The second product of the sE / Rupert Neve collaboration, work on the RN17 began with a discussion between Rupert and Siwei Zou on the merits and problems of small-diaphragm condensers. "I said, 'That transformer is too big. This is a small-capsule microphone. Impossible.'" According to Siwei, "The SDC's problem is that they have a very clear sound - the SPL is high, but the sound is very cold, not like with a large diaphragm. The quality of the transformer can make the sound much, much better - but with a small transformer, nobody can do it." "Rupert told me, 'I want THIS transformer.' I said, 'That transformer is too big. This is a small-capsule microphone. Impossible.' He said, 'I want the impossible to be possible.'"

With a 15mm diaphragm (the world's smallest production gold-sputtered diaphragm), the transient response of the RN17 is unparalleled. Such a small capsule reacts extremely quickly, and is therefore adept at picking up the most delicate of high-frequency content. However, a tiny diaphragm usually results in a lack of low-frequency response. How to counter this?

Made obvious by the unusual chassis shape, the RN17's transformer is substantially larger than the norm. This full-scale transformer was custom-designed by Rupert Neve specifically for this microphone - and nobody has been designing audio transformers longer (or better) than Rupert Neve. With an audio transformer of this magnitude, the RN17 is able to put out astonishing clarity across ALL frequencies - not just the highs. The midrange is detailed and forward, the lows are full and accurate, and the whole microphone has a balance and headroom never before achieved with a small-capsule microphone.

The matte black finish minimizes the level of visual attention drawn to the microphone when used on stage or in the studio, allowing it to blend into the background. The RN17 ships with a cardioid capsule, but the wooden box has room for additional capsules in the form of omni, cardioid cut, hypercardioid, and figure-8. These capsules can be utilized for enhanced room sound (omni), low frequency control (cardioid cut) greater side rejection (hypercardioid), or mid-side recording techniques (figure-8).

Every RN17 includes a custom-designed, sturdy, protective, and easy-to-use shock mount, which is essential to reducing the unwanted effects of vibration or knocks to the supporting microphone stand.

Features

• Custom Shock Mount included
• Wooden presentation case with five canisters to house optional capsules included
• Capsule Type: Hand-Crafted True Condenser
• Diaphragm: 17.2mm Gold/Mylar (21mm with Figure-8)
• Directional Pattern: Cardioid, Cardioid w/ Low Cut, Hyper Cardioid, Omni, Figure-8 capsules
• Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Impedance: 200 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 5.96 mV/Pa (-44.5dB)
• Sensitivity (Figure-8): 2.51 mV/Pa (-52dB)
• Max SPL: 131 dB (0.5% THD @ 1kHz)
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 76 dB (cardioid), 25.5 dB (Figure-8)
• Self Noise: 18 dB(A) (cardioid), 15 dB(A) (omni)
• Pass Filter: 100 Hz (with Cardioid Cut capsule only)
• Matching Connectors: XLR3F
• Power requirement: 48V phantom
• Weight: 320g / 11.32oz
• Weight (Figure-8): 330g / 11.64oz
• Diameter: 44 mm (transformer), 17mm (capsule)
• Length: 200 mm