sE Electronics RN17 (Pair) - Small Diaphragm Cardioid Capsule

sE Electronics RN17 (Pair) – Small Diaphragm Cardioid Capsule

The factory-matched pair of RN17 cardioid polar pattern capsules, a collaboration between sE Electronics and Rupert Neve, redefines small-diaphragm recording. Each 17.2mm Gold/Mylar True Condenser capsule features a hand-wound high-performance transformer, delivering harmonic warmth and exceptional clarity without sacrificing the responsiveness characteristic of small condensers. With a frequency response of 20Hz–20kHz and a maximum SPL of 131dB , the RN17 Cardioid delivers detail and dynamics for demanding studio and live recording.

Main features

• Hand-crafted True Condenser Capsule: 17.2mm Gold/Mylar diaphragm for maximum transparency.
• Cardioid Polar Pattern: Effective rejection of off-axis signals for clean recordings.
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz to cover the entire audible spectrum.
• Sensitivity: 6 mV/Pa (–44.5 dBV) to capture subtleties without clipping.
• Equivalent noise: 18 dB(A) in cardioid mode, ideal for quiet environments.
• Maximum SPL: 131 dB (0.5% THD @ 1 kHz) for powerful sources without distortion.
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 76 dB for high level of detail.
• Electrical impedance: 200 Ω output, recommended load > 1 kΩ.
• Power supply: Phantom 48 V (IEC 61938), consumption 3.0 mA per capsule.
• Connectivity: 3-pin male XLR connector.
• Dimensions: Length 200 mm; transformer diameter 44 mm.
• Weight: 320g per capsule; stereo bar 300×25mm, 245g.
• Included accessories: Stereo mounting bar, 2 shock mounts, adapters, wooden case, metal case and manual.

Product benefits

• Coherent stereo imaging: Matched capsules guarantee identical phase and timbre.
• Clarity and warmth: Neve Transformer adds body without losing definition.
• Low noise: Clear pickups in studios and quiet rooms.
• Professional versatility: Ideal for overheads, choirs, strings, pianos and ambient recording.

Use cases

• Stereo recording of grand piano and string ensembles.
• Overheads and ambience on drums and percussion.
• Recording choirs and group vocals in the studio.
• Room recordings for film and video game projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does it require phantom power? Yes, it uses 48 V according to IEC 61938.
• How do I mount in XY or AB? Adjust the stereo bar to the desired spacing (58–276 mm).
• Can I change the polar pattern? Only the cardioid version is available; the omnidirectional version is purchased separately.
• Does it include a factory matching certificate? Yes, each pair comes with a phase and frequency matching report.

Description for projects

Pair of sE Electronics RN17 Cardioid capsules with 17.2 mm Gold/Mylar diaphragm, cardioid pattern, 20 Hz–20 kHz, sensitivity 6 mV/Pa, noise 18 dB(A), maximum SPL 131 dB, S/N 76 dB, impedance 200 Ω, phantom power 48 V, XLR 3-pin, dimensions 200 × 44 mm, weight 320 g each; includes stereo bar, shock mounts, adapters and case.