What is included in the sE Electronics sE6160 Matched Pair?

The package includes two sE6160 shotgun microphones that have been hand-matched by the manufacturer for tonal and sensitivity consistency. This ensures that the two microphones behave identically when used for stereo recording.

What is the pickup pattern of the sE6160?

The sE6160 features a super-cardioid/lobar pickup pattern. This design is highly directional, focusing on the sound directly in front of the microphone while effectively rejecting noise from the sides and rear.

How high is the self-noise of these microphones?

The sE6160 has a self-noise rating of 13dB. This is considered impressively low, making it suitable for capturing quiet ambient sounds or delicate dialogue without adding excessive hiss.

Can the sE6160 handle loud sound sources?

Yes, these microphones can handle sound pressure levels up to 157dB. This high SPL capability allows them to be used for high-energy events or loud sound effects without the risk of clipping.

Why is 'hand-matching' important for a shotgun pair?

Hand-matching ensures that both microphones have a nearly identical frequency response and output level. This is crucial for accurate phase alignment and a stable stereo image when recording dual-mic sources.

Does the sE6160 have on-board controls?

Yes, each microphone features switchable filters and attenuation pads. These allow the user to reduce low-frequency rumble or pad the input signal to prevent overloading the preamp.

Is this microphone suitable for recording dialogue?

The sE6160 is specifically designed for professional-grade broadcast dialogue. Its directional pattern helps isolate the speaker's voice in noisy environments, which is a standard requirement for film and TV production.

How does the sE6160 compare to a Shure SM57?

The sE6160 is a condenser shotgun microphone meant for long-distance reach and high detail, whereas the Shure SM57 is a dynamic microphone designed for close-miking instruments. They serve completely different purposes in a recording environment.

What kind of power do these microphones require?

As condenser microphones, the sE6160 units require phantom power (typically +48V) to operate. This power is usually supplied via the XLR connection from a mixer or audio interface.

Can I use these for live orchestral recording?

Yes, the sE6160 Matched Pair is a powerful choice for capturing orchestral performances. The directional precision allows the engineer to focus on specific sections while maintaining a clear, phase-coherent stereo field.

What is the primary use case for a lobar pickup pattern?

A lobar pattern is used when maximum directivity is required. It is significantly more narrow than a standard cardioid pattern, allowing the microphone to 'point' at a sound source from a distance while excluding surrounding noise.

How does the sE6160 handle ambient environmental recording?

Due to its low self-noise and matched nature, it is excellent for ambient recording. It provides a transparent and clear representation of environment sounds with exceptional directional accuracy.

Gear article

sE Electronics sE6160 Shotgun Microphone Matched Pair

The sE Electronics sE6160 Shotgun Microphone Matched Pair is a professional-grade stereo recording kit designed for high-fidelity broadcast, dialogue, and field recording applications. Hand-selected for tonal consistency, this pair ensures precise phase alignment and accurate stereo imaging for complex sound sources and orchestral performances.

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Overview

The sE Electronics sE6160 Matched Pair represents a high-performance solution for audio engineers and broadcasters requiring directional precision in a stereo configuration. These microphones are specifically engineered to isolate a sound source while suppressing off-axis noise, making them ideal for challenging environments such as live production and ambient field recording. The 'Matched Pair' designation indicates that each unit has been individually tested to ensure they share identical frequency responses and sensitivity levels.

Functional Features

Each microphone in the sE6160 set utilizes a super-cardioid/lobar pickup pattern, which provides the high degree of directivity expected from a shotgun design. The units are equipped with switchable filters and attenuation pads, allowing the user to manage input sensitivity and adjust the tonal balance on-the-fly. With a maximum sound pressure level (SPL) of 157dB, the pair can handle extremely loud sound sources without distortion, while the low self-noise of 13dB ensures that quiet, delicate passages remain clean and usable.

Applications

This matched set is particularly suited for dual-miking complex sources where phase coherence is critical. Common applications include:

Broadcast Dialogue: Capturing clear speech in noisy outdoor environments.
Orchestral Recording: Providing directional focus within a large hall for specific sections or soloists.
Field Recording: Recording ambient atmospheres with wide, accurate stereo imaging.
Live Production: Isolating performers on stage while minimising bleed from surrounding monitors or instruments.

Comparison to Alternatives

In comparison to general-purpose dynamic microphones like the Shure SM58 or the Sennheiser e935, the sE6160 offers significantly higher sensitivity and a much tighter pickup pattern, which is necessary for long-distance capture. While the Sennheiser MD 441-U and Electro-Voice RE20 are staples for broadcast, they are large-diaphragm dynamic units typically used at close range. The sE6160 provides the 'reach' and low-noise floor required for professional broadcast and environmental audio that standard handheld or studio vocal mics cannot achieve.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the sE Electronics sE6160 Matched Pair?: The package includes two sE6160 shotgun microphones that have been hand-matched by the manufacturer for tonal and sensitivity consistency. This ensures that the two microphones behave identically when used for stereo recording.
What is the pickup pattern of the sE6160?: The sE6160 features a super-cardioid/lobar pickup pattern. This design is highly directional, focusing on the sound directly in front of the microphone while effectively rejecting noise from the sides and rear.
How high is the self-noise of these microphones?: The sE6160 has a self-noise rating of 13dB. This is considered impressively low, making it suitable for capturing quiet ambient sounds or delicate dialogue without adding excessive hiss.
Can the sE6160 handle loud sound sources?: Yes, these microphones can handle sound pressure levels up to 157dB. This high SPL capability allows them to be used for high-energy events or loud sound effects without the risk of clipping.
Why is 'hand-matching' important for a shotgun pair?: Hand-matching ensures that both microphones have a nearly identical frequency response and output level. This is crucial for accurate phase alignment and a stable stereo image when recording dual-mic sources.
Does the sE6160 have on-board controls?: Yes, each microphone features switchable filters and attenuation pads. These allow the user to reduce low-frequency rumble or pad the input signal to prevent overloading the preamp.
Is this microphone suitable for recording dialogue?: The sE6160 is specifically designed for professional-grade broadcast dialogue. Its directional pattern helps isolate the speaker's voice in noisy environments, which is a standard requirement for film and TV production.
How does the sE6160 compare to a Shure SM57?: The sE6160 is a condenser shotgun microphone meant for long-distance reach and high detail, whereas the Shure SM57 is a dynamic microphone designed for close-miking instruments. They serve completely different purposes in a recording environment.
What kind of power do these microphones require?: As condenser microphones, the sE6160 units require phantom power (typically +48V) to operate. This power is usually supplied via the XLR connection from a mixer or audio interface.
Can I use these for live orchestral recording?: Yes, the sE6160 Matched Pair is a powerful choice for capturing orchestral performances. The directional precision allows the engineer to focus on specific sections while maintaining a clear, phase-coherent stereo field.
What is the primary use case for a lobar pickup pattern?: A lobar pattern is used when maximum directivity is required. It is significantly more narrow than a standard cardioid pattern, allowing the microphone to 'point' at a sound source from a distance while excluding surrounding noise.
How does the sE6160 handle ambient environmental recording?: Due to its low self-noise and matched nature, it is excellent for ambient recording. It provides a transparent and clear representation of environment sounds with exceptional directional accuracy.