sE Electronics Rupert Neve RN17 Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

When Rupert Neve declared "I want the impossible to be possible," the RN17 small-diaphragm condenser was born from a collaboration that challenged conventional microphone design. This second product from the sE/Rupert Neve partnership emerged from discussions about the inherent problems of small-diaphragm condensers - their characteristically cold sound despite high SPL capabilities. The solution required thinking beyond traditional constraints.

At the heart of the RN17 lies a 15mm diaphragm, recognised as the world's smallest production gold-sputtered diaphragm, providing unmatched transient response and exceptional high-frequency capture. However, the real innovation comes from Rupert Neve's custom-designed transformer, substantially larger than industry standards and clearly visible in the microphone's distinctive chassis shape. This full-scale transformer counters the typical low-frequency limitations of small capsules, resulting in remarkable clarity across the entire frequency spectrum with detailed midrange, full lows, and balanced headroom previously unachievable in small-capsule designs.

The RN17's matte black finish ensures minimal visual distraction in studio and stage environments, while the included wooden box accommodates additional capsules including omni, cardioid cut, hypercardioid, and figure-8 options for various recording applications. Each microphone comes complete with a custom-designed shock mount, essential for eliminating unwanted vibrations and stand-transmitted noise during recording sessions.