sE Electronics VR2 - Active Dynamic Ribbon Microphone

sE Electronics VR2 – Active Dynamic Ribbon Microphone

The sE Electronics VR2 is an active ribbon microphone that combines the smooth musicality of vintage ribbons with the clarity and high-frequency extension of a condenser. It features a hand-wound 2.5µm aluminum ribbon powered by active electronics, requires +48V phantom power and delivers a high sensitivity of 10mV/Pa (–40dBV). Its bidirectional (figure-8) pattern captures sound from both front and rear with natural detail, while the rugged metal housing and gold-plated XLR connector ensure a clean connection and excellent interference rejection. Ideal for vocals, acoustic instruments, piano, guitars, drum overheads, and brass, the VR2 handles SPLs up to 135dB without distortion, delivering a warm, open sound across the full spectrum (20Hz–18kHz).

Main features

• Electronics: Active, requires +48 V phantom.
• Transducer: 2.5 µm hand-crafted aluminum ribbon.
• Polar pattern: Figure 8, for front and rear capture.
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 18 kHz.
• Output impedance: 200 Ω.
• Sensitivity: 10 mV/Pa (–40 dBV).
• Maximum SPL: 135 dB (0.5% THD @ 1 kHz).
• Own noise: 18 dB(A).
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 76 dB.
• Connector: XLR 3 pin male gold plated.
• Dimensions: 33 × 20 × 187 mm.
• Weight: 360 g.
• Includes: Foot clamp, thread adapter, shockmount, wooden case.

Product benefits

• Warm and smooth sound characteristic of tapes, with treble extension thanks to the active stage.
• High sensitivity and low self-noise to capture nuances in voices and acoustic instruments.
• High SPL handling (135 dB) without distortion, suitable for powerful sources such as guitars and drums.
• Side noise rejection with figure-8 pattern, ideal for mid-side stereo configurations.
• Rugged construction and professional connectivity for studio and live environments.

Use cases

• Voices and acoustic instruments: clarity and detail with an organic character.
• Drum Overheads: Balance between cymbal attack and kit body.
• Piano and strings: reproduce nuances without emphasizing room resonances.
• Electric guitars and amplifiers: direct pickup without harshness.
• Mid-side stereo recording: figure of 8 for channel S in MS techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do you need phantom power? Yes, +48 V phantom power according to IEC 61938.
• What protection does it have against accidental phantom power? It includes internal protection to prevent damage if phantom power is applied to the passive VR1.
• Can it be used outdoors? Yes; its metal housing and shock mount reduce vibrations and handling noise.
• Is it compatible with MS stereo? Yes; the figure-8 pattern makes it perfect as an S microphone.

Description for projects

Active ribbon microphone with +48 V phantom power, 2.5 µm aluminum transducer, figure-8 pattern, 20 Hz–18 kHz, impedance 200 Ω, sensitivity 10 mV/Pa, SPL 135 dB, noise 18 dB(A), gold XLR, 33×20×187 mm, 360 g.