sE Electronics GEMINI II - Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

sE Electronics Gemini II – Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

The sE Electronics Gemini II is a large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone that pays homage to the classic era of tube microphones while combining modern features. It features a 12AX7 input tube and a 12AU7 output tube to deliver the warmth and body of legendary designs, while maintaining a clean top end thanks to its transformerless stage. Its hand-crafted, gold-plated 27 mm (1.06") capsule provides an extended 20 Hz to 20 kHz response with a slight boost at 10 kHz for air and presence. Featuring a low-cut switch, –10 dB pad, and a cardioid pattern, the Gemini II is suitable for a wide variety of sources: vocals, acoustic guitars, drum overheads, backing vocals, piano, and more.

Main features

• Transducer: Large diaphragm condenser (27 mm), True Condenser, gold-plated capsule.
• Tubes: 1×12AX7 input, 1×12AU7 output (dual-tube design).
• Polar pattern: Cardioid.
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (with slight elevation at 10 kHz).
• Output impedance: 200 Ω.
• Sensitivity: 12.6 mV/Pa (–38 dBV).
• Equivalent noise level: 12 dB(A).
• Maximum SPL: 135 dB (0.5% THD @ 1 kHz).
• Attenuation pad: –10 dB, switchable.
• Low-cut filter: 150 Hz, 6 dB/oct, switchable.
• Dynamic range: 122 dB (pad 0 dB) / 132 dB (pad –10 dB).
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 81 dB.
• Connectivity: Eight-pin cable to PSU with gold-plated male XLR-3.
• Microphone dimensions: Ø 80 mm × L 220 mm.
• Microphone weight: 1,180 g.
• PSU dimensions: 186 × 157 × 81 mm; weight 1 970 g.
• Included Accessories: Custom Shockmount, 8-pin cable, power supply, IEC cable.

Product benefits

• Warm, harmonic-rich sound, characteristic of the valve stage.
• Clear and detailed top end thanks to the transformerless stage.
• Gentle 10 kHz lift that brings air without being strident.
• High SPL tolerance for powerful sources such as drums and amplifiers.
• Built-in low-cut selector and pad make recording in a variety of scenarios easy.
• Robust construction and aesthetic design with distinctive green finish.

Use cases

• Studio Voices: Capturing nuances and vocal warmth without sibilance.
• Drum Overheads: Accurate replication of cymbals and kit dynamics.
• Acoustic and string guitars: Faithful reproduction of body and resonance.
• Piano and brass: Balanced sound image and defined presence.
• Room miking and choirs: Focused cardioid that isolates unwanted sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does it require phantom power? No; an external power supply with voltage and IEC cable is included.
• How do you activate the low-cut and pad? Using toggle switches on the PSU.
• Is it compatible with standard stands? Yes; the shockmount includes a 3/8″–5/8″ adapter.
• What tubes does it use? 12AX7 inputs and 12AU7 outputs, configured to maximize headroom and clarity.

Description for projects

Large-diaphragm condenser microphone (27 mm), dual-tube (12AX7/12AU7), cardioid, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 200 Ω, sensitivity 12.6 mV/Pa, noise 12 dB(A), SPL 135 dB, pad –10 dB, low-cut 150 Hz, Ø 80×220 mm, 1 180 g, external PSU 186×157×81 mm, 1 970 g.