sE Electronics Rupert Neve RN17 Cardioid Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Redefining the small-diaphragm condenser

The second product emerging from the fruitful collaboration between sE and legendary console designer Rupert Neve, work on the RN17 began with a discourse between Rupert and sE founder Siwei Zou on the merits of small-diaphragm condenser mics and the challenges in designing them. After an arduous R&D phase and sE’s typically meticulous manufacturing, the RN17 arrived for testing at Suhavimart Studios — and our engineers were duly impressed. Simply put, the RN 17 advances the state of the art in small-diaphragm condenser microphone design.

17mm gold-sputtered Mylar capsule

The sE RN17’s newly developed 17mm capsule is the world’s smallest production gold-sputtered Mylar capsule. The result is nothing short of breathtaking. The detail from this capsule is uncanny, enhanced by the headroom afforded by the Rupert Neve transformer. The overall effect? Stunning clarity, authoritative bass response, lucid midrange, and an airy, extended high end. Indeed, the RN17 captures a spacious sense of air around even close-miked sources, topping them with that elusive silky sheen we all strive for in our recordings.

Elevate your studio with the complete system

The sE RN17 ships with cardioid capsules, screw-in pads, and a lovely wooden presentation case to hold everything securely. The whole package is cradled in sE’s top-of-the-line signature series flight case along with custom shockmounts and storage for additional capsules. The sE RN17 works as a system consisting of the mic body, the included cardioid capsule, and the optional omni capsule. An investment in the complete set will usher your studio into a new dimension of world-class audio quality.

The s E Electronics Rupert Neve RN17 Cardioid Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone is designed for professionals who demand pristine audio clarity and exceptional tonal accuracy. Whether you are recording vocals, acoustic instruments, or complex soundscapes, this microphone delivers a level of detail and presence that elevates your recordings to a new standard. Its meticulous craftsmanship and advanced engineering make it an indispensable tool for studio engineers, producers, and musicians seeking to capture sound with unparalleled fidelity.

One of the standout features of the RN17 is its hand-crafted 2/3″ true condenser capsule. This precision-engineered component ensures that every nuance of your performance is captured with stunning accuracy, translating into recordings that are both natural and vibrant. The cardioid polar pattern focuses on the sound source while effectively rejecting unwanted ambient noise, allowing you to achieve clean, isolated tracks without excessive room coloration. For those requiring versatility, an omnidirectional capsule is also available separately, expanding your creative possibilities.

The microphone offers an impressively wide frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, covering the full audible spectrum. This means that from the deepest bass notes to the crispest high frequencies, the RN17 reproduces sound with striking clarity and balance. Its sensitivity rating of 6 mV/Pa (-44.5 dBV) ensures that even the subtlest sounds are picked up with precision, while the maximum sound pressure level of 131 dB guarantees it can handle loud sources without distortion. This combination makes the RN17 ideal for capturing everything from delicate acoustic fingerpicking to powerful brass sections.

Noise performance is another critical aspect where the RN17 excels. With an equivalent noise level of just 18 dB in cardioid mode and a signal-to-noise ratio of 76 dB, this microphone provides a clean, quiet signal path. This low noise floor translates to cleaner recordings with less need for post-processing, ultimately saving time and preserving the integrity of your original sound. The microphone’s electrical impedance of 200 Ohms and its 3-pin male XLR connector ensure compatibility with professional audio equipment, delivering reliable connectivity and signal transfer.

Measuring 200 mm (7.87 inches) in length and equipped with a 17.2 mm gold/mylar diaphragm, the RN17 combines durability with sensitivity. The gold coating on the diaphragm enhances corrosion resistance and longevity, ensuring consistent performance over years of use. It requires 48V phantom power, adhering to the P48 standard (IEC 61938), making it compatible with virtually all professional mixing consoles and audio interfaces.

In practical use, the RN17 is perfectly suited for studio environments where detail and accuracy are paramount. It excels at capturing acoustic guitars, string instruments, drum overheads, and vocal performances with a natural and transparent sound. Its cardioid pattern provides excellent isolation in untreated or noisy spaces, helping you achieve professional-quality recordings without costly room treatment.

Confidently invest in the s E Electronics Rupert Neve RN17 Cardioid Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone to bring your recordings to life with exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and reliability. Priced competitively at ₹109,990, it offers unmatched value for a microphone of this caliber. Whether you are a seasoned professional or an aspiring audio engineer, the RN17 is a versatile and high-performance tool that will enhance your creative workflow and deliver results that stand out in any production.