sE Electronics sE2300 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone Reviews
The sE Electronics sE2300 is a multi-pattern version of sE’s popular sE2200 studio condenser — and, thanks to its discrete Class A components, it sounds incredible. It delivers the same stunning, upfront sound and full feature set that made the original such a huge hit, but adds multiple polar patterns for even more versatility. Park it in front of a vocalist, place it over a drum kit, or plant it in front of a guitar cabinet — the sE2300 excels on just about any application you can think of. If you're looking for a value-packed workhorse, you can't go wrong with the sE2300.
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Highest Rated Reviews
Won't find a better mic at this price
I purchased the se2300 primarily for recording vocals in my project studio. I've had the pleasure of working with many exceptional mics (U87, U47, M 251, C800, etc.), consoles and outboard gear in the past, but it's just not practical to drop over $3k for a mic for my project studio. I've also used several 'clone' mics over the years that try to offer the same characteristics as those big names, but often fall flat in my experience. My hope with the se2300 was that it would be a step up from entry level LDC mics and others in and around this price range, and would maybe give me a similar vibe on vocals as what I could get using mics x10's more expensive.
The se2300 is beyond a bargain at this price, and even without considering price it stands on it's own as an exceptional mic. Very quiet, clean sound, smooth and tight bottom, detailed midrange and airy/open high end. I initially tested this with an old Soundcraft Spirit M12, but have since upgraded to a BLA B173 for the preamp. With both preamps, the mic sounds great, but really sounds exceptional with the B173 preamp; the most notable differences being clarity and bass extension in low frequencies and a more open top end with the B173. I've tracked vocals and used the se2300 as a room mic for drums, and I couldn't be happier in both cases.
There are probably two things that set this mic aside from others, especially in this price point. The first is how workable it is in a mix. Even with the bright top end straight from the mic, the higher frequencies are easy to EQ without making the mic sound harsh and can easily be attenuated if a darker sound is desired. The second is the different polar patterns, and not for the reason you might be thinking. While the switchable polar patterns will obviously affect the direction of signal pickup, it also fairly dramatically changes the frequency response of this mic in a way that makes it very versatile. For vocals, I have used all three polar patterns in a well-treated room simply to get different textures for leads and backgrounds. Using the omni pattern really attenuates some of the high frequencies and sounds great as a mono drum room mic. The figure eight has a ton of midrange detail, which would probably be great for micing up a guitar cab (haven't tried that yet).
If I had to knock anything, it would be that this mic can be a bit sibilant for singers with sibilant voices and singing styles that are airy or breathy. Although, I think you'd have to spend quite a bit of money to get that lush, smooth top end you get with an E251 or other high-end mic.
Overall, I would definitely purchase this mic again, and would recommend it to others looking to get some better than average recordings on a project studio budget. I also would highly recommend putting up the extra $ for the se2300 over the se220 for the flexibility in tone and frequency response that comes with the extra polar patterns.
Great Product After Sales' Service
Previously bought sE Electronics 2200a II Multi-pattern, after several years the product's surface getting sticky (probably because of rubber coating). Hence, I contacted sE Electronics for product support. Without a doubt, they send me a new sE2300 as compensation for the product defect. I'm totally satisfied with the efficient and professional service from sE Electronics and recommend for you all to have it.
sE 2300
Ok just got this a week ago, I have a lot of old microphones many styles, so got to sell the old $$$$ and get some new stuff !This mic is REAL good ! Mic'd up a DW drum kit with this, as over head in fig 8, sm98's on 3 toms, Avant snare mic on snare, Audix d6 on kick, no hat mic, this thing made the kit sound great. Guy I was working with is messing with fader's. I am like wow, that sounds great . then I look closer…. !! all the fader's L/R buttons are disengaged !! mono with just the sE!! 2300.. I did want to like this... mic so much !! LOL best... clams I have spent in yrs!! Mark Donovan, Marlin Mastering Recording. Lehigh Acres Fl.
The se2300
Still experimenting.so far great vocal results.hard to choose which settings I like the best. captures acoustic guitar with excellent results.
I like this mic!
I heard it on the Sweetwater "In Sync" Vocal microphone shootout and I actually enjoyed the sound of this mic. To my ears it is natural sounding and adds some warmth and airiness to the sound without harshness, so I picked one up and after running it straight through the clean pre's on my interface, found that it takes EQ very well. Looking forward to testing it through my tube pre. Construction is solid, needs a sturdy mic stand! Sweetwater Sound as usual provides great customer service and prompt delivery.
