sE

Reviews | sE RNR1
90
T
he recent partnership of sE
and Rupert Neve has created
a new range of high spec
microphones of which the
RNR1 ribbon mic is the fi rst to be
released. With Siwei Zou and the sE
team taking care of the physical design,
Rupert Neve has created the discrete op
amp and two custom hand-wound
transformers that redress the HF roll-off
of the ribbon element, extend the lower
frequency response and reduce the
inevitable increase in the noise fl oor
caused by the fl attening of the response
curve. The result is a ribbon mic that is
phantom powered with a remarkably fl at
response from 20Hz to 25kHz.
Well presented
The RNR1 comes in a handsome
wooden box which slots into the fl ight
case with a top quality suspension
mount and manual. The mic is tall and
well-built so a strong stand is necessary,
especially for boom operation. This
weight is a mark of quality as powerful
magnets, good casing (RF protection)
and two transformers should never
result in low mass.
Alongside a selection of my favourite
ribbons and condensers I started testing
the RNR1 with an acoustic guitar. While
the other mics all had a ‘sound’ or
interpretation of the guitar, for better
and worse, the RNR1 sounded like
nothing, but in a good way. It sounded
distinctly natural, highlighting the good
and bad qualities simultaneously as well
as those of the room around it. This
response was consistent across all the
sources used – drums, electric guitar,
bass guitar, voice, harmonium and
upright piano. The mid-range has the
classic smoothness and clarity for which
ribbon mics are renowned.
Though the RNR1 is designed to
have the wide range response of
condenser mics it does not display the
associated upper-mid hype and this
gives it a strong sense of acoustic
realism. The low-mid response
translates complex and close
resonances in this critical band with a
separation I have never heard before.
Big bottom
Where this mic stands out is at the
extremes of the frequency spectrum,
which is where the input of Rupert Neve
becomes apparent. I have ribbon mics
that I favour for LF work, but the RNR1
just seemed to go down an extra octave
to produce some of the most glorious
lows I’ve ever encountered.
At the other end of the spectrum the
same extension and transient response
occurs with a smooth and accurate
response that never blurs complex
harmonic interrelationships. It also
allows the airy realism of a source and
its acoustic space to come through
without hype or harshness. This is a
pleasingly sensitive mic and is ideal for
uses where the translation of the
acoustic space is important. The low
noise fl oor of the RNR1 coupled with
the extended HF response means it
works well on very quiet sources.
Great performer
Considering what sE have set out to
achieve the RNR1 is a resounding
success. This is without a doubt a new
benchmark in ribbon mic performance
and active microphone circuitry.
Bespoke transformers, high build
quality and extensive research come at
a price, which in this case is just over
£2,000. If you can afford it and you’ve
already got a well-stocked mic cupboard
then the RNR1 would be a worthy and
unique addition.
I would always recommend saving
for one great piece of equipment rather
than lots of half-hearted gear, and this
is worth saving for if you regularly record
acoustic instruments and have access
to good acoustic spaces.
sE RNR1 | £2,179
sE team up with audio legend Rupert Neve to
redefi ne ribbon mic performance with the RNR1.
Robbie Stamp gets critical on this new defi nition…
VERDICT
BUILD
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VALUE
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EASE OF USE
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VERSATILITY
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RESULTS
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A unique design that sets a new
standard for ribbon mics at a price
that refl ects its quality.
SPECS
Diaphragm type: 2.5
micron aluminium ribbon
Polar Pattern: Figure-of-8
Frequency range: 20Hz to
25kHz
Sensitivity: -32dB
(referenced 1v/pa ±1dB)
Equivalent Noise Level:
15dB (A weighted)
Max SPL: >135dB SPL
Output Impedance: 200Ω
(balanced)
Rated Load Impedance:
1000Ω
Additional Controls:
High-pass fi lter switch
Package contents:
Suspension mount, padded
wooden microphone case,
protective cloth hood, fl ight
case.
Weight:
830g
WHAT IS IT?
Extended frequency range
active ribbon microphone
with Rupert Neve designed
amplifi er circuit and
output transformers.
CONTACT
Who: Sonic Distribution
Tel: [phone]
Web: seelectronics.com
HIGHLIGHTS
1 Extended frequency range
2 Smooth ribbon sound with
great transient response
3 High quality engineering
FMU219.rev_se 90 11/9/09 3:37:20 pm