sE Electronics Rupert Neve RN17 Cardioid Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone – Stereo Pair

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.

For audio professionals and enthusiasts seeking unparalleled clarity and precision in their recordings, the s E Electronics Rupert Neve RN17 Cardioid Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone Stereo Pair delivers an exceptional solution. Capturing the subtle nuances of instruments and vocals with remarkable accuracy, this microphone pair is designed to elevate studio and live sound environments by providing true-to-source audio reproduction. Whether you are recording delicate acoustic guitars, intricate percussion, or ambient room sounds, the RN17 ensures your sound is captured with the highest fidelity and minimal coloration.

The core advantage of the RN17 lies in its hand-crafted 2/3″ true condenser capsule, which is engineered for a cardioid polar pattern, focusing on the desired sound source while effectively rejecting off-axis noise. This design means you can achieve clean, focused recordings even in challenging acoustic environments. For those who require a more versatile approach, an omnidirectional capsule is available separately, allowing you to switch polar patterns to suit different recording scenarios. This flexibility empowers you to tailor the microphone’s response to your specific needs without compromising on the renowned Rupert Neve sound quality.

With a wide frequency response ranging from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, the RN17 captures the full spectrum of audio signals, from deep bass to shimmering highs. This comprehensive range ensures that every detail, from the warmth of a cello’s lower register to the brightness of a cymbal’s crash, is faithfully reproduced. The microphone’s sensitivity of 6 mV/Pa (-44.5 dBV) in cardioid mode means it can detect even the faintest sounds with clarity, while its impressive maximum sound pressure level (SPL) of 131 dB with only 0.5% total harmonic distortion at 1 kHz allows it to handle loud sources without distortion. This combination of sensitivity and high SPL tolerance makes the RN17 ideal for recording both subtle and powerful performances.

The RN17’s low equivalent noise level of 18 dB (cardioid) ensures your recordings are clean and free from unwanted hiss, contributing to a signal-to-noise ratio of 76 dB. This means your audio will maintain pristine clarity, which is critical when capturing quiet or dynamic performances. The microphone’s 200-ohm electrical impedance and standard 3-pin male XLR connector guarantee compatibility with professional audio interfaces and preamps, ensuring seamless integration into your existing setup. Powered by 48 V phantom power following IEC 61938 standards, the RN17 is ready to perform in any professional studio or live setting.

Measuring 200 mm (7.87 inches) in length, the RN17 is compact enough for versatile placement options, from close-miking instruments to ambient room capturing. The 17.2 mm gold/mylar diaphragm not only contributes to the microphone’s sensitivity and frequency response but also ensures long-term durability and consistent performance. This attention to detail in the microphone’s construction means you are investing in a tool built to withstand the demands of professional use while delivering consistent sonic excellence.

Ideal for recording engineers, producers, and musicians who demand audio transparency and reliability, the RN17 stereo pair excels in a variety of applications. Use it for capturing acoustic ensembles, overhead drum miking, string sections, or stereo room ambience. Its precise cardioid pickup and high SPL handling make it particularly well-suited for critical studio recordings and high-quality live sound reinforcement. The stereo pair format provides a matched set of microphones, ensuring phase coherence and stereo imaging that are crucial for professional-grade productions.

In summary, the s E Electronics Rupert Neve RN17 Cardioid Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone Stereo Pair is a meticulously engineered solution for capturing audio with exceptional clarity, detail, and musicality. Its combination of hand-crafted capsules, flexible polar patterns, wide frequency response, and robust build quality makes it a worthy investment for those who refuse to compromise on sound quality. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a dedicated enthusiast, the RN17 offers the precision and reliability needed to bring your recordings to life. Available now at ₹219,990, this microphone pair represents a premium choice for anyone serious about superior audio capture.