Founded by classical music composer and conductor Siwei Zou, sE Electronics is a family-owned business with 25 years’ experience in microphone design and manufacture. Known for its signature Rupert Neve series studio condensers, V-series live sound microphones and popular Reflexion Filters, sE Electronics expands their product offering with the sE6160 shotgun microphone.
Designed to capture natural sound while minimizing unwanted coloration, the sE6160 is engineered for a wide range of broadcast, recording and live sound applications.
Handcrafted True Condenser
The sE6160 is a true condenser built around a newly developed small diaphragm capsule. Incorporating ultra-precision parts and a gold-sputtered diaphragm, each capsule is individually handcrafted and meticulously tuned, for peak performance. By using ultra-low-noise electronics and a transformerless output, the sE6160 accurately captures sonic detail while maintaining uniformity across its entire audio range. The sE6160’s 25 mV/Pa (-32 dBV) output sensitivity and low self-noise deliver a clean quiet output signal level compatible with a wide range of preamps, mixers and recorders.
The sE6160’s supercardioid / lobar polar pattern allows for an extended working range. Its excellent off-axis rejection enables high gain-before-feedback while reducing signal bleed in loud environments. An excellent choice for film and video work, the sE6160 is also ideal for use in live sound events and as an ambient mic to accurately capture audience sound for IEM applications.
Tailor the Sound
The microphone’s frequency response specs out at 20 Hz to 20 kHz with a slight rise around 8 kHz, enabling it to capture subtle detail without harshness. A built-in 6 dB per octave two-position low-cut filter can be engaged to tailor the low-end. Choose 80 Hz to minimize pickup of unwanted stage or mechanical noise or choose 160 Hz to help compensate for proximity effect
For high SPL situations, the sE6160’s two-position pad offers selectable -10 or -20 dB attenuation. With the -20 dB pad engaged, it tops out at 157 dB SPL allowing the sE6160 to handle extremely loud sound sources without overload.
Easily accessible, both switches are recessed to prevent accidental changes while clearly visible labels make it easy to see switch positions. Having readable labels is becoming more important as my eyes get older, and I like that sE does not use artsy micro-fonts in colors that match the microphone case.
Like other true condensers, the sE6160 requires 48 VDC phantom power with a current consumption of 2.6 mA.
Built for the Road
Built for professional demands, the sE6160 is engineered for long-lasting durability even in challenging live environments. The compact 10” (250 mm) long microphone features distinctive slotted side ports with micromesh screening to keep dust out while maintaining a sleek modern aesthetic. The rugged yet lightweight microphone has a premium metal housing and roadworthy die-cast construction. Finished in a non-reflective black the sE6160 incorporates recessed switches and a gold-plated XLR-M connector.
Available singly or in factory-matched pairs, each sE6160 includes a foam windscreen, microphone clip with 5/8” x 27 to 3/8” thread adapter packed in a protective padded zipper case.
Out in the Field
For this review sE sent a matched pair of sE6160’s. The microphones came in a fitted carry case with cutouts for the mics, windscreens, stand clamps and thread adapters. The foam windscreens offered decent wind protection when I used the mics outdoors but when I swapped out the foam for one of my furry “dead-cat” windshields wind noise was nonexistent.
I had a high school graduation livestream gig and used one of the sE6160s to capture crowd ambience. Even when the parents were cheering at the top of their lungs, I had no overload issues, and the crowd sounded clear, natural and loud. Since I was not using the second mic, I let the house sound engineer use it on the lectern. I prefer a short shotgun for this application as it enables the mic to be placed further away from the talker (and out of my video shot). I engaged the 160 Hz rolloff filter to minimize proximity effect. The talkers sounded natural, there was plenty of gain and when someone leaned in on the mic, we had no “P-pop” issues. The excellent off-axis response also minimized pickup of the presenters rattling their paper notes.
My next gig was an outdoor affair with a chorus providing musical interludes. I used the sE6160s on the chorus with excellent results. As it was quite windy, I decided to forgo the foam windscreens and replace them with some borrowed fuzzy ones. The chorus sound was naturally clear, and I could get good overall gain without feedback issues.
For a jazz concert, I employed the sE6160s as drum overheads. The greater working distance meant I could place them higher on the kit while still maintaining good coverage with minimal bleed from the nearby trumpets.
The Verdict
Like other sE products, the sE6160s have an excellent build quality, perform to specifications and offer an excellent overall value. In every situation where I used the sE6160’s, I was pleased with the results. They sounded good, were easy to deploy, and allowed me to tailor their performance to meet my specific needs. Yes, shotgun microphones are not every live sound engineer’s cup of tea. But when used properly they can be real problem solvers.
Just give them a shot… You will be pleased.
At a Glance:
Clarity, with a Tight Polar Pattern
sE Electronics’ brand-new sE6160 is a compact true condenser shotgun mic that delivers impressive clarity. Its tight polar pattern ensures high gain-before-feedback without coloration.
sE6160 Shotgun Microphone
PROS
- Two levels of roll-off filter
- High SPL handling
- Excellent off-axis response
CONS
- None
SPECS
Capsule: Small-diaphragm, true condenser capsule
Polar pattern: Shotgun (supercardioid / lobar)
Frequency Range: 20 to 20,000 Hz
Sensitivity: 25 mV/Pa (-32 dB V)
Max. SPL: 137 / 147 / 157 dB SPL (0/-10/-20 dB attenuator pad)
Low-cut Filter: 80 Hz / 160 Hz, -6 dB/octave, switchable
Attenuation Pad: 10 / 20 dB, switchable
Power: 48 Volts DC
Connection: 3-pin XLR
Dimensions: 9.84” long; 0.77” diameter
Weight: 3.88 ounces
Price: Single, $499; matched pair, $998
Manufacturer: sE Electronics
More Info: www.seelectronics.com
