sE Electronics VR1 - Passive Dynamic Ribbon Microphone

sE Electronics VR1 – Dynamic Ribbon Microphone

The sE Electronics VR1 is a passive ribbon microphone that delivers a full frequency range (20 Hz–18 kHz) thanks to an innovative mechanical device designed by Siwei Zou and a hand-tensioned 2.5 µm aluminum ribbon. Its bidirectional (figure-8) pattern captures sound from the front and rear with an open, detailed, and natural representation, avoiding the murkiness typical of many ribbons. The all-metal housing and gold-plated XLR connector ensure a solid connection and excellent interference rejection, ideal for electric guitars, drum overheads, and high-level sound sources.

Main features

• Transducer: 2.5 µm hand-tensioned aluminum ribbon.
• Polar pattern: Figure 8, front and rear capture with side rejection.
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 18 kHz.
• Output impedance: 300 Ω.
• Sensitivity: –52 dB (1 V/Pa at 1 kHz).
• Maximum SPL: 135 dB (0.5% THD @ 1 kHz).
• Electronics: Passive, no phantom power required; protected against accidental phantom power.
• Construction: Robust metal housing and gold-plated 3-pin XLR connector.
• Dimensions: 33 × 19.5 × 127 mm.
• Weight: 230 g.
• Included accessories: Microphone clip, thread adapter and wooden case with anti-vibration mount.

Product benefits

• Detailed and natural capture of electric guitars, drum overheads and brass.
• Full range of frequencies with body and definition without “muddy highs”.
• High durability and resistance to intensive use without the need for external power.
• Rejection of electrical interference and noise thanks to the metal housing and gold-plated XLR.
• Built-in protection against accidental phantom power.

Use cases

• Electric guitars: Highlights attack and body without obscuring the highs.
• Drum Overheads: Capture cymbal detail and front/rear ambience.
• Acoustic and brass instruments: Open and balanced sound, ideal for strings and wind instruments.
• Live and multitrack recordings: Versatile use without worrying about phantom power.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does it need phantom power? No; it's completely passive and phantom-protected.
• Is the tape fragile? The 2.5 µm aluminum tape is designed to withstand professional handling.
• What mounts does it include? Standard clamp, thread adapter, and wooden case with anti-vibration mount.
• Why choose VR1 over other ribbons? It offers a response of 20 Hz–18 kHz without losing definition in the treble or body in the bass.

Description for projects

Passive ribbon microphone with 2.5 µm aluminum ribbon, figure-8 pattern, 20 Hz–18 kHz, impedance 300 Ω, sensitivity –52 dB, SPL 135 dB, metal housing, gold-plated XLR, dimensions 33×19.5×127 mm, weight 230 g.