The X1 R is a rugged ribbon for any purpose.
Drawing on some of the technologies in our VR1 & VR2 ribbon mics, the X1 R is a vintage-modern hybrid that provides all the inherent smoothness of a hand-crafted ribbon mic, but with more versatility, durability, and ease of use than the delicate ribbons of yesteryear.
The second addition to the X1 Series, the X1 R brings the magic of traditional ribbon mics into the modern age with a tough construction that can handle any SPL. This is a ribbon you can take on the road.
The sE X1 R ribbon microphone is a high performance passive ribbon from sE Electronics. The sE Electronics X1 R is suited to a variety of recording applications including guitar cabs, overhead drums, brass, woodwind, strings, commercial broadcast and voice-over.
This state of the art ribbon element enclosed by top-grade Neodymium magnets boasts some of our latest ribbon microphone technologies. We have combined our traditional ribbon technology with some of the mechanical elements of our own VR1/VR2 microphone HF (High Frequency) extension technology to bring you a classic sounding ribbon mic with a gentle HF lift.
The X1 R doesn’t quite offer the full-frequency response performance of the VR1, VR2, or the widely acclaimed Rupert Neve Signature Series RNR1 – but its hybrid old and new ribbon technology gives you all the natural beauty of the ribbon sound, but with more versatility and ease of use than the majority of ribbons on today’s market.
The X1 R comes standard with a mic clip that will securely attach it to any mic stand, but fits the Isolation Pack if a shockmount solution is desired.
Fuller response without overbearing brightness
While many ribbon mics begin rolling off high frequencies around 10kHz, the X1R boasts a small high frequency bump before rolling off around 16kHz. This gives you extra definition, clarity, and air compared to other ribbons, without the harsh brightness that some condenser mics are known for.
Perfect for vocals, instruments, and even drum overheads
With a maximum SPL rating of 135dB, the sE Electronic X1R is ready to be a workhorse in your studio. Especially at its value-packed price, a pair of X1Rs would be a fantastic choice for drum overheads. You’ll capture all the punch and depth of your drums, while also taming some of the extreme high frequencies from the cymbals. The X1R is also perfect for capturing the nuances of acoustic instruments, and should definitely be one of your considerations for any vocal recording too.
A flexible tool for any studio
While some engineers regard ribbon mics as special-situation microphones, the sE Electronics X1R can be a capable workhorse in your studio. As we’ve mentioned, the high SPL handling and extended HF response make the X1R suitable for a wide range of sound sources. It takes to equalization well, and doesn’t require as much preamp gain as some ribbon mics do. Basically, the X1R is the kind of mic you can turn to in almost any recording situation and know that you’ll get great results quickly.
sE Electronics X1R Ribbon Microphone Features:
- Passive ribbon microphone with extended frequency response and higher SPL handling
- Record louder sound sources with confidence thanks to 135dB max SPL
- Extended high frequency response gives you more brightness than most ribbon mics, without becoming harsh
- Ideal for acoustic instruments, vocals, and drum overheads
- Figure-8 pickup pattern
