sE Electronics Rupert Neve RN17 Small-Diaphragm Condenser Microphones (Stereo Pair)

The RN17 represents a groundbreaking achievement in small-diaphragm condenser design, born from the ambitious collaboration between sE Electronics and legendary audio engineer Rupert Neve. When Siwei Zou initially told Rupert that incorporating his desired full-scale transformer into a small-capsule microphone was "impossible," Neve's response was characteristically determined: "I want the impossible to be possible." This philosophy drove the development of a microphone that challenges conventional wisdom about what small-diaphragm condensers can achieve.

At the heart of the RN17 lies the world's smallest production gold-sputtered diaphragm at just 15mm, providing unparalleled transient response and exceptional high-frequency detail capture. However, the real innovation comes from Rupert Neve's custom-designed transformer - substantially larger than typical small-capsule microphone transformers and clearly visible in the unusual chassis shape. This full-scale transformer counters the traditional weakness of tiny diaphragms by providing astonishing clarity across all frequencies, with detailed forward midrange, full accurate lows, and a balance previously unachievable in small-capsule microphones.

The RN17's practical design considerations include a matte black finish that blends discretely into studio and stage environments, plus a modular capsule system that ships with cardioid configuration but accommodates additional capsules for omni, cardioid cut, hypercardioid, and figure-8 patterns. Each microphone includes a custom shock mount for vibration control, and when purchased as a matched pair, the package includes factory-matched transformers and capsules, precision stereo mounting bar, wooden presentation case with space for future capsule additions, and secure flight case packaging.