad when recording especially loud sources.