sE Electronics RN17 Rupert Neve Pencil Microphone (Stereo Set)

The RN17 Rupert Neve Pencil Microphone from sE Electronics is a stereo set of microphones that uses a custom, hand-wound Rupert Neve designed transformer. The microphone's 17mm mylar capsule and transformer combine to reproduce audio with the definition, detail and headroom well suited for crucial dialog capturing, sound design, vocals, instrument and performance recording and more. The RN17 ships with a cardioid capsule. Omnidirectional, hypercardioid and figure 8 capsules are sold separately. The microphone is shipped in a wooden presentation case, and with 5 canisters to hold the cardioid capsule in place. The wooden case is then packaged in sE's signature series flight-case with a custom shockmount.UPC: 850426001774In the Box sE Electronics RN17 Rupert Neve Pencil Microphone (Stereo Set) 2 x Cardioid Capsules Wooden Display Box Signature Series Flight Case 2 x Custom Shockmounts Stereo Mounting Bar Limited 3-Year WarrantyDesigned with Mr. Rupert Neve, the RN17 redefines the capabilities of an SDC.This is the world's first pencil microphone with a large-scale, hand-wound, ultra high performance transformer.The second product of the sE / Rupert Neve collaboration, work on the RN17 began with a discussion between Rupert and Siwei Zou on the merits and problems of small-diaphragm condensers."I said, 'That transformer is too big. This is a small-capsule microphone. Impossible.'"According to Siwei, "The SDC's problem is that they have a very clear sound - the SPL is high, but the sound is very cold, not like with a large diaphragm. The quality of the transformer can make the sound much, much better - but with a small transformer, nobody can do it.""Rupert told me, 'I want THIS transformer.' I said, 'That transformer is too big. This is a small-capsule microphone. Impossible.' He said, 'I want the impossible to be possible.'"IMGP1443_Snapseed.jpgcapsule_Snapseed.jpgTHE SMALL DIAPHRAGMWith a 15mm diaphragm (the world's smallest production gold-sputtered diaphragm), the transient response of the RN17 is unparalleled.Such a small capsule reacts extremely quickly, and is therefore adept at picking up the most delicate of high-frequency content.However, a tiny diaphragm usually results in a lack of low-frequency response. How to counter this?IMGP1603_Snapseed.jpgtransformer_Snapseed.jpgTHE MASSIVE TRANSFORMERMade obvious by the unusual chassis shape, the RN17's transformer is substantially larger than the norm. This full-scale transformer was custom-designed by Rupert Neve specifically for this microphone - and nobody has been designing audio transformers longer (or better) than Rupert Neve.With an audio transformer of this magnitude, the RN17 is able to put out astonishing clarity across ALL frequencies - not just the highs. The midrange is detailed and forward, the lows are full and accurate, and the whole microphone has a balance and headroom never before achieved with a small-capsule microphone.MATTE BLACK FINISHThe matte black finish minimizes the level of visual attention drawn to the microphone when used on stage or in the studio, allowing it to blend into the background.ADDITIONAL CAPSULESThe RN17 ships standard with a cardioid capsule, but an omnidirectional capsule is also available for purchase separately.CUSTOM SHOCK MOUNTEvery RN17 includes a custom-designed, sturdy, protective, and easy-to-use shock mount, which is essential to reducing the unwanted effects of vibration or knocks to the supporting microphone stand.