sE Electronics X1 USB

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Page last updated Feb 09, 2026

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Price

Average Price: $64

Budget/Beginner

$100

$401+

Price Tier

In the Condenser Microphones category, sE Electronics X1 USB is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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Description

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Dive into the world of seamless audio recording with the sE Electronics X1 USB, a condenser microphone that combines studio-quality sound with plug-and-play simplicity. Whether you’re a budding podcaster or a seasoned musician, this microphone is designed to deliver professional-grade recordings straight to your Mac or PC without the need for an external interface. The handcrafted capsule ensures that every nuance of your voice is captured with precision and clarity.

With its built-in 24-bit/192kHz USB interface, the X1 USB is ready to transform your space into a personal studio. The integrated headphone amp offers zero-latency monitoring, allowing you to hear every detail in real-time. For those moments when sound levels get tricky, the microphone's -10dB pad and fixed bass rolloff are at your fingertips, providing you with control and versatility for any recording situation. Ideal for tight spaces or on-the-go setups, this mic is a perfect blend of convenience and quality.

Key Features:

Handcrafted condenser capsule for superior sound reproduction
Built-in 24-bit/192kHz USB interface for direct computer connectivity
Integrated headphone amp for zero-latency monitoring
-10dB pad and fixed bass rolloff for handling high sound pressure levels
No need for an external audio interface—perfect for portable recording setups

Product specs

Brand	sE Electronics
Model	X1 USB Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Finish	Black
Year	2014 - 2016
Made In	China
Categories	Microphones
Electronics	Analog, Digital, Solid State
Microphone Type	Large-Diaphragm Condenser
Polar Pattern	Cardioid
Wired/Wireless	Wired

FAQs

Does the sE Electronics X1 USB microphone require any additional equipment to start recording?: No, the sE Electronics X1 USB is a plug-and-play microphone that connects directly to your computer via USB, eliminating the need for additional preamps or audio interfaces.
What is the polar pattern of the sE Electronics X1 USB microphone?: The sE Electronics X1 USB features a cardioid polar pattern, which is ideal for capturing sound sources directly in front of the microphone while minimizing ambient noise from the sides and rear.
Is the sE Electronics X1 USB suitable for recording vocals?: Yes, the sE Electronics X1 USB is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone designed to capture detailed and clear vocal recordings, making it suitable for both spoken word and singing.
Can the sE Electronics X1 USB microphone be used for instruments?: Yes, the sE Electronics X1 USB is versatile and can be used to record a variety of instruments, offering detailed sound capture for acoustic guitars, pianos, and other acoustic instruments.
What is the self-noise level of the sE Electronics X1 USB microphone?: The sE Electronics X1 USB has a relatively low self-noise level, making it suitable for recording quieter sources without introducing significant background noise.

Videos

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EposVox

GREAT USB MIC?! Faith Restored! // sE Electronics X1 USB Microphone Review // Vox Test

EposVox

SE Electronics X1 USB & X1 T - Musikmesse 2014

Sound On Sound magazine

SE Electronics X1 USB - NAMM 2014

Sound On Sound magazine

sE Electronics X1 USB Review

Focoid

sE Electronics sE X1 USB Microphone Featuring Elvis

Red Dog Music

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 X1 USB.

Comparisons

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The Rode NT1 is considered superior to the sE X1 USB, with the Aston Element being a preferred alternative at the same price point.
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Use cases and applications

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The sE X1 USB is frequently used as a utility mic for daily recording tasks, despite some preferences for other models.
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Value and pricing

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The sE X1 USB is priced significantly lower than the Lewitt 240 Pro in certain regions, making it a budget-friendly choice.
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Setup and maintenance

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Interference issues, such as white noise, may arise from cable arrangements, but can often be resolved with adjustments.
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Owners discovered sE X1 USB may exhibit volume issues in high humidity settings, resolved by controlling room humidity with a dehumidifier.
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Testing with different cables or environments is advised to diagnose whether the issue lies with the microphone or the interface when experiencing volume drops.
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User experience

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Users report that a simple restart often resolves the microphone's diminishing volume issue, though the underlying cause remains unclear.
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Critic Reviews

sE X1 USB review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The sE Electronics X1 USB is a sturdy, well-voiced mic ideal for vocal and acoustic recordings, offering a solid build and easy setup for solo musicians. Its built-in preamp and headphone amp enhance its functionality, though its limited SPL range makes it less versatile for louder sources like guitar amps or drums. While not the quietest mic, it provides a clear and natural sound quality suited for voiceover and solo performances. Perfect for those with a simple recording setup, but not for expansive studio growth.

positive

Full Review

SE Electronics SE X1 USB

soundonsound.com

The sE Electronics X1 USB microphone impresses with its high audio performance at an affordable price. Its standout features include 24-bit resolution and a 192kHz sample rate, setting it apart from many USB mics. It offers robust build quality, easy computer connectivity, and a capable built-in headphone amp. However, it lacks overall headphone level control, requiring adjustments via a DAW's master fader. Ideal for podcasts, voice-overs, or music recording, it provides solid performance without the need for an external audio interface. The X1 USB is a smart choice for those seeking a versatile and reliable USB mic.

positive

Full Review

macProVideo.com

macprovideo.com

The sE Electronics X1 USB microphone impresses with its robust build, easy setup, and excellent sound quality. It offers onboard zero-latency monitoring, making it a great choice for vocal and acoustic recordings on the go without needing an audio interface. However, the lack of iOS compatibility is a missed opportunity, especially for mobile recording enthusiasts. Overall, it's a sensibly priced, high-performing USB mic that could benefit from future updates.

positive

Full Review

Review: sE X1 USB Microphone : Ask.Audio

ask.audio

The sE X1 USB microphone impresses with its solid build, excellent sound quality, and easy setup, making it a great choice for musicians on the move. While the lack of iOS compatibility is a drawback, its onboard zero-latency monitoring and sensible pricing make it a strong contender in the USB mic market. Perfect for vocals and acoustics, it delivers clear and neutral audio, proving that not all USB mics suffer from subpar electronics.

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Artist usage

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Florian Sachay

Singer

Why Human

Verified via Photo

Florian Sachay uses the sE Electronics X1 USB microphone for recording vocals on Why Human's first EP, as mentioned in an Instagram post by raven_milligan captioned "Recording drum tracks."