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sE Electronics X1 R Ribbon Microphone

Passive Ribbon Microphone with 20Hz-16kHz Frequency Response (+/-1dB), and 135dB Maximum SPL
$249.00

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sE Electronics X1 R Ribbon Microphone
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Any Studio Will Appreciate the Value in This Ribbon Mic

Add the sE Electronics X1R ribbon microphone to your collection, and you'll soon find yourself reaching for it on a regular basis. The goal with the X1R was to bring you the rich, colorful sound of a vintage ribbon microphone, while meeting modern standards for low noise and SPL handling.The X1R's finely-tuned frequency range is balanced to give you more articulation and definition than vintage ribbons, while retaining the darker character that ribbon mics are known for. The result is a flexible ribbon microphone any Sweetwater engineer would be proud to use in the studio.

sE Electronics X1R Ribbon Microphone at a Glance:
  • Fuller response without overbearing brightness
  • Perfect for vocals, instruments, and even drum overheads
  • A flexible tool for any studio
Fuller response without overbearing brightness

While many ribbon mics begin rolling off high frequencies around 10kHz, the X1R boasts a small high frequency bump before rolling off around 16kHz. This gives you extra definition, clarity, and air compared to other ribbons, without the harsh brightness that some condenser mics are known for.

Perfect for vocals, instruments, and even drum overheads

With a maximum SPL rating of 135dB, the sE Electronic X1R is ready to be a workhorse in your studio. Especially at its value-packed price, a pair of X1Rs would be a fantastic choice for drum overheads. You'll capture all the punch and depth of your drums, while also taming some of the extreme high frequencies from the cymbals. The X1R is also perfect for capturing the nuances of acoustic instruments, and should definitely be one of your considerations for any vocal recording too.

A flexible tool for any studio

While some engineers regard ribbon mics as special-situation microphones, the sE Electronics X1R can be a capable workhorse in your studio. As we've mentioned, the high SPL handling and extended HF response make the X1R suitable for a wide range of sound sources. It takes to equalization well, and doesn't require as much preamp gain as some ribbon mics do. Basically, the X1R is the kind of mic you can turn to in almost any recording situation and know that you'll get great results quickly.

sE Electronics X1R Ribbon Microphone Features:
  • Passive ribbon microphone with extended frequency response and higher SPL handling
  • Record louder sound sources with confidence thanks to 135dB max SPL
  • Extended high frequency response gives you more brightness than most ribbon mics, without becoming harsh
  • Ideal for acoustic instruments, vocals, and drum overheads
  • Figure-8 pickup pattern
Add a new color to your sonic palette with the sE Electronics X1R!

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Tech Specs

  • Microphone Type: Ribbon
  • Ribbon Type: 2-micron Aluminum
  • Polar Pattern: Figure-8
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-16kHz
  • Max SPL: 135dB
  • Output Impedance: 200 ohms
  • Connector: XLR
  • Weight: 1.1 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: X1-R-U

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

A MUST HAVE for Harsh Vocals

My voice has some really nasty harsh frequencies to it. I've tried about 4 different mics - the amount of EQ'ing and multi-band compression I've had to do, and it STILL not sounding up to par has been my biggest challenge. UNTIL NOW! This mic has been the biggest game changer in my vocal productions. Nice, warm clear sound and my vocals now sound 1000% better even with no processing at all. No more need for all of these expensive plugins!!!
Rated 5/5

My new favorite mic

I bought this mic primarily as an experiment, as my only previous experience with a ribbon mic was very underwhelming due to the very low output of the vintage RCA mic I was using. My first capture with the sE mic was an eye-opener, as it has about the same sensitivity as my old AKG D-24 dynamics, much greater than the old RCA. I recorded many short takes with the sE from my just-tuned Yamaha C5 piano and found that the results were better than I'd been able to get with any of my other mics, including several condenser mics and one tube mic. I repeated the tests with my classical guitar (2019 Jose Ramirez) and had the same results. I'm currently on vacation at the Outer Banks in North Carolina, and I brought my guitar and one mic, guess what, the sE X1R.
I might be putting my condenser mics up for sale soon.
Music background: I've been playing piano for 73 years, guitar for 52 years. Had the privilege of accompanying Al Jarreau one night in 1964 when both of us were unknown! Currently primarily occupied in composing solo guitar settings of popular music and notating it in conv
Rated 5/5

Great mic

Works well for vocals, acoustic guitar, drum room mic, haven't really tried it on a amp yet but I really doubt I'll be disappointed in it. If you want a ribbon mic for a good price then I don't think you will find one better for the money. Buy a cloudlifter with it.
Rated 5/5

Favorite mic for my vocals so far.

I recently fell in love with the sound of my Rode nt1 for my vocals but i was almost sad to admit it's defeat after I tried this ribbon mic out. I added a little bit of air via my pre amp and it was the best unmixed vocal sound i've landed on in over a decade of recording my own voice.
Music background: 15 years live sound/ home recording
Rated 5/5

Great for a solo horn

I can get a nice, natural tone for a solo trumpet. The mic's levels tend to be low, but that's not an issue at the business end of a trumpet. Mixing in condenser mics to pick up the room sound gives a nice full tone.
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