sE Electronics Z5600A II - Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

sE Electronics Z5600A II – Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

The sE Electronics Z5600A II is a large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone, the brainchild of Rupert Neve Designs and sE Electronics. Its dual 35mm gold-plated, hand-wound capsule delivers a wide dynamic range and ultra-linear response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, while the 12AX7 tube amplifier stage delivers warmth, body, and an unmistakable analog character. With nine switchable polar patterns, a –10 dB pad, and a 50 Hz low-cut filter, this microphone flexibly adapts to vocals, acoustic instruments, amplifiers, and orchestral environments, ensuring detailed and nuanced recordings.

Main features

• Transducer: Twin 35mm gold-plated Mylar large-diaphragm condenser, hand-crafted.
• Valve: 1×12AX7/ECC83 in input stage.
• Polar patterns: 9 positions (cardioid, omnidirectional, figure 8 and 6 intermediate).
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz.
• Output impedance: 200 Ω.
• Attenuation pad: –10 dB switchable.
• Low-cut filter: 50 Hz, 6 dB/oct, switchable.
• Maximum SPL: 135 dB (0.5% THD @ 1 kHz).
• Equivalent noise: 13 dB(A).
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 81 dB.
• Microphone dimensions: Ø 62 × 220 mm; weight 850 g.
• Power supply dimensions: 186 × 157 × 81 mm; weight 1,970 g.

Product benefits

• Warmth and musicality of the 12AX7 valve, with a classic body and modern presence.
• Total capture flexibility for multiple applications thanks to nine polar patterns.
• Precise proximity and bass control via low-cut filter and attenuation pad.
• High signal-to-noise ratio and low self-noise for quiet, detailed recordings.
• Robust construction with gold-plated capsule and metal housing, suitable for professional studio.

Use cases

• Lead vocals and backing vocals: Presence, warmth and definition without sibilance.
• Acoustic and string instruments: Natural capture of nuances and resonances.
• Amplifiers and drums: Handling high sound pressure levels without distortion.
• Overheads and room ambience: Use of omni or figure 8 patterns for immersive stereo imaging.
• Orchestral recording and broadcast: Field versatility with integrated intermediate patterns and controls.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do you change polar patterns? Using the 9-position rotary switch on the power supply.
• Does it include a case or flight case? It comes with a power supply, 8-pin cable, custom suspension, and an aluminum flight case.
• Can very loud sources be attenuated? Yes; the –10 dB pad allows recording up to 135 dB SPL without distortion.
• Does it require a phantom power supply? No phantom power is required; power is supplied by the included external power supply.

Description for projects

Twin 35 mm large diaphragm tube condenser microphone, 9 polar patterns, 12AX7 tube, 50 Hz filter, –10 dB pad, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 200 Ω, SPL 135 dB, noise 13 dB(A), Ø 62×220 mm, 850 g, external source 186×157×81 mm, 1 970 g.