sE Electronics X1 A Condenser Microphone

The sE Electronics X1 A is a highly popular, entry-level large-diaphragm condenser microphone known for offering professional sound quality and features at an extremely affordable price point. It represents a significant overhaul of sE’s original X1, providing impressive performance specifications often found in much more expensive microphones.

Design and Sound

• Type: Electret Condenser (Externally-biased is typically reserved for the higher-end sE models, but the X1 A is still a professional condenser mic).

• Acoustic Design: It utilizes a newly-developed 2/3” (or 16.9 mm) capsule. While often called “large-diaphragm,” its size is technically mid-diaphragm, which contributes to its clear, balanced, and natural frequency response—a characteristic that makes it versatile and avoids the overly “hyped” high-end sometimes found in budget condensers.

• Polar Pattern: Cardioid (picks up sound primarily from the front, rejecting sound from the rear).

• Applications: It is designed to be an all-rounder for home and project studios, excellent for recording:

  • Vocals and Speech (singing, rapping, voice-overs, podcasting)

  • Acoustic Instruments (acoustic guitar, piano, strings)

  • Loud Sources (guitar cabinets, brass, drums/percussion)

Performances

1. High SPL Handling: It can handle extremely loud sound sources, rated at:

   • 130 dB SPL Max (without the pad)

   • 150 dB SPL Max (with the pad engaged)

2. Switchable -20 dB Pad: This attenuator switch provides extended dynamic range, preventing the microphone’s electronics (or your preamp) from overloading and distorting when miking loud instruments (like a close-miked kick drum or screaming guitar cab).

3. Switchable Low-Cut Filter: A 100 Hz high-pass filter is included to help eliminate unwanted low-frequency noise:

   • Reduces Rumble: Filters out footfall noise, HVAC system hum, or stage rumble.

   • Compensates for Proximity Effect: Reduces excessive bass buildup when close-miking a source.

4. Low Self-Noise: With a self-noise level of 16 dB (A-weighted), it is quiet enough to capture subtle details without introducing excessive hiss into your recordings.

Build and Accessories

• All-Metal Housing: Unlike cheaper plastic-bodied alternatives, the X1 A is built with a robust, all-metal chassis, which ensures durability and provides effective rejection of electrical interference and noise.

• Integrated Windscreen: The internal mesh grille acts as a windscreen, often eliminating the need for an external pop filter for light vocal work.

• Connectivity: Requires 48 \V Phantom Power and connects via a gold-plated 3-pin XLR connector for reliable signal transfer.

• Included Accessories: It typically comes with a swivel mic clip and thread adapter.

In short, the sE Electronics X1 A is a modern, feature-rich condenser microphone that punches well above its price class, making it a stellar choice for setting up a quality home studio.