sE Electronics RN17 - Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

sE Electronics RN17 – Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

The sE Electronics RN17 is a small-diaphragm condenser microphone developed in collaboration with Rupert Neve. It features a high-performance hand-wound transformer and a 17.2 mm gold-plated Mylar capsule, delivering exceptional clarity across all frequencies. Its extended response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, combined with a robust metal body and custom shockmount, ensures natural, detailed, and consistent reproduction in both studio and live applications.

Main features

• Capsule Type: Hand-made true condenser, 17.2mm gold Mylar diaphragm.
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid (Omnidirectional available separately).
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz.
• Output impedance: 200 Ω.
• Sensitivity: 5.96 mV/Pa (–44.5 dBV); Figure 8: 2.51 mV/Pa (–52 dBV).
• Maximum SPL: 131 dB (0.5% THD @ 1 kHz).
• Self-noise: 18 dB(A) (cardioid), 15 dB(A) (omni).
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 76 dB.
• Transformer: Hand-wound Rupert Neve, provides warmth and body.
• Connector: Gold-plated XLR-3F male.
• Power supply: Phantom 48 V (IEC 61938).
• Dimensions: Transformer diameter 44 mm, capsule 17 mm; length 200 mm.
• Weight: 320 g.

Product benefits

• Exceptional clarity and detail in bass, midrange and treble thanks to the oversized transformer.
• Linear and balanced response that does not color the sound source.
• Side and rear noise rejection with cardioid pattern for noisy environments.
• Quick bayonet mount allows changing capsules without tools.
• Durable construction for intensive studio and touring use.

Use cases

• Recording of acoustic instruments: guitars, pianos, strings, with fidelity and body.
• Drum Overheads: Precise stereo imaging and realistic dynamics.
• Field recording and environments: global capture without loss of detail.
• Professional stereo pairs: via stereo bar (276 mm max. separation).
• Studio voice: vocal clarity and natural reproduction without artifice.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does it require phantom power? Yes; 48 V according to IEC 61938.
• Does it include a shock mount? Yes; a custom shock mount to reduce vibrations.
• Can capsules be changed? Yes; bayonet system for installing omnidirectional, supercardioid, figure-8, etc.
• Does it come in a stereo pair? There's a stereo pair version with a soundbar and carrying case.

Description for projects

Rupert Neve hand-wound transformer small diaphragm condenser microphone, 17.2 mm gold Mylar capsule, cardioid, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 200 Ω, sensitivity 5.96 mV/Pa, SPL 131 dB, noise 18 dB(A), 48 V phantom, weight 320 g.