sE Electronics sE4 Stereo Pair

The SE Electronics SE4 Stereo Pair are a set of small diaphragm condenser microphones that are designed for use in the studio.  Since my main focus is on recording, I've only had the chance to use these microphones inside the studio.  The mics have an interchangeable capsule including ones for cardioid, hyper cardioid, and omnidirectional polar pick up patterns.  The mic also has a -10 db pad and a high pass filter on it.

OVERALL OPINION

I've used a pair of the SE Electronics SE4 for recording in a home studio and was definitely happy with the sounds that I was able to get from them.  I only used them for two applications during recording - one being for recording drum overheads and the other was for recording an acoustic guitar.  I found that they worked great for getting a stereo spread of both applications, but they excelled better as drum overheads.  As would probably be the case for all small diaphragms, I found that they didn't pick up enough low end and low mids of the acoustic guitar.  I usually will use a small diaphragm in tandem with a large diaphragm for recording acoustic guitar, but thought that this would be cool to try with these mics.  Even though I didn't get the exact sound that I was after, I would bet that just having one of them in tandem with another microphone to pick up more of the low end would definitely be a good combination.  As drum overheads, the SE4s did an awesome job of getting a wide sound.  Although they don't sound as great as a pair of Neumann KM184s, they will cost you a lot less and still have a very acceptable sound.  If you are home studio owner looking for a very reasonably priced set of small diaphragm condenser microphones, definitely look into trying or buying the SE Electronics SE4 Stereo Pair.

- Average membrane cardioid microphones sold Apaire with bar linkage and suspension.
- Pad and cut down opportunities to buy other capsules (OPTIONAL) (omni, hypercardio)
- Used in Overhead battery and decision-acoustic guitar and string instruments
- Good value, although this micro China has a very good value for money (459 euros) and is well above other Chinese low-end a bit "cheap"

OVERALL OPINION

- I use it for 1 month.
- For Overhead, is quite stunning for batteries made from natural. Although we have placed a very good balance between the various elements of the battery. These pickups are very very right. The proximity effect is weak and it was not the aggressive side of some microphones to 6kHz (eg C451).
For jazz, just add a good dynamic mic for kick and we get something very balanced with almost equalized.
For classical guitar; Same, neutrality is an asset. Even to put the rose, the serious do not drool and attacks are very well reproduced. On some songs, just with a good compressor, I have not even leveled ...

- I tried the C451 and NT5 (too aggressive and bright on OH and guitars for my taste)

- The price / quality ratio is good. It's not low-end as one might think (microphones Chinese). Some agree that it can compete with the KM 184 without a blush (I have unfortunately so far not been able to make the comparison).

- I have the microphone for just one month and so far I do not regret my purchase, after I would see over time if it's tough ...
These pickups are made for neutral and loyal taken so that after a matter of taste and color.

Bttn average static capsule, sold in pairs (paired) with their curved capsule cardio only. Note a blur on the packaging: the omni directional capsules and hypercardio are optional and rather Chres. But it will, according to the importer, can acqurir a set of spares omni capsules for about 280. The pair comes in a solid briefcase (and / but heavy) with suspension and coupling bar (a big MODEL, convenient for a AB with the omni capsules).

EDIT 08-10-2008: SE has rtract about the possibility of buying a set of omni pair. It is possible to buy two unpaired for 290 capsules! I get off the mark for this problem. I call the importer during a visit to France by His commercial for a rponse sre available on this option and that the commitments do more! Difficult to trust such an APRS dboire!

CHARACTERISTICS The ads make this a product micro srieux. The curve is linear, with a bump to 10k.

Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz
Sensitivity: 12.59mV/Pa - 38 2dB (0dB = 1V/Pa 1000Hz)
Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Hypercardioid, Omni
Impedance: ≤ 200 Ohms
Equivalent Noise Level: 14dB (A weighted)
Max SPL for 0.5% THD @ 1000Hz: 135dB
Power Requirement: Phantom power 48V4V

OVERALL OPINION

Used to test 15 days before the acquisition. I essay the capsule on a Fostex FR2 cardio-LE. The SE4 SE3 is the successor of the capsule with a fixed silent, which is not the case with the SE4.

What I like most: sound enough and prcis homogne, placement easy without the effect of proximity and the possibility of change of capsule. On the cello, the bass is really well kept and not the high "mouth" no. The micro inspires confidence: trs well finished and heavy. The suspensions are a bit cheap (you can feel the Chinese-made this ct ...).

What I like least: The public to which suggests that the capsules are 3 books with the couple. The photos are misleading and the description of sale is more than unclear. It's not really worthy of the quality of the microphone. The mdium may also be a little pinched as the acoustics of the pice and placement (on cello). The weight can also ask prblme: trs heavy piece of perch and not discrete trs concert.

I also tried many other couples: Oktava MK-012, Rode NT5 and NT55, NT2A, Studio-Project C4, Neumann KM184, Audix ... The match KM184 and SE4 is tighter than I had Pipelines Limited. On the piano, I see a little more with the Neumann rsonances but catches are all made of SE4 sduisantes. On cello, Neumann is more difficult to place and the acidity is less than 3m Submitted quickly.

Quality-price ratio: the price of honnte couple, but the price is too capsules matched lev (the price of torque paired to a set of omni and hypercardio! Is a little abuse). Fortunately SE confirms the sale of a set of omni alone, the price is okay but then lev much as the rest of Chinese manufacturing.

Retailer and the sound is the effect of proximity is not too pronounced. Stereo image is good and the microphone is plutt warm and open, even in close miking. This is an average capsule that offers a good compromise trs rsultats gives good rub on the strings, particulirement cello, bass and maybe piano. I did not test on a guitar.

I tried many couples to record the cello and quartet. I can not afford to offer me a pair of Schoeps or DPA but it seems a compromise trs trs acceptable. (For more comprehensive testing with sound clips seen here: https://forums.audiofanzine.com/index, ProductID, 12081, mao, oktava_mk012.html ( https://forums.audiofanzine.com/index,idproduit,12081,mao,oktava_mk012.html ) )
I think I have sufficiently researched and tried to say that my choice is right.