Pricing and availability
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Reviews
Price
Average Price: $105
Standard/Professional
$100
$401+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 8 merchants for "sE Electronics X1". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Discover the ultimate blend of affordability and performance with the sE Electronics X1, a large-diaphragm condenser microphone that's perfect for home studios and budding recordists. Engineered to deliver a sound quality that rivals higher-end models, the X1 is a versatile tool for capturing vocals, acoustic instruments, and even the heaviest of kick drums with stunning clarity.
Designed with an all-metal housing, the X1 not only looks sleek but also provides excellent protection against electrical interference. Its robust construction ensures it will be a long-lasting staple in your recording setup. The microphone's upgraded capsule and overhauled electronics promise a well-balanced frequency response and impressive dynamics, making it an excellent choice for a wide variety of recording applications.
For those dealing with high SPL environments, the X1 includes a -20dB attenuation pad, allowing for close-mic techniques on loud sources without distortion. Additionally, the 100Hz low-cut switch effectively reduces unwanted low-frequency rumble, perfect for taming
Product specs
| Brand | sE Electronics |
| Model | X1 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2010 - 2017 |
| Made In | China |
| Categories | Microphones |
| Electronics | Analog, Solid State |
| Microphone Type | Large-Diaphragm Condenser |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Wired/Wireless | Wired |
FAQs
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What type of microphone is the sE Electronics X1?
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The sE Electronics X1 is a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone, ideal for capturing vocals and a variety of instruments with clarity and detail.
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Is the sE Electronics X1 suitable for home studio recording?
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Yes, the sE Electronics X1 is well-suited for home studio recording due to its low self-noise and versatile frequency response, making it effective for vocals, acoustic instruments, and more.
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What is the polar pattern of the sE Electronics X1?
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The sE Electronics X1 features a cardioid polar pattern, which focuses on sound from the front while minimizing ambient noise from the sides and rear, making it great for isolating the desired sound source.
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Does the sE Electronics X1 require phantom power?
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Yes, the sE Electronics X1 requires 48V phantom power to operate, which is standard for condenser microphones and typically supplied by most audio interfaces and mixers.
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What is the frequency response range of the sE Electronics X1?
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The sE Electronics X1 offers a frequency response range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, providing a full spectrum capture suitable for a wide range of recording applications.
Videos
Podcastage
sE Electronics X1 Review / Test
Reviews
PROS
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Crisp, clear sound quality for vocals and acoustic instruments
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Excellent performance with high-pitched instruments like flutes and saxophones
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Almost flat frequency response for accurate sound reproduction
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Affordable price with full features
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Includes low cut and pad switches for versatile recording
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Sturdy construction ensures durability
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Great for podcasts and voice-overs
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Highly recommended for jazz concerts and trumpet sections
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Versatile for recording diverse instruments, including guitars and percussions
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Good value as an entry-level condenser mic
CONS
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Lacks a shock mount, requiring additional purchase
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Male vocals may lack definition without a line booster
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Not as exceptional for drum overheads and electric guitar compared to other uses
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about sE Electronics X1.
Features and functionality
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The X1 S microphone is appreciated for its performance, but users consistently criticize the efficacy of the included RF-X Reflexion Filter, calling it ineffective in untreated rooms.
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The X1 S is noted for having a sibilant quality, which may not suit those looking for a less bright mic for certain vocal styles.
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Use cases and applications
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Owners find the X1 S microphone usable in makeshift setups, like under heavy blankets, providing satisfactory results for beginners without professional soundproofing.
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The X1a is recommended for users with tight budgets who need a versatile, small condenser mic for general purposes.
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The SM58 and SM57 are suggested for punk and grunge vocals due to their raw, garage band sound, contrasting with the X1 S's more refined tone.
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Value and pricing
User experience
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It's noted that placing sound dampers behind the user, rather than relying on the reflection filter, significantly improves recording quality by reducing unwanted reflections.
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Owners report that the X1a can have electronic interference issues, which may be resolved by adjusting cable arrangements.
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Comparisons
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The sE X1a is noted as a decent all-rounder, but some users prefer the Tascam TM-80 or Aston Element for budget-friendly alternatives.
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The sE X1a is seen as a substantial upgrade over the SM57 for vocals, despite its white noise issue in some setups.
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The Rode NT1 is recommended over the X1 S for those seeking less sibilance and a balanced sound in the same price range.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 21 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
"Mics used: Neumann KM 184 http://amzn.to/2vhnJ6I SE Electronics Voodoo VRII http://amzn.to/2hnAUgn SE Electronics X1 http://amzn.to/2hmTiG9 Neumann TLM-102 http://amzn.to/2vsuuTv Shure SM57 http://amzn.to/2hnf5O3"
Used live as a guitar cabinet mic, as mentioned by alt-J's FOH engineer Lance Reynolds on his official sE Electronics artist page.
"I also keep an sEX1 in my mic box...as a sort of "Swiss Army" mic. I've used it on guitar cabs, bass cabs, drum overheads, audience...it works on just about everything."
Used live as an overhead mic, as mentioned by alt-J's FOH engineer Lance Reynolds on his official sE Electronics artist page.
"I also keep an sEX1 in my mic box...as a sort of "Swiss Army" mic. I've used it on guitar cabs, bass cabs, drum overheads, audience...it works on just about everything."
At t=0:18, we can see a pair of black microphone in front of her, theses are sE X1
Used live as a guitar and bass cabinet mic, as mentioned by alt-J's FOH engineer Lance Reynolds in this December 16, 2013 sE Electronics blog post.
The sE X1 has had quite a workout, according to Reynolds. "I've used the sE X1 as an overhead, I've used it as an audience mic and I've tried it on guitar and bass cabinets. It seems to be all-purpose, and seems to work on just about anything you put it on." Lately, he says, he has been using the sE X1 as an audience mic for the in-ear monitor mix: "Often times, a little pencil mic is too focused. The sE X1's give it the bigger picture."
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 X1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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