Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $251
Standard/Professional
$100
$401+
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Budget
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Price History
Based on price data from 8 merchants for "sE Electronics sE8". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Step into the studio with confidence and let your creativity flourish with the sE Electronics sE8, a condenser microphone that's as versatile as it is reliable. Crafted with precision, the sE8 stands out in the crowded world of studio microphones, offering pristine sound quality that captures the true essence of your performance. Whether you're laying down guitar tracks, recording a symphony of strings, or capturing the delicate nuances of vocal performances, the sE8 delivers with clarity and balance.
At the heart of the sE8's exceptional audio capture capability is its handcrafted gold-sputtered small-diaphragm capsule, meticulously assembled to ensure every detail of your sound is recorded with precision. This dedication to quality doesn’t end with sound capture; the sE8 also boasts a robust design, featuring a unique diamond-cut capsule edge and a gold-plated XLR connector, ensuring durability and consistent performance over time.
Designed to meet the demands of both stage and studio, the sE8 comes equipped with features that offer flexibility while maintaining optimal sound quality. From its nearly frequency-independent cardioid polar pattern to its impressive SPL handling, the sE8 is a trustworthy tool for producers, musicians, and sound engineers alike. Whether you're recording in a professional studio setting or capturing live performances, the sE8 adapts to your needs, delivering superior sound that elevates your productions.
Key Features:
- Handcrafted gold-sputtered small-diaphragm capsule for detailed and balanced sound
- Nearly frequency-independent cardioid polar pattern for focused audio capture
- Highpass filters at 80Hz and 160Hz to eliminate unwanted low-frequency noise
- 10dB and 20dB attenuation pads for recording louder sound sources without distortion
- Gold-plated XLR connector for optimal signal integrity
- Class-leading SPL handling and dynamic range for capturing every nuance
Product specs
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Range | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Max SPL | 139dB-159dB (with pads) |
| Output Impedance | 110 ohms |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 81dB (A weighted) |
| Self Noise | 13dB (A weighted) |
| Low Cut Filter | 80Hz/160Hz/ |
| Pads | -10dB, -20dB |
| Connector | XLR |
| Power Source | 48V phantom power |
| Dimensions | 4.72" x 0.91" |
| Weight | 4.97 oz. |
FAQs
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Does the sE Electronics sE8 require phantom power?
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Yes, the sE Electronics sE8 requires 48 volts of phantom power to operate, as it is a true condenser microphone.
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What is the polar pattern of the sE Electronics sE8?
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The sE Electronics sE8 features a cardioid polar pattern, making it ideal for capturing sound from the front while minimizing ambient noise from the sides and rear.
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How does the sE Electronics sE8 handle high sound pressure levels?
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The sE8 can handle a maximum SPL of up to 159dB with the use of its -10dB and -20dB pads, making it suitable for recording loud sources like drums and amplified instruments.
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Is the sE Electronics sE8 suitable for recording acoustic instruments?
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Yes, the sE Electronics sE8 is well-suited for recording acoustic instruments due to its wide frequency range (20Hz-20kHz) and small diaphragm, which provides detailed and accurate sound reproduction.
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What kind of connector does the sE Electronics sE8 use?
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The sE Electronics sE8 uses a standard XLR connector, ensuring compatibility with most audio interfaces and mixing consoles.
Videos
Sweetwater
sE Electronics sE8 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone Review
Reviews
PROS
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Close tolerance between mics allows for effective stereo use
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Transparent sound with flat and gentle upper mids
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Expansive, effortless bass reproduction
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Versatile across applications: piano, overheads, acoustic guitar, strings, vocals
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Optional omni capsules offer flexibility without buying new mics
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Preferred over classic dynamic mics for snare drum clarity
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Captures realistic sound with detailed snare attack and air
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Excellent value for money, competitive within its price range
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Works well with various recording setups, including SSL2 interface and Logic Pro
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Provides a balanced sound with pronounced mids for acoustic instruments
CONS
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Requires additional purchase of omni capsules for versatility
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May need -20db pad setting to avoid peaking with loud sources
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about sE Electronics sE8.
Features and functionality
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The sE8 handles high sound pressure levels and has a lower self-noise and better signal-to-noise ratio compared to the sE7, enhancing its performance in demanding environments.
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A significant high-frequency self-noise makes the sE8 less suitable for capturing quiet ambiences like distant nature sounds.
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Use cases and applications
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The sE8 excels in classical recordings, especially when used in a Faulkner array setup, offering control over depth and width for orchestral performances.
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The sE8 is effective for recording acoustic guitars with minimal processing when paired with a Shelford channel, delivering a polished sound with onboard EQ and compression.
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The sE8's omni version has a notable 9kHz treble bump, which may cause water sounds to seem unnatural.
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For ambience recordings, the sE8 might not capture the nuanced quiet details without introducing noticeable self-noise.
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Comparisons
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The sE8 is often compared to high-end mics like the Neumann KM184, with users noting it as the best small diaphragm condenser until stepping up to more expensive options.
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Owners suggest that while the sE8 is excellent for its price, it is outperformed by brands like Schoeps, Sennheiser, DPA, and Sanken, which are triple the cost.
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The Line Audio Omni1 is suggested as a more natural-sounding alternative for field recording, despite having lower output than the sE8 omni.
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Oktava MK012 and Rode NT mics are recommended over the sE8 for quiet ambient recordings due to better noise handling.
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Clippy EM272 mics are considered quieter and more natural for ambience recording, despite similar spec noise levels to the sE8.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
Samus Paulicelli uses the sE Electronics sE8 condenser microphone, as detailed on his official gear list at 66Samus.
At 20:29 in the video titled "Caleb Crosby - Kelsea Ballerini - Tour Kit Rundown" on YouTube, Chris Diener, the Front of House engineer and Production Manager, demonstrates the use of the sE Electronics sE8 condenser microphone placed underneath Caleb Crosby’s ride cymbal. This video is provided by Modern Drummer Official.
In a video by Andrew Masters titled "EPIC TINY HOME STUDIO in a CLOSET 2021 | Nashville Drum Coach (studio tour)," Ben Satterlee is observed at the 19:54 mark demonstrating the sE Electronics sE8 small-diaphragm condenser microphone, which he uses as a mono overhead microphone in his studio setup.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use sE Electronics sE8, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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