What type of capsule does the sE Electronics sE4100 use?

The sE4100 features a handcrafted twin 1-inch gold-sputtered brass capsule. This capsule is built with attention to detail to ensure a classic, warm, and smooth sound across various sources.

Is the sE4100 suitable for live use?

Yes, it is specifically built for live environments as well as the studio. It features a dent-proof die-cast all-metal housing and a rugged spring steel wire mesh grille to withstand the demands of touring.

What is the polar pattern of this microphone?

The sE4100 is a cardioid-only condenser microphone. This fixed pattern is ideal for focusing on a single sound source while rejecting noise from the rear of the microphone.

Can the sE4100 handle loud instruments like guitar amps?

Yes, the manufacturer describes it as being perfect for electric guitar cabs and drum overheads. Its design allows it to excel even when placed in front of high-volume sound sources.

What materials are used in the construction of the sE4100?

The microphone is built with a die-cast all-metal housing, metal switches, and a spring steel wire mesh grille. It is finished with a premium coating designed for longevity.

How does the sE4100 compare to the Neumann TLM 102?

Both are compact large-diaphragm cardioid condensers suitable for studio work. The sE4100 emphasizes a handcrafted brass capsule and a ruggedised metal chassis that is particularly well-suited for both studio and road use.

Does the sE4100 require phantom power?

Yes, as a true condenser microphone, the sE4100 requires 48V phantom power from an audio interface, mixer, or external power supply to operate.

What instruments is the sE4100 best suited for?

It is highly versatile and excels on grand pianos, acoustic instruments, brass, vocals, and drum overheads. Its smooth sound profile makes it a 'workhorse' for many different studio applications.

What is the typical price for the sE4100?

The typical price for the sE Electronics sE4100 is approximately £294. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

Is the sE4100 a dynamic or condenser microphone?

The sE4100 is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone. Unlike dynamic microphones like the Shure SM7B, it uses a powered capsule to provide greater sensitivity and detail.

What makes the sE4100 'roadworthy'?

Its roadworthiness comes from its all-metal construction and dent-proof housing. The use of metal switches rather than plastic ones also increases its durability during frequent transport and setup.

How does the sE4100 sound compared to other sE microphones?

The sE4100 is designed for a warm, smooth character. It provides the classic sound associated with high-end sE capsules but in a streamlined, cardioid-only format that focuses on core functionality.

Gear article

sE Electronics sE4100 Large-Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

The sE Electronics sE4100 is a professional-grade cardioid condenser microphone featuring a handcrafted 1-inch gold-sputtered brass capsule. Designed as a rugged studio workhorse, it balances a classic smooth sound with a roadworthy all-metal construction suitable for both recording and live environments.

sE Electronics sE4100 LCD Cardioid Condenser Microphone

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Overview and Design

The sE Electronics sE4100 is a dedicated cardioid version of the brand's larger-diaphragm condenser range, focusing on providing high-fidelity capture in a durable, streamlined format. It is engineered to withstand the rigours of professional use, featuring a dent-proof die-cast all-metal chassis and metal switches. The microphone utilises a spring steel wire mesh grille to protect the sensitive internal components from physical impact and electromagnetic interference.

Capsule and Technology

At the heart of the sE4100 is a handcrafted twin 1-inch gold-sputtered brass capsule. This component is manufactured in sE's own facility to ensure precision and consistency. By using a true condenser design, the microphone is capable of capturing a wide frequency range with the detail required for professional studio sessions, while the cardioid polar pattern provides excellent off-axis rejection, making it suitable for environments where isolation is required.

Neumann TLM 103 Studio Set Microphone Nickel

Sound Character and Applications

The sE4100 is characterised by a warm, smooth sound profile that avoids the harshness sometimes found in budget condenser microphones. It is designed to be versatile across a variety of sound sources, including:

Vocals and Speech: Providing clarity and warmth for studio recordings.
Instruments: Excelling on grand pianos, acoustic guitars, and brass instruments.
High-SPL Sources: Capable of handling loud electric guitar cabinets and drum overheads.
Live Sound: Its rugged build and cardioid pattern make it a viable choice for high-end touring applications.

Market Positioning

Positioned as a mid-range professional tool, the sE4100 competes with established models such as the Neumann TLM 102 and the Shure SM7B. While dynamic microphones like the SM7B are often preferred for their extreme isolation, the sE4100 offers the extended high-frequency response and transient detail typical of a large-diaphragm condenser. It serves as a more accessible alternative to flagship Neumann models while maintaining a focus on handmade capsule quality.

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Frequently asked questions

What type of capsule does the sE Electronics sE4100 use?: The sE4100 features a handcrafted twin 1-inch gold-sputtered brass capsule. This capsule is built with attention to detail to ensure a classic, warm, and smooth sound across various sources.
Is the sE4100 suitable for live use?: Yes, it is specifically built for live environments as well as the studio. It features a dent-proof die-cast all-metal housing and a rugged spring steel wire mesh grille to withstand the demands of touring.
What is the polar pattern of this microphone?: The sE4100 is a cardioid-only condenser microphone. This fixed pattern is ideal for focusing on a single sound source while rejecting noise from the rear of the microphone.
Can the sE4100 handle loud instruments like guitar amps?: Yes, the manufacturer describes it as being perfect for electric guitar cabs and drum overheads. Its design allows it to excel even when placed in front of high-volume sound sources.
What materials are used in the construction of the sE4100?: The microphone is built with a die-cast all-metal housing, metal switches, and a spring steel wire mesh grille. It is finished with a premium coating designed for longevity.
How does the sE4100 compare to the Neumann TLM 102?: Both are compact large-diaphragm cardioid condensers suitable for studio work. The sE4100 emphasizes a handcrafted brass capsule and a ruggedised metal chassis that is particularly well-suited for both studio and road use.
Does the sE4100 require phantom power?: Yes, as a true condenser microphone, the sE4100 requires 48V phantom power from an audio interface, mixer, or external power supply to operate.
What instruments is the sE4100 best suited for?: It is highly versatile and excels on grand pianos, acoustic instruments, brass, vocals, and drum overheads. Its smooth sound profile makes it a 'workhorse' for many different studio applications.
What is the typical price for the sE4100?: The typical price for the sE Electronics sE4100 is approximately £294. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
Is the sE4100 a dynamic or condenser microphone?: The sE4100 is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone. Unlike dynamic microphones like the Shure SM7B, it uses a powered capsule to provide greater sensitivity and detail.
What makes the sE4100 'roadworthy'?: Its roadworthiness comes from its all-metal construction and dent-proof housing. The use of metal switches rather than plastic ones also increases its durability during frequent transport and setup.
How does the sE4100 sound compared to other sE microphones?: The sE4100 is designed for a warm, smooth character. It provides the classic sound associated with high-end sE capsules but in a streamlined, cardioid-only format that focuses on core functionality.