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sE Electronics VR1 Passive Ribbon Microphone

Passive Ribbon Figure-8 Microphone with Shockmount
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Item ID: VoodooVR1
sE Electronics VR1 Passive Ribbon Microphone
Price:$409 and 00 cents
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sE Electronics VR1 Passive Ribbon Microphone
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sE Electronics VR1 Passive Ribbon Microphone
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Price:$409 and 00 cents
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This article was Written By

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The VR1 Breaks the Ribbon Mic Mold

Who says ribbon microphones have to sound dark? Certainly not sE Electronics. Engineered with cutting-edge technology, the VR1 defies expectations with an impressive frequency response of 20Hz to 18kHz — a feat rarely attained by ribbon mics, especially in this class. The result? A remarkably detailed, open, and natural sound that shines across a wide range of sources: vocals, drum overheads, room ambience, acoustic instruments, electric guitar amps, orchestral strings, piano, woodwinds, brass — you name it. The VR1 handles it all with finesse. At the heart of the VR1 lies a hand-tensioned ribbon, meticulously crafted by sE's expert technicians. It's housed in a rugged all-metal chassis, equipped with a gold-plated XLR connector for reliable, high-quality signal transmission. Additionally, you get a custom shockmount, ensuring optimal placement in any recording scenario, and an elegant wooden storage box. Every studio needs at least one ribbon mic, and with the sE Electronics VR1 in your arsenal, you'll bring everything from delicate violins to powerful vocals right to the front of the mix.

Advanced electronics for full-frequency response

The VR1 defies ribbon mic expectations. While traditional ribbon microphones are celebrated for their warm, vintage tone, they can fall short in capturing high-end detail. This is certainly not the case with the VR1. Engineered with cutting-edge electronics by the dedicated team at sE Electronics, this microphone delivers a full-spectrum response from 20Hz to 18kHz, capturing every nuance with stunning clarity. Moreover, its impressive 135dB maximum SPL handling makes it ideal for high-volume sources, such as overdriven guitar amps. In essence, the VR1 combines the articulate precision of a top-tier condenser with the signature smoothness only a ribbon can provide.

Versatile design meets rugged durability

Every detail of the VR1 was designed with one goal in mind: capturing sound with stunning clarity, warmth, and realism. The sE Electronics VR1 features a flat, round-edged chassis and comes with a custom suspension shockmount that allows for precise mic placement. Whether you center it in the mount, flip it flush against a drumhead or guitar cabinet, or angle it into the heart of a kick drum, the VR1 adapts effortlessly to your application. Beyond that, its compact form factor fits into tight spaces with ease, while the robust all-metal housing ensures it can withstand the rigors of both studio sessions and life on the road.

sE Electronics VR1 Features:

  • A passive ribbon microphone with a detailed, open, and natural sound that shines across a wide range of sources
  • Houses a hand-tensioned ribbon, meticulously crafted by sE's expert technicians
  • Cutting-edge electronics yield a full-spectrum response from 20Hz–18kHz
  • Impressive 135dB maximum SPL handling withstands overdriven guitar amps and other high-volume sources
  • Fig-8 pickup pattern is amazing at picking up environmental sounds and impulses
  • Custom shockmount ensures optimal placement in any recording scenario
  • Reliable gold-plated XLR connector
  • Rugged all-metal chassis
  • Elegant wooden box for storage

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Tech Specs

  • Microphone Type: Ribbon
  • Ribbon Type: 2-micron Aluminum
  • Polar Pattern: Figure-8
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-18kHz (±2dB)
  • Max SPL: 135dB SPL
  • Output Impedance: 300 ohms
  • Self Noise: 17dB (A weighted)
  • Sensitivity: 1.78mV/Pa (-55 dB)
  • Connector: XLR
  • Weight: 8 oz.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: VR1-U

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Reviews

Great mic at any price!
I bought this microphone mainly to use to close mic guitar cabs, in combination with an SM57. I have an AEA R84, but it's too large for that purpose. Turns out the VR1 is an all purpose monster of a mic! It shines on everything I've tried! Great vocal mic, useful on percussion and stringed instruments as well. Very natural sounding, and takes EQ well. This would be a great mic at any price! A steal for such a high quality microphone.
Music background: I've been playing multiple instruments for 60 years and play all styles. There are only two kinds of music, good and bad.
I love it
I have only used it on voice, and it is by far my favorite vocal mic. It just makes every voice sound so pleasant and smooth. If you are trying to bring out all the little details and edges of a source, this is not the mic. You would be better served by something like the Lewitt LCT 540s.

But if you want a mic that has a full range frequency response without rolling off the highs like most other ribbons but still coats everything in a thick layer of butter to basically eliminate sibilance and any minor harshness, this is the mic.

It also has a very robust low end that can work wonders to thicken up and bring out the detail of the low end.

The most interesting thing about this mic is that is actually gets more detailed and textured as frequencies get lower. I have tried lots of condensers and dynamics, and none of them can do what this does for the low end of any source.

Also, the price is fantastic. Mine arrived in perfect condition, but someone else here mentioned getting one with a dent or scratch. So make sure you buy from a vendor that will let you switch it out for one in top condition if you get unlucky. But that's just general advice with ordering anything online.


This also works very well in Mid-side with a RodeNT1, like really really nice. Their opposite transient response character complement each other very well. The NT1 is most detailed in the high end and gradually loses texture going into the sub frequencies. It's lots of fun to play with. Buy one! And make sure you have a quality preamp. The SE dynamite signal booster is a great accessory for this if you need it.
Excellent
Great build quality that you can feel when you hold. Not crazy vintage ribbon vibes but still dark and ribbon-y sounding. High end goes a lot higher than a Coles and the mid range isn't as detailed as some expensive ribbons but for the price it's fantastic. I have two and frequently use them as stereo rooms for drums, or on electric guitar cabs. Have used it a lot on shrill sources like brass and have gotten rad super vintage vocals (with a bit of post distortion).
A hidden gem
I own several ribbon mics such as the Coles 4038, and Royer R-121. The sE Vr1 is a darker sound, with a bit more air. The vr1 is very bass heavy, and sounds fantastic on amps and… TOMS! These are my favorite Tom mics, just made sure you position them so the drummer doesn't hit them.

Seriously though, try it on Tom's. You'll be surprised how great they sound.

I'm still amazed that they don't cost $700 or more.
Music background: Studio and live sound company owner
Great for my Specific purpose
This is my first ribbon microphone and I bought it specifically to be the side microphone in a mid-side recording arrangement for acoustic guitar. It was easy to set up and get tweaked and held it's own with a DPA 4090 omni mic as the main microphone in the signal chain. sE has a good reputation and honestly it is a lot of microphone for the money. I will be trying it with other figure 8 applications as well as vocals. I can absolutely recommend this passive ribbon microphone, I am using it with a Soyuz Launcher to beef up the signal.
Music background: self produced independent music artist, acoustic singer songwriter.