SE Electronics sE2200a II

If you are a fan of the SE Electronics , you have surely already heard of its legendary sE2200a microphone . How about adopting a modern version of this model? We are of course talking about the SE Electronics sE2200a II.

This is a condenser microphone known for its beautiful sound performance , especially when recording vocals. But be aware that the scope of this model is not limited to voice recording . You want to know more ? Discover in this article the complete test of the sE2200a II microphone from the SE Electronics brand.

Focus on the SE Electronics brand

With over 20 years of experience designing audio equipment , SE Electronics is among the most trusted brands. This company and the microphones are a story that dates back to 2000. This company was founded by the Chinese conductor Siwei Zou.

SE Electronics specializes in several types of microphones namely condenser microphones, dynamic microphones, ribbon microphones and USB microphones.

Some of the brand's most popular products include the SE Electronics V7 Black SE Electronics SE8 Stereo Set condenser microphone .

Alongside these two legendary microphones from the brand, we can also add the sE2200 . A condenser microphone that has already won the MIA (Music Industry Association) award twice.

Note that there are several versions of this legendary microphone from SE Electronics. Examples include the sE2200a II C and the se2200 a II. The difference between these two models lies in their polar pattern . Indeed, the sE22000a II C only offers a single polar pattern while the sE2200a II is a multi-pattern version . The latter notably offers 3 choices of directivity (more details a little further down).

In this article we will test the sE2200a II. We will closely examine its manufacturing quality, the accessories that accompany the microphone, its different functionalities as well as its sound quality. We also give you our opinion on this microphone.

SE Electronics sE2200a II Microphone Overview

The SE Electronics sE2200a II comes in a sleek box that displays a close-up of the product photo. There are also 3 different icons to refer to its 3 directions .

It is a large diaphragm electrostatic microphone like the Neumann M149 , the Warm Audio WA-8000 and the MXL 770. As their name suggests, condenser microphones are equipped with a condenser which will convert the charge in electrical signal . The latter will then be transferred to the preamp or sound card.

The technical characteristics of the sE2200a II are similar to those of the sE2300. Among other things, these two models offer a switchable attenuator pad with 2 levels ( -10 dB and -20 dB ). They also have a 2-level low-cut filter ( 80 Hz and 160 Hz ). Furthermore, their frequency response is between 20 Hz and 20 kHz .

In addition, just like its big brother, this model also displays 3 types of directivity:

• cardioid polar pattern to pick up sounds in front of the mic
• two-way polar pattern for recording sources in front of and behind the mic
• omnidirectional polar pattern to make the mic equally sensitive in all directions in a room.

With its sleek satin black body, the sE2200a II boasts an elegant look . Its body and grille are entirely made of metal, which gives the microphone good solidity . This model weighs 611 g . This is therefore lighter than the SE Electronics Dynacaster microphone which weighs 850 g.

To use the SE Electronics sE2200a II, you will need a 3-pin male connector and an external power supply. The manufacturer recommends in particular a 48 V phantom power supply. You also need an audio interface.

That said, if you want to purchase a model that plugs directly into your computer, opt for a micro USB . Choose models that have proven themselves. We recommend, among others, the Rode NT USB, the Blue Yeti microphone or the Presonus Revelator.

Accessories included with the SE Electronics sE2200a II condenser microphone

Without further ado, let's find out what's in the box:

• 1 SE Electronics sE2200a II microphone
• 1 instruction manual
• 1 metal pop filter
• 1 shock mount with a 5/8 inch to 3/8 inch thread adapter
• 1 spare elastic
• 2 SE Electronics stickers

The pop filter supplied with the sE2200a II adjusts perfectly to the microphone for sound recording in the best conditions.

The elastic suspension is also effective in reducing unwanted noise . What's more, this device securely fixes the pop filter.

In short, everything is there to start recording with the SE Electronics sE2200a II.

The attenuation options and low-cut filter of the SE Electronics sE2200a II

Impossible to review the SE Electronics sE2200a II without talking about its two features: the attenuation pad and the low-cut filter . Indeed, at the back of the microphone, there are two switches:

• An attenuator pad with 2 levels: – 10 dB and -20 dB
• A filter cuts at 2 levels: 80 Hz and 160 Hz

The attenuation pad allows you to use the mic to capture loud sound sources . This switch helps you avoid distortion and prevent overloading the input circuits of your preamp or mixer.

So, be sure to adjust this switch to 10 dB or 20 dB when recording a loud instrument. Also consider making use of this feature when capturing vocals from a singer who tends to scream near the mic.

As for the low-cut filter, this will be useful for cutting low frequencies at 80 Hz and 160 Hz . In addition to preventing distortion, turning this switch on also helps you reduce unwanted noise . Furthermore, it is an effective tool for managing the proximity effect. So remember to activate it when recording at close range.

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Areas of application for the SE Electronics sE2200a II

Being a cardioid mic, the SE Electronics sE2200a II is ideally suited for recording a singer's vocals . It can also be used for voice-overs, podcasts and gaming.

This model is also useful when recording in stereo . You can use it in particular to implement the Mid/Side, AB, XY, ORTF, or even Blumlein techniques.

For example, to use the microphone to record an acoustic guitar with the Mid/Side technique, you need two microphones. cardioid microphone as a Mid microphone and a figure 8 as a Side microphone.

So consider getting a microphone with bidirectional directivity (the Royer Labs R-122 MkII ribbon microphone for example).

As for configuring an MS sound pickup , simply point the Mid microphone towards your guitar and position the Side microphone below it so as to form a 90° angle .

With its omnidirectional polar pattern , the SE Electronics sE2200a II adapts to several recording contexts. Among other things, you can use it as a room ambience microphone . So, just like the Telefunken U47, this model is suitable for recording choirs.

Thanks to its figure-8 directivity, this model is suitable for picking up the vocals of two singers located on either side of the microphone.

Zoom on the sound quality of the SE Electronics sE2200a II

Overall, the SE Electronics sE2200a II delivers good sound quality . Among other things, it offers modern sound reproduction.

Used for vocal recording, this microphone offers bass sounds that are neither attenuated nor amplified. Furthermore, the treble is clear and precise . Even without the pop filter, this microphone has the advantage of rejecting plosives . Once this device is in place, the sound reproduction is simply perfect.

Playing against an acoustic guitar, this microphone produces a warm sound with plenty of treble detail.

Unsurprisingly, this microphone is sensitive to the proximity effect. It must be said that this is a common characteristic of condenser microphones . This means that the closer the source is to the mic, the more bass frequencies will be emphasized. However, you can easily manage this sensitivity to proximity effect by using the 2-step low-cut filter .

This mic is capable of handling a sound pressure level of up to 145 dB when the – 20 dB is activated. Thus, it can handle powerful sound sources such as a guitar amplifier for example without distortion problems.

The technical characteristics of the SE Electronics sE2200a II

• Mic Type: Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
• Polar pattern types: cardioid, omnidirectional, figure 8
• Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• High pass filter: 80/160 Hz
• Attenuation options: 0 dB , – 10 dB or – 20 dB
• Equivalent noise level: 8 dB-A
• Impedance: 200 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 25.12 mV/Pa (-32 dB)
• Maximum SPL: 125 dB (0 dB attenuator), 135 dB (10 dB attenuator) and 145 dB (20 dB attenuator)
• Type of power required: 48 Volt phantom power
• Connector: 3-pin XLR
• Dimensions (Length x diameter): 215 mm x 51 mm
• Weight: 611g
• Accessories included: pop filter, shock mount

Our opinion on the SE Electronics sE2200a II microphone

If you are already a fan of the SE Electronics brand, welcoming the sE2200a II into your recording studio will certainly not displease you. This is a microphone that offers excellent value for money. It has a sound performance that has nothing to envy of other inexpensive condenser microphones. Its sound character is close to that of the original sE2200a.

With its beautiful satin black finish, it's impossible not to fall under the spell of this large diaphragm condenser microphone. Featuring an entirely metal body, this model is very robust.

We also like this studio microphone because of its two switches located on its rear panel. Thanks to its 2-level adjustable attenuator, this microphone can handle high pressure levels without distortion problems. Added to this is its low-cut filter which greatly facilitates the management of the proximity effect. It is therefore no longer necessary to invest in these devices given that they are already efficient.

The other positive point of the sE2200a II lies in the included accessories. Indeed, this microphone is accompanied by a quality anti-pop filter which effectively eliminates plosives. Added to this is a quality anti-shock suspension which is effective in isolating ground vibrations.

Furthermore, this microphone offers 3 switchable directivities, which gives it great versatility. You can even record several sources simultaneously with this model by activating omnidirectional mode.

The advantages of the sE2200a II:

• Exceptional sound quality (especially on vocals)
• Good manufacturing quality
• Versatility
• 3 switchable directivities
• 2-stage attenuation pad and low-cut filter
• Quality insulation kit (shock suspension and pop filter)
• Affordable price

Our verdict on the SE Electronics sE2200a II: taking into account all its advantages, we can only recommend this microphone. This model will certainly delight professionals and amateurs who wish to acquire a good microphone for recording voice or a musical instrument.

SE Electronics sE2200a II Demo

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