sE 8 Omni Directional Stereo Condenser Pair Guide and User Manual

Guide to Using the sE Electronics sE8 Omni Matched Pair

The sE Electronics sE8 Omni Matched Pair features precision condenser components optimized for capturing broad, accurate stereo soundscapes. This guide breaks down how to configure its primary hardware controls and setup configurations.

1. Configuring the Attenuation Pads (Pre-Attenuation)

The sE8 Omni microphones feature physical toggle switches on the microphone body to alter the input headroom for extremely loud sound sources.

• 0 dB Setting: Keep the switch set to 0 dB for standard acoustic instruments, ensembles, and ambient room recording.
• -10 dB Setting: Slide the switch to -10 dB when capturing high-output instruments like close-mic’ed brass or percussion to prevent overloading the microphone preamp.
• -20 dB Setting: Slide the switch completely to -20 dB for maximum sound pressure level handling up to 161 dB, perfect for extreme close-up tracking or guitar amplifier stacks.

2. Adjusting the Low-Cut Filters (High-Pass Filters)

To combat unwanted low-frequency rumble, proximity effects, or wind noise, utilize the integrated dual-stage low-cut filters.

• Flat / Linear Setting: Keep the switch at the flat line position when capturing full-range musical ensembles or low-end heavy instruments where flat frequency response is required.
• 80 Hz Filter: Slide the switch to 80 Hz (6 dB/Octave slope) to gently filter out low-end mechanical vibrations, floor rumble, or excessive room hum.
• 160 Hz Filter: Slide the switch to 160 Hz to aggressively manage midrange proximity boominess or cleanup vocal and high-register instrument tracks.

3. Aligning the Matched Pair on the Stereo Bar

Because these capsules are omnidirectional, they capture sound equally from all directions, making spaced-pair (A-B setup) configurations highly effective.

• Spacing the Mics: Mount both microphone clips onto the included precision stereo bar. Position the microphones parallel to each other, spaced roughly 1.5 to 3 feet apart depending on the width of the soundstage.
• Securing Connections: Thread the microphones safely into the clips, line up your XLR cables into the gold-plated 3-pin outputs, and ensure +48V phantom power is engaged on your mixer or audio interface.

Summary of Component Functions