SE ELECTRONICS RNR1

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Meet the RNR1 – the world’s first mic from Mr. Rupert Neve. With custom transformers and discrete circuitry from the man behind the recording industry as we know it, the RNR1 hears more than any other ribbon on the planet.

Ribbon mics have been around for a long time, and have always been particularly prized for the exceptionally “natural” sound they provide. Not too forward, never bright or shiny, they capture midrange detail with a pleasant intimacy and usually sit quite easily in a mix. One downside of their mellow nature used to be physical delicacy, but that challenge was conquered long ago with more rugged, reliable materials. But the other main negative with ribbon mics is the high-frequency roll-off inherent in their design, which had never been dealt with until Rupert Neve – the father of the recording console – decided to make a microphone.

Each RNR1 includes a custom-designed and easy-to-use shock mount, which is essential in use to reduce the unwanted effects of vibration or knocks to the supporting microphone stand. The microphone also comes complete inside a wooden presentation box, all packaged securely within a robust metal flight case.

“…these new sE Electronics Rupert Neve RNR1 microphones we are using on the amps. They brought out far more sonic nuance…”

– Keith Urban

THE CUSTOM TRANSFORMERS

Nobody knows audio transformers better than Rupert Neve, and ribbon mics require more transformer attention than any other. This is because the transformer that couples the ribbon to the output needs to accomplish a fairly massive impedance conversion. With the RNR1, two custom Rupert Neve-designed transformers form the buffer between the ribbon and the outside world. The circuitry between those transformers helps maintain the ultra-wide frequency response, compensating for the ribbon’s natural predisposition to roll it off, and thus high-frequency content is preserved.

THE HANDCRAFTED RIBBON

During the RNR1’s development, a full year was spent working on crafting a ribbon element that would provide the extended response that Mr. Neve demanded. After experimenting with ribbon materials available from all corners of the world, the design team landed on the 2.5?m aluminum ribbon used in the RNR1, striking the perfect balance of flexibility and stiffness needed for this microphone’s exceptional performance.

THE UNIQUE DESIGN

As with many sE microphones, the RNR1 has an unusual and bold design aesthetic, with the form following the function. The precision-machined and scalloped edges don’t just look vibrant and dramatic, they have also been custom-designed to provide the ribbon with an acoustically ideal setting for the best possible frequency response.

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

SPECIFICATIONS

Acoustic Operating Principle: Electrodynamic pressure gradient with active electronics

Generating Element: Hand-tensioned 2.5?m aluminum ribbon

Directional Pattern: Figure-8

Frequency range: 20 Hz – 25 kHz

Impedance: 200 Ohms

Sensitivity: 22.39 mV/Pa (-33 dB)

Max SPL: 135 dB (0.5% THD @ 1kHz)

Signal to Noise Ratio: 76 dB

Self Noise: 18 dB(A)

Low Cut Filter Switch: 100 Hz

Matching Connectors: XLR3F

Power requirement: 48V phantom

Weight: 860g / 30.34oz