Or should you pick up a shotgun microphone to shoot video? The sE Electronics sE 8 Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone is designed to meet the demands of musicians and audio engineers, on stage or in the studio. Some condenser mics are considered “large diaphragm” and others are considered “small diaphragm.” As it turns out, the difference is small. This modern update to the classic KM 84i offers a wide frequency response, high SPL handling, and self noise low enough to take on even the quietest applications. With most of our employees putting condenser mics to the test in commercial or home studios on a daily basis, Sweetwater is uniquely qualified to help you make the right decision. And you can invest in a quality piece of gear (how about a new Neumann?) They sound decent and quite quiet in terms of floor noise. Our highly trained Sales Engineers bring decades of recording experience to your particular situation. Handcrafted at the sE Electronics labs it's a sophisticated design and one of the quietest small capsule mics on the planet. But what studio mics do YOU need? , Large diaphragm condensers are bigger, which makes them better at picking up lower frequencies. To learn more about our cookie policy, please check our Privacy Policy. SE SE8 Small Diaphragm Cardiod Condenser Mic with Gold Sputtered Diaphragm Model: SE8 Brand: SE Electronics. Gold Standard . Small-diaphragm mics are usually pencil shaped (often referred to as pencil mics) and addressed from the front. But the small diaphragm mic’s frequency response becomes intact in a different placement. In fact, you could record a full symphony orchestra with nothing but large-diaphragm condenser mics! A Sweetwater Sales Engineer will get back to you shortly. Just a friendly reminder that political discussion, (including "offhand" and 'sideways' commenting) is. What about polar patterns - should you opt for a cardioid, omnidirectional, or perhaps a multi-pattern condenser mic? Small diaphragm condensers handle higher frequencies with more ease. Store Hours, If you have any questions, please call us at (800) 222-4700. Capsule Type: Hand-Crafted Small-Diaphragm True Condenser. Condenser microphones are more responsive to the "speed" and nuances of sound waves than other types of studio mics, versatile enough to record everything from a rock drum kit to a string quartet. Sensitivity: 25 mV/Pa (-32 dBV) Max SPL: 139 / 149 / 159 dBSPL (0/10/20 dB pad) (0.5% THD @ 1kHz) Equivalent noise level: 13 dB(A) Dynamic range: 126 / 136 / 146 dB (0/10/20 dB Attentuation pad) Signal to Noise Ratio: 81 dB The MXL 770 is an affordable and versatile cardioid … The bottom line is, whether you're recording a jazz quintet or mixing front of house for a progressive metal band, our team at Sweetwater has the studio mics (and the know-how) you need. Solo acoustic guitar: DAV, Millennia, Avalon, Pacifica, Schoeps, Neuman, JZ. Self-noise: Small vs. Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone | Shure Technical FAQ, JZ Microphones BT-301 | RecordingHacks.com. However, in all other respects, the small diaphragm condenser is the superior type, technically speaking. What is the lowest self noise small diaphragm condenser available today? Are you looking at a small-diaphragm condenser to record your acoustic guitar? Learn More. The Neumann KM 184 small diaphragm condenser microphone makes drum, instrument, and ensemble recording a breeze with its natural sound and near-perfect cardioid pattern. Get Directions | Polar Pattern: Cardioid. Sweetwater's Sales Engineers are regarded as the most experienced and knowledgeable professionals in the music industry, with extensive music backgrounds and intense training on the latest products and technologies. Thank you for your request. Its new hand-made capsule implements a sophisticated backplate design that provides a perfectly balanced sound, so it's never harsh or aggressive - perfect for sources like high-hats and drum overheads. Learn More. Never used one personally but according to the specs, the JZ Microphones BT-301 has only 5.5 dBA of self noise. You can also call us toll free at (800) 222-4700, Mon-Thu 9-9, Fri 9-8, and Sat 9-7 Eastern. Should you buy a large- or small-diaphragm condenser? Sensitivity and dynamic range are also very good. Here's a small-diameter measurement mic with what looks like 6.5dB self noise - not too shabby! That’s about 6 dB lower (i.e. The frequency response is very neutral and mostly flat, and the off-axis sound is impressively uncolored - which is absolutely crucial for realistic sounding stereo recordings. Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphones are ideal for capturing extreme detail in a recording. I haven't found the 13db self noise of the Gefell m295 to be a problem in practice - and have recorded quite a few very quiet sources with it. Proximity Effect . Handcrafted at the sE Electronics labs it's a sophisticated design and one of the quietest small capsule mics on the planet. Small-diaphragm condenser versus large-diaphragm condenser. Sweetwater is committed to providing a vast selection of the right products at the right price, and doing the right thing for our customers doesn't end there! They are available to offer you personalized product advice any time you need it. Proximity effect is an effect which enhances bass frequency when the object comes closer to the mic. Fit for any challenges in the studio or on stage, the sE8 is a brand new high-performance handcrafted small-diaphragm condenser, fresh from the labs at sE. Since the diaphragm is smaller, it responds quicker to SPL, making it a more accurate and detailed recording when miking acoustic guitars, miking a piano, or miking an orchestral instrument like a violin or cello.