sE Electronics RNT Rupert Neve Signature

sE Electronics RNT – valve large-diaphragm microphone designed with Rupert Neve

The sE Electronics RNT is a valve large-diaphragm microphone developed in collaboration between sE Electronics and Rupert Neve Designs. It combines a handmade 1-inch gold-sputtered condenser capsule, an ECC82/12AU7 valve, dual Rupert Neve transformers and discrete Class-A electronics for a modern high-end sound with depth, transparency and exceptional headroom.

With nine selectable polar patterns, adjustable gain/attenuation, switchable high pass filter, 151 dB max SPL and a very wide dynamic range, the RNT is built for professional recording of vocals, acoustic instruments, strings, piano, drums, guitar cabinets and room microphone applications.

Overview and features

The RNT is sE Electronics’ flagship studio microphone and is designed to deliver the three-dimensional feel of a valve microphone without sounding dark, slow or overly coloured. The result is a transparent and detailed microphone with a modern top end, tight low end and the harmonic complexity many engineers look for in a high-end valve microphone.

Designed with Rupert Neve Designs

The RNT is one of the collaborations between sE Electronics and Rupert Neve Designs. The electronics use custom-designed transformers and discrete circuit design to provide high headroom, low noise and a musical signal path from capsule to output.

Valve stage and discrete Class-A electronics

The first amplifier stage sits inside the microphone and is built around an ECC82/12AU7 valve together with a Rupert Neve Designs transformer. The second amplifier stage is located in the external floor box and uses discrete op-amps along with an additional Rupert Neve output transformer.

Nine selectable polar patterns

The microphone offers nine polar patterns: omni, cardioid and figure-8, plus several intermediate stages between them. This makes it possible to adapt the microphone response to the voice, instrument, room, distance and desired amount of ambience.

Adjustable gain and high pass filter

The RNT has three selectable level settings: -12 dB, 0 dB and +12 dB. The -12 dB setting provides extra headroom for very loud sources, while the +12 dB setting can be used for a stronger output signal. The high pass filter can be switched off or set to 40 Hz or 80 Hz with a 12 dB/octave slope.

Very high SPL handling

With up to 151 dB SPL, the RNT can handle significantly louder sound sources than many traditional valve microphones. This makes it useful not only for vocals and acoustic instruments, but also for drums, toms, overheads, electric guitar cabinets and other loud sources.

Modern high-end character

The RNT is not built as a straight vintage clone, but for a modern, open and highly detailed sound. It has the depth and dimension of a valve microphone, but with low noise, fast response, clear top end and controlled low end.

Specifications

• Product type: Valve condenser microphone
• Model: sE Electronics RNT
• Microphone type: Large-diaphragm microphone
• Design: Collaboration with Rupert Neve Designs
• Electronics: Discrete Class-A
• Capsule: Handmade 1-inch gold-sputtered true condenser capsule
• Valve: ECC82 / 12AU7
• Transformers: Rupert Neve Designs transformers in microphone and floor box
• Polar pattern: 9 selectable patterns
• Polar patterns: Omni, cardioid, figure-8 and 6 intermediate stages
• Frequency range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 16 mV/Pa, -36 dB
• Max SPL: 151 dB SPL at 0.5% THD
• Self-noise: 16 dB(A)
• Dynamic range: 135 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 78 dB
• Impedance: 30 ohms
• Recommended load impedance: >1 kOhm
• Gain/attenuation: -12 dB, 0 dB and +12 dB
• High pass filter: Off, 40 Hz or 80 Hz
• Filter slope: 12 dB/octave
• Power supply: External floor box
• Microphone to floor box connection: 8-pin XLR
• Output: 3-pin male XLR
• Phantom power: 48 V
• Colour: Black
• Diameter: 62 mm
• Length: 240 mm
• Weight: 989 g
• Applications: Vocals, voiceover, acoustic guitar, piano, strings, orchestra, room microphones, drums, overheads, toms and electric guitar cabinets

FAQ