sE Electronics sE3

Micro-type "pencil" static technology. Characteristics according to the manufacturer: "Based on this micro micro SE1et SE2 proposes a low-cut filter and pad attenuation-10dB, with a body and an electronic quality. SE3, comes with a sturdy suspension, is the high range of small diaphragm mics SE Electronics. " Type: small diaphragm condenser microphone Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz Polar Pattern: Cardioid Sensitivity:> 10 mV / Pa Impedance: <200 Ohms Equivalent Noise: <17dB (A weighted) Max SPL: 135 dB Dimensions: 27 mm x 177 mm 48 V Phantom Power Usage instrument. In appearance, beautiful building (the suspension a bit cheap), the microphone is surprisingly heavy for a "pencil". There must be a lot of electronics inside ... The guard of the membrane seems to me fragile (to see over time).

OVERALL OPINION

2 years of use. I was looking for a couple of mics for OH. Test shop different microphones:
- NT5: good, dynamic and clear but too bright for my taste in the upper medium. However, it is an asset to the source "deaf".
- Oktava MK012: beautiful sound with a high mid / high pile, as opposed to the NT5. Fort proximity effect. In my opinion, need a high quality preamp to draw all the finesse. Delicate position.
- AKG C451E: neutral, proximity effect, above medium in place, acute at the "old" (cool). Although OH and acoustic guitar
- Finally, SE3: In OH, the best microphone I currently use. Spectral balance overall amazing. Grave well reproduced without any drag, very consistent and comprehensive medium, medium and high fever of great subtlety and presence without any aggressiveness.

On an acoustic guitar (couple): Placement very easy (that's a plus), its natural type, the grave is not running, the balance equation does not require.

Also test an acoustic bass: nice catches, the SE3 well down in the grave for a pencil.

In conclusion, it is a microphone that appears to be a sensible compromise in sound between a large membrane (thickness and density) and a small membrane (fineness and reactivity transients). A peach of hell (high output level) with a breath therefore inaudible. Apparent neutrality of the body but with the stamps (like bandwidth breasts Jane Birkin, available on the manufacturer's website). Unfortunately, no comparison possible with the Shoeps or Neuman (uh, that lends me, hmmm ...?) FYI, preamps used: Drawmer 1960 preamp and a Studiomaster P7.

Edit October 29, 2009: Taking a viola and a string quartet formation (two violins, a viola, cello). The serious generous, never turn, is always surprising for the size of the membrane. Belle thickness of the medium, medium high transcribing nervously transient attack of the bow and a sharp end, more natural and less aggressive, for example a C4 tried lining.

Edit the October 3, 2010:

I found the demo samples of SE3/km84 Neumann:

https://www.nowhereradio.com/artists/album.php?aid=2079&alid=1506

You listen, but I think the SE3 present in these samples a harmonic richness than the KM84 appears next to austere.

Recognizing the folly of my words, my preference is to listen to SE3 (or SE4 which is the same microphone capsule with cardio).
Given the ridiculous price okaz (when there are for sale), a microphone to try an alternative "eco" to high-end pencils.

This mic is a static one and a low cut attnuateur.
It is a question of high-end condenser microphones of its kind in SE.
The mic is heavy and seems solid, making breathing a well finished.
The suspension is for a super cheap and quickly let go I think.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for about 6 mois.Je'm just taking his studio, I have especially tried it on:
HH: it does its job without more, but remains quilibrbr /> Acoustic Guitar: used primarily on complment handle a wide membrane for the roses, the brightness is at the appointment ( maybe too bright?)
Viola: not really convincing

This lightweight micro gnre a breath and finally sounds a bit harsh, scrap limits on specific sources ... But this is really related to the price trs available for a studio, I think that he holds the road in front of a shure same price!
A good microphone complment in short, I love him for the resumption of cymbal or hihat particulirement more!