Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 10 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (30)
$549.00
Guitar Center
4.5 (3)
$569.00 $549.00 $20.00 · All time low
Amazon
4.3 (23)
$519.00
Reverb
5.0 (3)
$364.77 New
$429.99 Used
Musician's Friend
$569.00 $549.00 $20.00 · All time low
B&H
4.0 (5)
$549.00
Thomann
4.8 (135)
$389.00 $385.00 $4.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£295.00

Average Price: $503

High-end/Boutique

$100

$401+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 8 merchants for "SE Electronics SE8 Stereo Set". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The SE Electronics SE8 Stereo Set is your gateway to capturing pristine soundscapes, whether you're in the studio or on stage. As a handcrafted masterpiece, each small-diaphragm condenser microphone boasts a bespoke capsule design, ensuring an exceptional balance between detail and warmth. Ideal for precise audio capture, the SE8 is perfect for recording high-hats, drum overheads, and acoustic instruments with a clarity that reveals every nuance.

Equipped with two switchable pre-attenuation pads and low-cut filters, the SE8 delivers unparalleled flexibility. The pads allow for an extended dynamic range, making it suitable for close-mic techniques on loud sources like brass instruments and snares. Meanwhile, the low-cut filters, selectable at 80Hz or 160Hz, help to eliminate unwanted low-frequency rumble.

The all-metal housing of the SE8 ensures durability and effective rejection of electrical interference, while its gold-plated XLR connectors guarantee a reliable signal connection. Each microphone in this stereo pair is meticulously matched, ensuring identical performance and the highest possible stereo imaging accuracy. Whether you're recording orchestras or solo performances, the SE8 Stereo Set is engineered to deliver a transparent sound quality that stands out.

Key Features:

  • Handmade small diaphragm condenser capsule
  • Cardioid polar pattern
  • Frequency range: 20 to 20,000 Hz
  • Max SPL: 139/149/159 dB SPL (0/10/20 dB pad)
  • 13 dB (A) inherent noise
  • Switchable LoCut: 80 / 160Hz (6dB / oct.)
  • Switchable Pad: 0dB, 10dB, 20dB
  • Requires 48 V phantom power
  • Includes windscreen, microphone clamp, stereo bar, and transport case

Product specs

Available since December 2017
Battery Powered No
Directional Microphone No
Stereo Pair Yes
switchable lowcut Yes
switchable pad Yes
characteristic cardoid

FAQs

Does the SE Electronics SE8 Stereo Set require phantom power?

Yes, the SE Electronics SE8 Stereo Set requires 48 volts of phantom power to operate, as it uses true condenser technology.

What polar pattern does the SE Electronics SE8 Stereo Set use?

The SE Electronics SE8 Stereo Set features a cardioid polar pattern, which is ideal for isolating the sound source and minimizing background noise.

Is the SE Electronics SE8 Stereo Set suitable for recording instruments?

Yes, the SE Electronics SE8 Stereo Set is excellent for recording instruments, especially due to its small-diaphragm condenser design, which captures detailed and accurate sound.

What features does the SE Electronics SE8 Stereo Set offer for sound customization?

The SE Electronics SE8 Stereo Set includes a switchable low-cut filter and a switchable pad, allowing for greater control over the sound capture in various recording environments.

Are the microphones in the SE Electronics SE8 Stereo Set matched?

Yes, the SE Electronics SE8 Stereo Set includes matched microphones, ensuring consistent and balanced stereo recordings.

ppm6.tv

ppm6.tv

sE8 - Still don't need no Neumann... or do I? Best Cheap Mic in the World.

Video thumbnail for sE8 - Still don't need no Neumann... or do I? Best Cheap Mic in the World. by ppm6.tv

sE8 - Still don't need no Neumann... or do I? Best Cheap Mic in the World.

ppm6.tv

ppm6.tv

Video thumbnail for sE Electronics sE8 Mic Review / Test (vs. sE7, SM81, KM184) by Podcastage

sE Electronics sE8 Mic Review / Test (vs. sE7, SM81, KM184)

Podcastage

Podcastage

Video thumbnail for Neumann KM184 vs SE Electronics SE8 - Drum Overheads by Declan White

Neumann KM184 vs SE Electronics SE8 - Drum Overheads

Declan White

Declan White

Video thumbnail for Neumann KM184 vs SE8 vs Rode NT5 / Mic comparison! by Fred Tafuri

Neumann KM184 vs SE8 vs Rode NT5 / Mic comparison!

Fred Tafuri

Fred Tafuri

Video thumbnail for sE Electronics sE8 Mics -  Sound Samples by Pixel Pro Audio

sE Electronics sE8 Mics - Sound Samples

Pixel Pro Audio

Pixel Pro Audio

Video thumbnail for SE Electronics SE8 shootout by Dracomies

SE Electronics SE8 shootout

Dracomies

Dracomies

Video thumbnail for Comparing Microphones with Alberto Ziliotto - VR2 & sE8 by sE Electronics

Comparing Microphones with Alberto Ziliotto - VR2 & sE8

sE Electronics

sE Electronics

Video thumbnail for SE Electronic Se8 match pair - SDC condenser - Review by Marco Primeau Q & A

SE Electronic Se8 match pair - SDC condenser - Review

Marco Primeau Q & A

Marco Primeau Q & A

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about SE Electronics SE8 Stereo Set.

Setup and maintenance

  • The SE8 Stereo Set includes adapters in the mic clips that must be unscrewed for proper mounting on the stereo bar, which isn't detailed in the manual.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Users plan to use the SE8 Stereo Pair for recording acoustic guitar in stereo, highlighting its suitability for capturing instrumental nuances.

    Source
  • The sE8 integrates low and high frequencies more cohesively than many budget condensers, maintaining clarity and unity even when boosting high frequencies.

    Source
  • SE8s offer interchangeable capsules for cardioid and omni patterns, with the omni having 15 dB self-noise and 79 dB SNR, allowing versatile recording applications.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The stereo bar can be configured to handle ORTF mic positioning, accommodating advanced recording techniques for more realistic sound staging.

    Source
  • The sE8 stereo set is used effectively in a Faulkner array with 66cm spacing, combined with cardioid and omni mics, for detailed orchestral recordings.

    Source
  • The SE8's 159 dB SPL capability makes it suitable for recording high-impact sounds like WWII weapons and mortar shots, appealing to field recordists.

    Source
  • SE8s are not the first choice for natural outdoor ambience due to their presence peak; alternatives like Line Audio OM1s are preferred for such conditions.

    Source

User experience

  • New users find the setup process non-intuitive, especially for those inexperienced with recording gear, due to the lack of detailed instructions for the stereo bar.

    Source
  • Some users report that the self-noise of the sE8 appears higher than advertised, especially when recording very quiet sources, leading to potential returns.

    Source
  • Users find the SE8s to have a presence peak in the upper mids/lower treble, making them favorable for instruments like choirs, organs, and pianos.

    Source

Other

  • The initial expectation is that the SE8 Stereo Set would be straightforward to use out of the box, but additional understanding of the adapters is necessary for proper setup.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The sE8 is considered an upgrade over the sE7, with higher SPL handling, lower self-noise, and better SNR, making it preferable until reaching the Neumann KM184 level.

    Source
  • The SE8 is considered a very good Neumann KM184 clone but is noted to be more susceptible to humidity and temperature, impacting outdoor usage.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners feel the sE8 sounds more expensive than its price, comparing favorably to mics significantly more costly, though it is outshined by high-end brands like Schoeps and Sennheiser.

    Source

Build quality

  • SE8s are wider in diameter than typical SDCs, presenting challenges with shock mounts like Rycotes, although they aren't excessively long.

    Source

Critic Reviews

sE Electronics sE8

soundonsound.com

sE Electronics' SE8 Stereo Set delivers a surprisingly natural sound for its price, making it an excellent choice for a variety of instruments. Its dual pad and filter options enhance versatility, and the build quality is commendable. While it lacks the option for interchangeable capsules, this shouldn't deter those seeking reliable performance in a small-diaphragm mic. Overall, the SE8s prove to be a worthwhile addition to any studio setup, especially for those on a budget.

positive

Review: Two Versatile Condensers

mixonline.com

The sE Electronics SE8 Stereo Set shines as a versatile and affordable condenser microphone, providing smooth sonic capture and excellent transient response, particularly on drums and piano. Its user-friendly features, including switchable low-cut filters and attenuation pads, make it a valuable addition to any recording setup. While it lacks any significant downsides, the review highlights the quality of sound and construction that belies its entry-level price. For musicians seeking professional results on a budget, the SE8 is a no-brainer investment.

positive

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