Designed 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. According to Mr Zou, "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.'"

"I love it on acoustic guitar, piano, strings, percussion, and as a room mic on any source. It was a go-to mic this year for sessions with Metric & The Kills."

- John O'Mahony, Mixer / Producer (Vance Joy, Sarah Bareilles, Coldplay, Metric)

THE SMALL DIAPHRAGM

With 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.

THE MASSIVE TRANSFORMER

Made 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.

CUSTOM SHOCK MOUNT

Every 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.

A design collaboration between sE's Siwei Zou (left) and the legendary Mr. Rupert Neve (right) SPECIFICATIONS

Capsule Type: Hand-Crafted True Condenser

Diaphragm: 17.2mm Gold/Mylar

Directional Pattern: Cardioid (omnidirectional capsule available separately)

Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz

Impedance: 200 Ohms

Sensitivity: 5.96 mV/Pa (-44.5dB)

Sensitivity (Figure-8): 2.51 mV/Pa (-52dB)

Max SPL: 131 dB (0.5% THD @ 1kHz)

Signal to Noise Ratio: 76 dB

Self Noise: 18 dB(A) (cardioid), 15 dB(A) (omni)

Matching Connectors: XLR3F

Power requirement: 48V phantom

Weight: 320g / 11.32oz

Diameter: 44 mm (transformer), 17mm (capsule)

Length: 200 mm