sE Electronics
sE Electronics Rupert Neve RN17 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Best small-diaphragm condenser for professional studio recording and precise stereo imaging.
Discover exceptional audio fidelity with the sE Electronics RN17, a distinguished small-diaphragm condenser microphone. As the second release in the acclaimed sE Rupert Neve series, it's meticulously engineered for professional audio capture. Choose between a single unit or a factory-matched pair for precise stereo imaging. This microphone comes with the assurance of free shipping, price protection, and an extended 2-year warranty, ensuring your investment is protected and you can focus on creating outstanding sound.
$774.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
191
/ 1827
#191 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
+53%
Above average
Microphone Type
Condenser
/ Condenser
Who it's for
- Engineers seeking classic analog warmth and harmonic richness
- Acoustic musicians needing pristine detail and fast transient response
- Studio professionals recording loud drums and brass instruments
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious home recordists building a multi-mic setup
- Engineers requiring immediate access to multiple polar patterns
- Recordists working in cramped spaces with limited mic placement
Performance breakdown
Transient Response
Captures lightning-fast acoustic attacks with surgical precision and clarity.
High-Frequency Detail
Delivers an airy, open top end without any harsh digital fatigue.
Build Integrity
Rugged construction built to withstand years of demanding studio sessions.
Stereo Imaging
Matched pairs offer exceptional spatial depth for realistic instrument tracking.
Noise Floor
Ultra-quiet circuitry ensures pristine recordings even with delicate acoustic sources.
Versatility
Excels on strings and percussion but requires careful placement for vocals.
Key Specs
Microphone Type
Condenser
Diaphragm Size
Small-diaphragm
Model
Single unit or Matched Pair
Single Unit Price
$999.00
Matched Pair Price
$2,199.00
Model Number
RN17
Connectivity Technology
XLR
Recommended Use
Instrument Recording
Features
- Second in the Rupert Neve microphone series
- Professional-grade audio capture
- Available as a matched pair
- Small-diaphragm condenser design
- Includes a 2-year warranty
- Free shipping and price protection
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the sE Electronics Rupert Neve RN17 for its exceptional clarity and smooth high-frequency response, avoiding harshness common in similar microphones. The core appeal lies in the custom Rupert Neve Designs transformer, which adds rich, musical depth and superb transient handling, giving recordings a finished quality immediately. Users find this small-diaphragm condenser outstanding on acoustic instruments and as a drum overhead, capturing subtle nuances beautifully. While the investment is significant, professionals agree the robust build quality and superior sonic performance confirm its status as a long-term studio asset delivering a classic, high-fidelity sound.
Know before you buy
The RN17 is unique because it features a custom-designed transformer developed in collaboration with Rupert Neve. This provides a level of headroom and sonic character that is rarely found in standard small-diaphragm designs.
While it is a professional-grade tool capable of handling both, it is primarily engineered for critical studio recording. Its high-fidelity capture makes it an excellent choice for instruments that require precise detail and natural frequency response.
A factory-matched pair is essential for stereo recording techniques, such as X/Y or ORTF configurations. Matching ensures that both microphones have identical sensitivity and frequency response, resulting in a balanced and accurate stereo image.
Yes, as a condenser microphone, the RN17 requires +48V phantom power provided by your audio interface or external preamp to function.
The RN17 excels at capturing acoustic instruments that benefit from high-frequency clarity and transient detail. It is frequently used for acoustic guitars, drum overheads, strings, and piano.
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