sE Electronics sE1a

$154.08 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (3)

3 Critic Reviews

1 Review

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Page last updated Jun 13, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 13, 2026.

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Price

$154.08 1 available Used

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Average Price: $154

Standard/Professional

$100

$401+

Price Tier

In the Condenser Microphones category, sE Electronics sE1a is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Meet the sE Electronics sE1a, a compact powerhouse designed for the discerning audio enthusiast. This small diaphragm condenser microphone is perfect for capturing the subtleties of acoustic instruments and vocals with precision. The sE1a is crafted with a fixed cardioid capsule, ensuring that your recordings are clear and focused, minimizing off-axis noise. Notable for its presence bump in the frequency response, this microphone enhances the natural character of your sound source, adding a touch of brightness that brings your recordings to life.

Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the sE1a is built to handle high sound pressure levels without distortion, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of applications. Its robust construction ensures durability, while maintaining a sleek and professional appearance. Musicians, podcasters, and sound engineers alike will appreciate the pristine audio quality that the sE1a consistently delivers. Explore new depths in your audio projects with a microphone that marries quality with affordability.

Key Features:

Small diaphragm condenser microphone
Fixed cardioid capsule for focused sound
Presence bump in frequency response for enhanced audio clarity
High sound pressure level handling
Durable construction for long-lasting performance
Ideal for acoustic instruments, vocals, and more

Product specs

Brand	sE Electronics
Model	sE1A Small Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Finish	Nickel
Year	2009 - 2016
Made In	China
Categories	Microphones
Electronics	Analog, Passive
Microphone Type	Small-Diaphragm Condenser
Polar Pattern	Cardioid
Wired/Wireless	Wired

FAQs

What is the polar pattern of the sE Electronics sE1a microphone?: The sE Electronics sE1a features a cardioid polar pattern, which is ideal for isolating the sound source while minimizing background noise, making it suitable for close-miking applications in studio environments.
Is the sE Electronics sE1a microphone suitable for recording acoustic instruments?: Yes, the sE Electronics sE1a is a small-diaphragm condenser microphone designed to capture the detailed nuances of acoustic instruments with clarity and precision.
Does the sE Electronics sE1a require phantom power?: Yes, the sE Electronics sE1a is a condenser microphone and requires phantom power to operate, typically supplied by most audio interfaces and mixing consoles.
What is the frequency response range of the sE Electronics sE1a microphone?: The sE Electronics sE1a has a frequency response range of 30Hz to 20kHz, providing a broad spectrum that captures both low and high frequencies effectively.
Is the sE Electronics sE1a microphone durable for frequent studio use?: The sE Electronics sE1a is built with a robust nickel finish, ensuring durability and longevity for regular use in professional studio settings.

Videos

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DV247 Music Store UK TV

sE Electronics SE1A pencil condenser microphone

DV247 Music Store UK TV

Microphone test: Oktava MK012 and mke2, sE1a, JM27

Acoustic Treatment

sE Electronics - sE1a Review by Petros Antoniou

Petros Antoniou

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about sE Electronics sE1a.

Value and pricing

0 0

sE1a microphones are highlighted as a great value for overheads, especially given a used pair can be acquired for under $100.
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The sE X1a is considered a solid choice in tight budgets but may not match the quality of slightly more expensive models like the Lewitt 240 Pro.
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Use cases and applications

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The sE1a is praised for its slight boost above 8k, making it ideal for capturing cymbals as overhead mics in a drum setup.
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sE1a microphones are noted for their suitability in a variety of recording scenarios, including sound effects, foley, acoustic guitars, and live recordings.
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Comparisons

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The sE1a is described as having a flat response below 8k, differentiating it from the Audio-Technica ATH450, which has more "air."
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The Aston Element is often preferred over the sE X1a for similar pricing, suggesting a distinct difference in user satisfaction.
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The sE1a is compared favorably to Rode NT5's for those seeking flexibility with separate microphones rather than a fixed capsule setup.
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User experience

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Owners appreciate the "air" boost in the sE1a, particularly for cymbals, making it a favored choice despite not being the most natural-sounding option.
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Users report the sE X1a as a good utility mic for daily use, despite some preferring other models for primary tasks.
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It's suggested that "matched pairs" may be more marketing than necessity, but buying a used matched pair might ensure more consistent handling and condition.
Source

Setup and maintenance

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White noise issues with the sE X1a can result from electronic interference, which can be resolved by adjusting cable arrangements during setups.
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Features and functionality

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The sE1a can potentially be enhanced with interchangeable capsules to switch between cardioid, Omni, or figure-8 patterns, although personal experience with these capsules is not detailed.
Source

Critic Reviews

SE Electronics SE1A • SE2A • SE3

soundonsound.com

The sE Electronics sE1a microphone impresses with its solid build, clean sound, and remarkable affordability. With a slightly extended frequency range and low noise levels, it's suitable for most studio applications. While it lacks pad or filter switches, its robust design can handle high sound pressure levels comfortably. The absence of a figure-of-eight capsule in the SE2A is a minor drawback, but the inclusion of interchangeable heads compensates with versatility. Despite ordinary technical specs on paper, these mics deliver an open, musical sound ideal for various recording needs. Overall, they're a fantastic value, especially for those seeking quality without breaking the bank.

positive

Full Review

Field Test: SE Electronics SE1A, SE2 and SE3 Mics

mixonline.com

The sE Electronics sE1A mic impresses with its budget-friendly price and solid construction, making it a strong contender for those seeking affordable condenser mics. While it might be too bright for some tastes, careful placement can yield excellent results, especially in drum recording scenarios. Its siblings, the SE2 and SE3, share similar electronics but offer different features like interchangeable capsules and low-end roll-offs. The SE3 particularly shines with its balanced, accurate sound and superior transient handling, besting more expensive competitors on several sources. Overall, the SE1A, along with its counterparts, is a commendable choice for those on a tight budget.

positive

Full Review

sE Electronics sE1a review on audiotechnology.com

audiotechnology.com

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

lewis_campbell

165

about 10 years ago

Great little mics

I use these to record guitar, and weird little sample things. They do this really well.

Artist usage

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Thom Green

Drummer, Composer

Alt-J

Verified via sE Electronics

Used live for the bass drum, as mentioned by alt-J's FOH engineer Lance Reynolds on his official sE Electronics artist page.

"The toy glockenspiel is mic'd with an sE5, capturing a nice twinkle. And I'm using an sE1a on the snare bottom. A condenser may seem like an odd choice for such a loud source, but it produces an interesting voice that you wouldn't get from a dynamic mic. It does take a beating, but so far it has held up well."