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sE Electronics X1 S Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Large-diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone, with -10dB/-20dB Pad and Low-cut Filters
$189.00

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sE Electronics X1 S Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
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An Affordable Workhorse Mic for Any Studio Application

For a high-quality condenser microphone that's versatile enough to record anything in your studio, check out the sE Electronics X1 S cardioid condenser mic. The X1 S features one of sE Electronics's hand-made, gold-sputtered 1" diaphragms and an all-metal capsule — a recipe for clear and vibrant audio plus long-term reliability. Two-position pad and low-cut switches allow you to fine-tune the sE Electronics X1 S for any sound source, making it well suited for day-to-day studio work.

Cardioid by design for the perfect balance of tone and isolation

Multi-pattern mics are great when the job calls for extra versatility, but a fixed cardioid condenser microphone like the X1 S offers consistency and a simpler, more direct signal path. The result is the kind of clarity and low-noise performance you're bound to hear in your mix. And since, in the majority of cases, you're going to want a cardioid polar pattern anyway, the X1 S provides the performance you need, without making you pay for features you may not need.

A go-to choice for all kinds of vocals and acoustic instruments

One of the main uses Sweetwater Sales Engineers recommend the sE Electronics X1 S condenser microphone for is tracking vocals. Male, female — it doesn't matter to the X1 S. Its smooth and forgiving sound brings out the fullness in any kind of vocal style. This same broad and somewhat flattering tone also makes the X1 S an excellent microphone choice when you're tracking acoustic instruments, especially when it comes to the extended range of the acoustic guitar.

Switchable pad and bass roll-off for added versatility

When you're up against a particularly boomy or overwhelmingly loud sound source, such as when you're close-miking a guitar cabinet or acoustic drum kit, the X1 S offers a couple of tricks that will help you get the best possible sound, right at the source. For starters, there's an onboard two-position low-cut filter, which serves double duty by cutting out any low-frequency vibrations coming up through the mic stand and by mitigating the proximity effect you'll get when you place your mic very close to a sound source. If that's not enough to keep your preamp from overloading, just kick in the X1 S's 10dB pad for the extra headroom you need, or the 20dB pad for maximum headroom. The X1 S can handle sound sources up to 160dB SPL without distorting.

sE Electronics X1 S Cardioid Condenser Microphone Features:

  • A large-diaphragm condenser microphone that's excellent for vocals and acoustic instruments
  • Hand-made, gold-sputtered 1" capsule and extremely clear signal path provide a wide-open sound
  • All-metal capsule, with no plastic parts for long term reliability
  • Fixed cardioid polar pattern provides tonal consistency and excellent off-axis sound rejection
  • Switchable -10dB/-20dB pad lets you get the extra headroom you need when miking loud sound sources
  • Handles loud sound sources up to 160dB SPL without distortion
  • Switchable two-position highpass filter cuts out low-frequency rumble and reduces proximity effect
  • Requires +48V phantom power

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Tech Specs

  • Microphone Type: Condenser
  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid
  • Diaphragm Size: 1"
  • Max SPL: 160dB SPL (with pads)
  • Output Impedance: 125 ohms
  • Self Noise: 9dB (A weighted)
  • Low Cut Filter: 80Hz, 160Hz
  • Pads: -10dB, -20dB
  • Connector: XLR
  • Color: Black
  • Power Source: 48V phantom power
  • Weight: 0.97 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: X1-S-U

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

the fix we needed

I was tired of setting up 2 different mics for guitar and vocal, and trying to find the perfect position for both. after success with another sE mic, and reviews on this mic, I took a chance. with 3 attenuation and 2 rolloff + flat settings, it's easy to set up at any distance. I set this up 12 to 16 inches away, sideways, pointing right above the guitar and it captures both sources evenly. this is a godsend for amateurs like us. Sweetwater never disappoints.
Music background: self taught acoustic duo
Rated 5/5

FINE piece o'gear!!!

I'll start by saying that this is the first microphone I've owned that doesn't fall into the "entry-level" category, meaning low-cost with low-performance/specs.
So - not surprisingly, I've had pretty mediocre results with my vocals and mic'd instruments up to now.
This mic - even in it's "next up from entry-level" range - has made a huge change in that.

Its' specs are vastly superior to anything I've had before.
It's features are fantastic (I'm particularly happy with the 2-position high-pass filter)
The build quality is comparable to much more expensive mics (the capsule alone is a work of art)
And most importantly - it gives a quality and clarity and purity of sound that no mic I've ever owned matches. Not that I'd pooh-pooh a Neumann or Royer if I had one...but to me, at least, this is a "real" microphone!
I got the "bundle" with the included shock mount and the reflection shield - both great additions and a fantastic value - and even though the sheild is sE's entry-level model, makes a HUGE difference for the better. And it's clearly light-years beyond the "make-it-yourself"/home-built solutions.

I'd considered the AT2035 and the P220 - both in the same price/performance range and HUGELY popular/well reviewed...yet I would HIGHLY recommend this mic to anyone who's considering a large-diaphram condenser in this price range. Smooth and sweet sound, no nasty tonal characteristics.

Finally - I'd like to add a shout-out to my Sales Engineer Gage Massey, who was boundlessly helpful in the choice of, and implementation of, this mic. He represents all that is fantastic about Sweetwater. Customer for life here!!!
Rated 5/5

Very nice job on kids chorus

Admittedly, I am a fan of sE mics. I am currently immersed in a large project that involves a number of musicians. The lead audio engineer and I opted to put a pair of sE X1 S mics on a children's chorus. It did a bang-up job of capturing their young voices. Zero complaints. I look forward to applying these mics to other scenarios!
Music background: Director, producer, musician
Rated 5/5

Incredible Quality & Bang for Buck Mic!

Listen...I've used a LOT of mics and own some top dollar ones at my recording studio but I wanted some mic's specifically for podcasting. Didn't want to go down the dynamic mic route with SM7B or RE20's because four of them would be costly. Somehow I stumbled onto sE's X1 line of mic's which I wasn't familiar with. I was skeptical of the mic's sound quality at the price range. Did my due diligence and hit Youtube to hear audio samples to give me an idea of the sound. Decided I'd give the mic a shot and ordered 3 of them...figured worst case I can return and get my money back.

Well after using now on 3 podcast episodes, I LOVE this mic! At this price point for the quality of sound you get...its a sleeper mic! Sounds great on vocals! Not overly or harshly bright as other condensers at this price point tend to be. The Pad and Low Cut features are also nice to have which other Mic's in its class don't typically offer. Feels good and solid...doesn't feel cheap.

Current routing is X1 into UA Apollo with SSL EQ unison plugin with some 15k boost which just makes the vocals sound expensive and polished. That's it! I haven't used it to record anything other than vocals so I can't offer any insight on its sound with instruments. That said, it's a great mic for the price point and if you're doing any speech/spoken word/voice over/podcasts...I'd recommend this mic!
Rated 4/5

SE x1s

i have the SE x1 and SE x1s, these are very good mics, i stopped off at B&H and listen to high end mics, the big guys, and to my ear i can hardly tell much difference, try them you cant louse, Ken
Music background: 60 years music
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