sE Electronics X1 R is a passive figure-8 ribbon microphone from the X1 series. The 2.5 µm aluminum ribbon is hand-tensioned by technicians at sE's own factory — a step that is exceptionally rare for a microphone at this price point. The X1 R incorporates mechanical elements of the HF extension technology from the higher-tier VR1/VR2 series, resulting in a gentle lift before the high-frequency rolloff — a noticeably different character from typical ribbon microphones that begin rolling off around 10 kHz.
Figure-8 pattern and ribbon tone with HF extension
The figure-8 polar pattern captures sound equally from the front and rear of the microphone while rejecting everything from the sides. This opens up three applications unavailable to cardioid mics: Blumlein pair stereo technique (two crossed figure-8s for natural stereo without artificial separation), Mid-Side recording (where the X1 R serves as the Side element), and capturing natural room ambience from behind the microphone. The HF lift before the 16 kHz rolloff gives the X1 R more air and definition than classic vintage ribbons — without the harshness associated with condenser microphones. In practice: electric guitar cabs lose aggression without losing detail; drum overheads acquire natural darkness while retaining transient attack; brass and strings gain a silky top end free of artificial artifacts. The 135 dB max SPL rating (0.5% THD) means the X1 R withstands direct amp miking and close cymbal placement — sources that would destroy a fragile vintage ribbon.Construction, phantom protection and preamp requirements
The X1 R shares its chassis with the X1 condenser, built entirely from metal. The microphone is passive — it neither requires nor draws phantom power, but its circuit includes protection against 48V phantom, eliminating ribbon damage from accidentally engaged phantom power. The sensitivity of 1.78 mV/Pa (-55 dB) and self-noise of 23 dB(A) call for high-gain preamps (minimum 60 dB) or an active inline preamp such as the DM2 T.N.T for optimal noise performance. The ribbon element sits within top-grade neodymium magnets. Included: mic clip — a shockmount solution is available separately as the Isolation Pack.KEY FEATURES
- Passive 2.5 µm aluminum ribbon, hand-tensioned by factory technicians
- Figure-8 polar pattern — suited to Blumlein stereo, Mid-Side recording, and room ambience capture
- HF extension technology from VR1/VR2 series — gentle lift before 16 kHz rolloff
- Top-grade neodymium magnets surrounding the ribbon element
- Max SPL 135 dB (0.5% THD @ 1 kHz) — handles loud sources without ribbon damage
- Phantom power protection (48V) — safe connection to any audio interface
- All-metal housing — effective EMI rejection
- Applications: guitar cabs, drum overheads, brass, strings, woodwinds, voice-over, broadcast
- Included: mic clip (shockmount Isolation Pack available separately)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Transducer type: passive ribbon
- Generating element: 2.5 µm aluminum ribbon, hand-tensioned
- Polar pattern: figure-8
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 16 kHz
- Sensitivity: 1.78 mV/Pa (-55 dBV)
- Output impedance: 200 Ω
- Max SPL: 135 dB (0.5% THD @ 1 kHz)
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 71 dB
- Self-noise: 23 dB(A)
- Power: N/A — passive, protected against 48V phantom power
- Connector: 3-pin XLR (female, XLR3F)
- Weight: 510 g (17.99 oz)
