sE Electronics BL8 Cardioid Boundary Microphone Reviews
Looking for an all-purpose boundary microphone? Sweetwater recommends the sE Electronics BL8. Musicians and studio engineers know that boundary microphones are commonly put to work as alternative room mics and kick mics. Despite its prowess in the studio, this boundary mic also works wonders for video conferencing, recording conversations, and just about any spoken word application. The BL8 uses a high-definition condenser capsule and boasts a cardioid polar pattern to attenuate off-axis frequencies and maximize gain before feedback. Three switches can be found on the back to engage the highpass filter, turn on the pad, and imbue the signal with classic or modern character. Finally, the BL8 is compatible with Kelly Shu Flatz shockmount systems, which enable you to suspend the microphone inside a kick drum for extra low-end oomph.
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Highest Rated Reviews
Boundary Monster
Short version: Everything as advertised. Built like a tank. Sounds great. Plenty of adjustments. Just put them in your cart.
Long version: I've been using boundary microphones since the first Crown PZM was released in the early '80s. I've owned a few, built a few from scratch and rented most of the major players over the years. The performing arts center where I TD had a tap dance troupe booked and their rider called for 5 boundary microphones. That particular weekend in October was really busy at the rental houses for some reason and I couldn't locate 5 Beta91s. Talked to the bosses and they opened the funds to purchase 5 of the sE BL8 mics.
Over the past few years, I've watched sE become a force to be reckoned with. I (along with most of the free world) have purchased several V7s and have rented/used their drum mics on a few occasions. So, when I found the sE BL8 and discovered all its features, it was an easy sell. Ben Elder processed my order quickly and I had them on site in a few days. I was not disappointed.
Cosmetically, these are great. The dark charcoal color with a hint of red looks good on my stage without calling too much attention to itself. Plus, they don't look like a Cybertruck. Build quality is exceptional and, yes, I took the grille off to see what was inside. Just as clean and solid inside as out. Although I will probably never do it, I do appreciate the ability to swap the directional capsule for an omni. Good thinking sE.
So far, I've only used these on voice and tap dancers, but definitely looking forward to my next drum kit. Panel discussion voices were super clear and the high pass switch allowed me to mostly eliminate table thump. With some EQ tweaks and a touch of compression, tap dancers sounded completely natural - just louder. Their creative director was very happy and so was I.
I would definitely buy these again, but I have 5 now, so probably good for the foreseeable future. I would be interested in buying a couple of the omni capsules somewhere down the road. Might open up even more possibilities with these solid, flexible microphones.
Amazing
For a long time I was searching for a kick microphone that had punch, flexibility and portability and in this microphone I have finally found it! It's amazing…
Great Alternative to Traditional Micing
Never been a huge fan of boundary style mics, though they definitely have a vibe all their own. But this one sits a little different. Probably because its not the PZM style of boundary mic I'm used to; and if you're expecting that, this isn't for you. This is a cleverly packaged SDC mic with a bunch of tonal options at your disposal right on the mic. The capsule can be swapped with sE's SE8 omni capsule to make this more omni directional. Stock, with the cardioid capsule though, its kind of almost half cardioid since the pickup pattern doesnt really extend through the bottom metal plate. The mic is BIG and HEAVY with a nice rubber foot pad so no sliding around without forcing it. Easy to throw into a kick drum thats got a nice pillow or padding in it. Not so much if theres no padding, as it will jump around a bit... (so a small piece of something soft to decouple the mic from the shell is kind of needed). The mic is compatible with the Kelly Shu system if you're into that.
Pros:
Voicing options on the mic play well and will save you some EQ at the board or in post.
Price is decent for how good the mic sounds.
Excellent build construction. All metal.
Full sized XLR jack, no need for those mini XLR cables.
Cons:
Switches are recessed and cant be operated very easily unless you use a tool or something pointy to move them.
Sensitivity is crazy high for something that is being sold as mainly a kick mic. The -20db pad needed to be engaged for use on kick
