sE Electronics sE2300 Microphone Review
Table of Contents
In only two short decades, sE Electronics has risen to the top of the industry and become an internationally respected brand that’s become popular in the home and professional studios alike. Known for their top quality, handcrafted mics, the company has produced favorites like the sE Electronics z3300 A, the sE Electronics sE2200a II, and the sE Electronics sE2200a II C.
SE Electronics microphones are carefully designed and manufactured in their own production facility in Shanghai. Each microphone they produce is constructed and assembled by hand by skilled technicians, and this attention to detail is part of what makes this brand so popular. An sE condenser mic is the result of thousands of hours of careful design and labor, ensuring quality and durability in each unit.
The sE2300 is one of the latest additions to the lineup. This sE condenser microphone is the update to the sE Electronics 2200A II that thrust the company into the spotlight over a decade ago. Any sE2200A review will tell you that the smooth, polished sound makes it perfect for any sound source. Read on below to find out if the sE2300 matches up.
About the sE Electronics sE2300 Microphone
|
Polar Pattern |
Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Figure-of-eight |
|
Frequency Response |
20-20,000 Hz |
|
Sensitivity |
24 mV/Pa (-32.5 dBV) |
|
Max SPL |
126 / 136 / 146 dB (0/10/20 dB pad) (0.5% THD @ 1kHz) |
|
Equivalent Noise Level |
9 dB(A) |
|
Dynamic Range |
117 / 127 / 137 dB (0/10/20 dB Attentuation pad) |
|
Connector |
XLR |
The sE Electronics sE2200 mic was famous for its rich sound and versatility, despite its single cardioid polar pattern. It was known for recording iconic voices such as Amy Winehouse, and the bright, upfront sound made it a favorite in studios. The sE2300 promises much of the same but with increased versatility thanks to its three polar patterns. It also includes a high-pass filter and attenuation pad for even more recording situations, making it a welcome addition to any microphone cabinet.
The sE2300 is all about adaptability, and you’ll find that it performs well with many sound sources. The level of care put into sE Electronics microphones’ design and construction is hard to match, and you’ll find that the sound is just as good as promised. If you’re looking for a classic sound in a brand-new package, then you don’t need to look any further.
sE Electronics sE2300 Microphone Pros
The sE2300’s state-of-the-art components give it even better specs than its popular predecessor. It boasts the same rich, neutral, open sound of the sE2200 with a host of added features. The sE2300 has a classic vintage-style bottom end and a fantastic open top end, and with the pad engaged can handle up to 145dB of sound pressure. Plus, its affordability means that it can be enjoyed by anyone from an amateur musician to the most seasoned sound engineer.
Attention to Detail
SE Electronics excels at its attention to detail, and the sE2300 is just proof of that. It’s kept the original capsule design and discrete, class-A circuitry of its predecessor, but with updated features that make it especially attractive for new buyers. These updated features include a shorter, optimized signal path, new pad and filter options, and a better finish all around. Plus, the sE2300 has laser finishing instead of simply paint, which makes for a more professional look.
A Mic for All Seasons
The sE2300’s best selling point is its versatility, and it holds up to it extremely well. The mic has three polar patterns (cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-of-eight) that allow it to be used in a variety of recording situations. It also has a high-pass filter that allows for control of the proximity effect, bottom end, and background rumble or footsteps. The high-pass filter has three positions: flat, 80Hz, and 160Hz, and so does the attenuation pad: 0dB, -10dB, -20 dB. These switches are clearly indicated on the microphone body, allowing you to switch comfortably at the mic with no added fiddling on the rest of your equipment.
Quiet Companion
If you’re the type of musician who wants a mic that can safely capture a full range of volumes without any added interference, then the sE2300 is for you. It was designed with two gold-sputtered diaphragms to improve noise performance, which clocks out at around 9dB of self-noise— far better than most mid-range microphones. The mic itself can also handle up to 145dB with the pads fully engaged, meaning you can capture anything from a whisper to a full-on drum solo.
Quality Accessories
The sE Electronics sE2300 comes with several accessories that aim to make your recording experience better and more convenient. It includes an Isolation Pack that consists of a shock mount and pop filter. The shock mount has an integrated quick-release mechanism that allows you to snap a mic in or out with a single twist, while the metal pop filter is fully detachable and can make quick work of those pesky plosives.
Dynamic in the Studio
While the sE2200’s single cardioid pattern made it an excellent tool for both vocals and instruments, it would be a waste not to make full use of the versatility that the sE2300 affords. The three polar patterns, frequency response, and max SPL make it the perfect mic for recording in the studio. With its natural, warm sound it can handle anything from a solo violin to a full orchestra complete with percussion. Electric and acoustic guitars hold up equally well, and the low self-noise and outside noise rejection mean that the sE2300 can record practically anything with clarity and detail.
Pros and Cons of the sE Electronics sE2300 Microphone
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Offers three pick-up patterns ✔ Neutral-leaning frequency response ✔ Comes with accessories ✔ Amazing sound quality | ✖️ Needs phantom power |
What People Are Saying
The sE2300 brings all of the best parts of the sE2200 and then some. With a natural sound that holds up great with any sound source, incredible versatility, and a competitive price, the sE2300 is a great addition to any studio. Quieter than most microphones and able to withstand sound pressure levels that many other mics would balk at, the sE2300 is definitely a keeper.
“I heard it on the Sweetwater “In Sync” Vocal microphone shootout and I actually enjoyed the sound of this mic. To my ears it is natural sounding and adds some warmth and airiness to the sound without harshness, so I picked one up and after running it straight through the clean pre’s on my interface, found that it takes EQ very well. Looking forward to testing it through my tube pre. Construction is solid, needs a sturdy mic stand!”
Reviewer – Sweetwater
Where to Buy the sE Electronics sE2300 Microphone
SE Electronics’ attention to detail and design has led to the creation of some of the best, most affordable mics in the modern era. It’s pretty hard to beat the sE2300’s range of features, and it’s one of the best-priced mid-range mics on the market. Don’t miss out. Find the best deals for the sE Electronics sE2300 Microphone here.
sE Electronics sE2300
The sE Electronics sE2300 emerges as a true game-changer in the realm of professional audio recording. Boasting an array of features, this microphone offers an impressive trifecta of pick-up patterns, ensuring optimal versatility for any recording scenario. Whether you’re capturing a solo performance, a group ensemble, or a podcast conversation, the sE2300 has you covered.
The sE2300 is known for its impeccably balanced frequency response. With a neutral-leaning nature, this microphone faithfully reproduces sound, delivering a natural and authentic representation of the source material. This inherent transparency allows for precise and accurate audio capture, providing a remarkable listening experience for both recording engineers and audiences alike.
Above all, the sE2300 leaves an indelible mark with its extraordinary sound quality. With impeccable clarity, rich detail, and a remarkable ability to capture the nuances of any performance, this microphone stands head and shoulders above its competitors. Whether you’re in a studio or a live environment, the sE2300 will undoubtedly deliver sonic excellence that surpasses expectations.
