SE Electronics RN17, User Manual

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over several years of careful listening and measurement by Mr. Rupert Neve, Mr. Siwei Zou, and
the engineering teams from both Rupert Neve Designs and sE Electronics. All in all, the RNT brings
the larger-than-life sounds of classic tube mics into the modern age with greater depth and clarity
than ever before.
The RNT utilizes fully discrete, Class-A electronics throughout both of its active stages. The first
stage is tube-based, with a hand-selected, low-noise 12AU7 tube within the microphone chassis,
and implementing a custom-built Rupert Neve Designs output transformer. The second stage is
within the floor box – which also controls polar pattern, filter and gain switching – and is built
around the same custom op-amps used in Rupert Neve Designs’ flagship 5088 recording console,
known worldwide for its unrivaled transparency and headroom. This second stage is also coupled
with a second custom-made Rupert Neve Designs output transformer.
The custom handcrafted large diaphragm true condenser capsule is sE’s finest capsule yet, born
from years of rigorous testing and listening, and developed and constructed by hand in sE’s own
factory. The Class-A electronics and switchable gain ensure a massive dynamic range, with high
sound pressure level (SPL) handling capability and extremely low-noise components, and the
switchable low-cut filters eliminate rumble or footfall noise, and can also compensate for an
excess of bass frequencies caused by the proximity effect. This enables the RNT to close-mic
many instruments including electric guitar speaker cabinets, brass instruments and drums.
Lastly, the 9-position polar pattern switch allows for omnidirectional, cardioid, and figure-eight
pickup patterns - and several positions in between each – for precise tailoring of the balance
between direct and ambient sound when recording with the RNT.
Reliable operation is ensured by the sturdy all-metal design, robust construction, and high-quality
manufacturing standards. A high-quality metal case is also included.