sE Electronics Z5600a II Tube Condenser Microphone

The sE Electronics Z5600a II is a large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone designed for detailed studio recording of vocals and instruments. Its multi-pattern design helps engineers adapt one microphone to close-miking, room capture, ensemble work, and other changing recording situations. It is a wired microphone system that includes its dedicated external power supply.

This microphone is well suited to vocalists, project-studio owners, producers, and engineers who need flexible pickup control from a single tube microphone. Nine selectable polar-pattern positions span omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-8 operation, with intermediate settings for balancing direct sound and room ambience. The pattern control is located on the included floor-box power supply.

The Z5600a II uses a hand-crafted 1-inch true condenser capsule with gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragms and a 12AX7/ECC83 tube. Its published response extends from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with 25 mV/Pa sensitivity and a 13 dB equivalent-noise level. The result is a microphone intended to capture a full, detailed signal while providing tube-based harmonic character.

For louder sources, the microphone includes a switchable 10 dB attenuation pad and a switchable 50 Hz low-cut filter. These controls make it practical for sources such as drum overheads, guitar cabinets, brass, piano, room microphones, and close vocal recording. The pad raises maximum SPL handling from 127 dB to 137 dB.

The Z5600a II fits into a conventional recording chain through its external power supply and a microphone-level XLR output to a mic preamp or audio interface. It does not use standard 48V phantom power from the preamp or interface. A custom shockmount and 8-pin microphone cable are included to support a complete recording setup.

Key Features

• Nine Polar Patterns: Select omni, cardioid, figure-8, or intermediate positions to manage source focus and room sound.
• 1-Inch True Condenser Capsule: The hand-crafted, individually tuned capsule is built for detailed large-diaphragm capture.
• 12AX7/ECC83 Tube Circuit: The tube-based design adds harmonic character while retaining broad recording versatility.
• Switchable 10 dB Pad: Helps accommodate loud sources and reduce the risk of overload at the microphone or preamp.
• 50 Hz Low-Cut Filter: Reduces low-frequency buildup when proximity effect, vibration, or room rumble is a concern.
• External Power Supply Included: Provides operating power and pattern selection without requiring phantom power from the preamp.

Design & Installation

The Z5600a II combines a hand-made all-metal housing with a hand-crafted 1-inch capsule, gold-sputtered Mylar diaphragms, and a 12AX7/ECC83 tube. Its microphone body measures 62 mm in diameter by 220 mm long and weighs 850 g. The system also includes a dedicated floor-box power supply, which houses the pattern control and provides the microphone's operating power.

Mount the microphone in the included custom shockmount on a stable stand, then connect the supplied 8-pin cable between the microphone and floor box. Connect the floor box to a mic preamp or audio interface through its 3-pin XLR output, and connect the supplied IEC power cable before switching on the power supply. Do not apply 48V phantom power from the connected preamp or interface, and allow approximately 15 minutes of warm-up time before recording.