A a ribbon mic freak, I can honestly say that sE makes phenomenal microphones, and their ribbon mics are as good as it gets; especially, the RNR1, if it's within your budget.
I have this mic too, I find it really quite wonderful for voice, okay, there’s a noise floor which will freak the millennials out, there’s a bit more high end than typical ribbons but it’s still quite soft. Hidden gem, for those who know what they are doing ;)
sE X1R.... When I first heard the sound in the video, I thought it lacked detail and was dull, but there was minimum proximity effect when you put your mouth close, and even details suddenly appeared.
try their VR1, its much more detailed (I would say that X1R sounds like one would expect from a ribbon while VR1/VR2 sounds more open the way condensers are used to be). Love both though ;-)
Not as low noise as the Rode NT1-A and NT1 condenser mics, but low cost for a ribbon mic. I use a phantom powered FetHead inline preamp from TritonAudio with it. It hasn't seen a lot of use as I prefer the Rode mics.
Thanks Michael - I have an NT1 - I keep meaning to do the Jim Williams mod - I find it on the bright side in standard kit, mine you mine is an old one! Thanks for dropping by. Ta like, ppm6.
That is a good question! I haven't tried the X1R as a overhead. Which means I'm cautious. Do you have access to any mics at the moment? What sort of room do you have? I ask because the figure of 8 polar diagram might not help you. You'll be getting a lot of the room on the back. I'm leaning towards a cardioid condenser. Ta like, ppm6.
The trouble with ribbon mics the incredible sensitivity to movement, dropping and falling. Not for outside recording or broadcasting…….. my experience.
True dat - and of course many can be killed by phantom power. There is an exception to every rule though - the Coles 4104 lip mic. coleselectroacoustics.com/4104-commentators-microphone/ Used on outdoor sporting events across the world and plenty tough. I have one some where, must do a video some time. But generally keep them indoors and treat them with kid gloves. Ta like, ppm6.
the SE ribbon is dead delicieous on harpsichord - takes the harshness away and isolates it from the rest of the band due to the very dead sides in the figure 8 pattern