SE Electronics X1R

Presentation of the SE Electronics X1R

The SE Electronics X1R is a passive ribbon microphone . It works exactly like a coil microphone (dynamic mic) with one difference. In fact, a thin metal ribbon replaces the moving coil system. Generally made of aluminum, the ribbon is shaped like an accordion to ensure maximum mobility.

Neodymium magnets surround the microphone element. The whole thing is housed in a chassis whose design is reminiscent of that of the X1 cardioid polar pattern microphone from SE, its counterpart.

Cut from metal, the design of the SE Electronics X1R stands out from other entry-level microphones. Also, its all-metal case has a premium finish with a pretty attractive and non-slip textured matte black dress.

The main features of the X1R

This microphone incorporates a robust ribbon . The mic can be considered a vintage-modern hybrid offering all the smoothness inherent in a handmade mic.

However, it is much more versatile, durable and easy to use. Besides, you can carry the microphone anywhere with you. The SE Electronics X1R incorporates a much more effective pop filter than typical gooseneck pop filters. This also contributes to the quality of the sound that the microphone will produce.

Powering the Lamp Microphone

48 volt phantom power powers the microphone. Generally, passive ribbon microphones do not need this kind of power supply. But the latter will be used to have better results in terms of sound.

This type of power supply is found in the majority of microphones on the market. And it adapts very easily for different types of recordings . It is in any case very common. For example, mixing desk, audio interface and preamplifier integrate this type of power supply. It is activated using a 48 volt switch.

Note : You can also visit the Beyerdynamic M160 microphone . This guide offers you the complete test of this microphone.

Frequency Response and Sound Pressure

The frequency response of the microphone makes it an all-purpose tool. Therefore, it will always be useful in professional recording studios or in your home studio. It also has its place in broadcast applications.

A 2µ aluminum ribbon makes up the SE Electronics X1R. Two Neodymium magnets connect it. It features a rather linear frequency response of 90 Hz to 3 kHz. And from 20 Hz to 18 Hz, we notice a small bump breaking its linear curve.

In terms of sound pressure, the X1R microphone supports rather high sound levels. This then ranks it among the modern ribbon microphones. In addition to these characteristics, it displays a sensitivity of -55.3 dB at 1 V/Pa. Also, for optimal results, it can be combined with a preamp (preferably of good quality).

Thanks to the frequency response of the SE Electronics X1R being much wider than the majority of ribbon microphones, it immediately becomes an all-purpose microphone. Moreover, it adapts perfectly to different types of recording.

It produces authentic sounds on an electric guitar and an acoustic guitar. Then, the transcription of the sound is done without any aggressiveness. When used on drums, we also obtain a natural sound.

X1R sound quality

This microphone stands out for its warm and sweet musical tone. This specificity is particularly useful for taming the treble excesses of certain stringed instruments. You will also appreciate this tone for voice-over recordings or for commercial broadcasting.

In fact, the sound quality produced by the microphone remains unrivaled. With the SE X1R, you will not find the proximity effect as with a condenser microphone or dynamic microphone . But we must emphasize that the sound produced remains clear and crisp even with an impedance of 200 ohms.

Items shipped with the SE Electronics X1R

Comes with a mic clip, the SE Electronics X1R will attach securely to any mic stand. Also, if you want a shock mount, it fits perfectly with the isolation pack consisting of shock mounts and pop filters compatible with the X1 series.

Note that plastic is the main material of the shockproof support. It also incorporates an elastic band. Equipped with an integrated pop filter, the X1R is one of the recording microphones suitable for subwoofers. It will also do the job for an electric guitar amp.

Specificity of SE Electronics

Basically, this microphone remains a hybrid ribbon microphone . In effect, it offers all the smoothness of a hand-crafted mic, but with much more versatility and durability. Also, the SE Electronics X1R combines traditional know-how with some mechanical elements of HF extender technology.

This association then results in a slight HF lift compared to a classic ribbon microphone. Through this association, the sound of this microphone therefore stands out from other microphones in its range. Very natural and devoid of any coloring, it sounds pleasantly good and manages to transmit all the magic of the music . With a very soft timbre, you will be able to perfectly control both bass and treble.

Therefore, it is this new technology that gives the microphone so much versatility and ease of use compared to its peers. Furthermore, the SE Electronics X1R is among the professional microphones. Also, it will very easily find its place in a professional studio or in your home studio.

Suitable for your vocal recordings, it can also be used for recording string, wind or percussion instruments. Multidisciplinary , it adapts to all types of situations. Its lightness makes it easy to transport. With its integrated pop filter, you no longer need to use a windshield when recording sound.

Technical Specifications of the X1 R:

• Microphone suitable for recording wood/brass/percussion instruments…
• Microphone suitable for guitar amplification.
• Perfect for vocal sound recording (voice-over, podcast, commercial broadcasting, etc.)
• Ribbon Microphone passive type
• Capsule: 2.5μm aluminum ribbon stretched by hand
• Frequency response: 20 Hz to 16,000 Hz/—1 dB
• Sensitivity: 1.78 mV/Pa (-55 dB)
• Directional characteristic: figure of eight (bidirectional)

• Impedance: 200 Ohms
• Maximum SPL: 135 dB (0.5% THD at 1 kHz)
• Signal to noise ratio: 71 dB
• Car noise: 23 dB (A)
• Matching connectors: XLR3F
• Comes with a mic clip
• Weight: 510g/17.99oz

By the way, you can also check out our guide to the Neumann U67 microphone . In this article you will discover the complete test, the advantage of this microphone, and everything there is to know.

My Verdict on the SE Electronics X1R

The SE Electronics X1R is at the entry level of ribbon microphones. Durable and versatile, the microphone is very easy to use. This last characteristic is attributed to it thanks to its fairly wide frequency response.

It is then suitable for several types of recordings. For example, we can note the electric and acoustic guitar, the overhead, wind instruments, plucked strings and bowed strings. But in addition, it can also be used in a recording studio for a podcast, or for home recording.

Compared to its competitors, the SE Electronics X1E produces simply exceptional sound. In fact, it perfectly transcribes sound sources without almost any coloring. It has a bidirectional polar pattern very different from the cardioid polar pattern found in dynamic microphones.

So it picks up sounds coming from the front and back of the mic and ignores sounds coming from the sides. To capture complex instruments, this type of microphone is generally combined with omnidirectional or cardioid sensors. Therefore, it offers very soft and pleasant treble to hear. But its weak point is only at the slightly low output level.

The Contemporary Ribbon

As a modern microphone, the SE Electronics X1R offers unbeatable value for money. Like all conventional ribbon microphones, it has a figure-of-eight polar pattern. Used very close, the mic may require EQ compensation. Unlike the majority of ribbon microphones, the X1R is a very durable beast.

Since the ribbon is cut from two-micron aluminum, it can handle SPLs up to 135 dB. Equipped with a passive ribbon, its output is quite low with a sensitivity of -55.3 dB. To get the most out of the microphone, consider pairing the microphone with a good preamp. Alternatively, an active gain amplifier such as the Cloud Lifter can be used.

As a ribbon microphone , the audio quality is close to the sound of dynamic coil microphones. This is explained by its frequency range which does not differ too much from that of dynamic microphones. As the SE Electronics X1R features a single diaphragm, it delivers sound completely devoid of coloration.

As a result, when applied to the electric guitar, the sound produced sounds with a completely natural sharpness and clarity . In other words, the sound produced is perfect, without additional fizz, but authentic . For a vocal application, the rendering of the microphone is close to that of moving coil microphones.

After comparison, we can even attest that the sound result of the SE Electronics X1R remains the best, much more open and natural. The performance remains the same for acoustic guitars. The sound produced is incomparably soft. You can therefore use a 20 kHz HF EQ boost without worries.

Overall, I find this microphone to be a do-it-all microphone . It also offers good overall performance for several types of instruments and for vocal recording.

Ultimately, it has nothing to envy of the Coles 4038, the professional recording microphone.

Our opinion on the SE Electronics X1R

Do you want a professional microphone of very good quality and very versatile? So, I highly recommend the SE Electronics X1R. Of course, it is a ribbon microphone , but its sound quality is close to those of condenser microphones and dynamic microphones. With the X1R, you are dealing with a ribbon microphone at the cutting edge of the latest technologies. By choosing this microphone for studio recording, you are choosing quality at an incredible price.

SE Electronics X1R Demo

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