sE Electronics sE7 Review / Test (vs. C2, sE8, M5, KM184)

Today i review the sE Electronics sE7, a small diaphragm condenser which offers a nice low end, neutral mids and a lifted top end which gives you some liveliness but it's not overdone. Like most SDCs it doesn't do great with plosives, but does pretty well with off axis coloration. I also think this mic can exagerate a little bit of sibilance.

RECORDING SETTINGS:
Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
Gain: ~1:30
Boosted in Post: +5dB

SPECS:
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Freq Response : 40Hz - 20khz
- Sensitivity: -35dB
- Self Noise: 16dB
- Max SPL: 136dB (156dB with -20dB pad)
- Impedance: 200 Ohms
- High Pass Filter: 6dB/octave at 80hz
- Phantom power: +48V

Buy the sE Electronics sE7 (Affiliate Link)

Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)

NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): As an associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info check my FAQ page links below.

00:00 - Intro / Setup
00:23 - What’s in the Box
00:44 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:11 - Specifications
01:21 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:41 - Plosive Test
01:59 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:23 - Background Noise Test
02:39 - Untreated Room Test
02:59 - Underboom & Overhead Booming Test
03:40 - Shock Rejection Test
03:56 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
04:08 - High Pass Filter Test
04:32 - Windscreen Tone Test
05:01 - Intro to Comparison
05:31 - Behringer C2 Comparison
05:57 - Rode M5 Comparison
06:27 - Sennheiser E614 Comparison
06:57 - sE Electronics sE8 Comparison
07:33 - Shure SM81 Comparison
08:03 - Beyerdynamic MC930 Comparison
08:34 - Neumann KM184 Comparison
09:18 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
09:46 - Music Test
11:09 - Pros & Cons
12:38 - Overall Thoughts
13:52 - Recommendation
15:00 - Outro

#Studio #SDC #MicReview

Check Out This Stuff TOO:

[donnyp_]

Big fan of the format of this test! I appreciate how you go back and forth to the sE7 each time, it really helps make the comparison easier!

[cpsedmonds]

So stoked to see this review! I used a stereo matched pair of sE7s for all my acoustic guitars (and finger mic for electric bass) on my new album. Absolute rate them and feel like I don't need to buy anything else for a long time.

When I'm not recording, I have one set up on a boom arm for gaming/discord. Super versatile!

Examples of all the above on my channel if anyone is interested <3

[TristanBWV]

It's amazing how great you can sound for just over $100. I really wish more people would use these natural sounding mics for radio, YouTube, podcasts etc. It's just so much more pleasant sounding.

[dogrecordingstudio]

I own two pair of sE7 mics. One pair are stereo matched. They're my go to mics for acoustic guitar. I've gotten awesome results using them.

[GrandNebSmada]

This is one of the most flattering mics for your voice, it really sounds amazing

[wonderjaxe]

This is the best mic comparison channel on YouTube by far, has saved me so much time and money comparing all these expensive mics by myself.

[HighlyAkicktive]

I bought this mic about a year ago before you made this review, but had seen your Samson C02 review where you compared it with. Convinced me enough to pull the trigger and couldn't be any happier with my choice. A really great sounding mic. Thanks for making those videos, I know how much work that is!

[TigroGumi]

Not a dramatic change from the treated and untreated room... very good mic... plus small to easily have out of the way

[maul]

Man I don't have words for this. Your tests are beyond useful. Thank you

[Gongtopia]

I too am a big fan of the sE mics. I think you get a great sounding mic for the price in all of their different models. The sE7s are perhaps the best budget SDC in its price point. I use a pair of sE8s, mounted in the ceiling of my studio, as the main mics for all my videos for the past 2 years and they do a great job. Also, thanks for the great non-hype videos. I know it takes a lot of work to do these.

[Mihail_Militsin]

SE7 is good for voice over, great for vocal and fantastic on acoustic. Very neat polar pattern. Yes, it's just fantastic!

[blakecamp]

Watched you and Bark yesterday. Great podcast 100 stars to both of you.

[briangarricklx]

I’ve been working in pro live audio for a while now and the KM184 have been so versatile for me personally. These seem like a great option that I might be able to purchase for my own recording applications. Thanks Bandrew!

[BadChizzle]

Well… I think your videos are a lot of fun. So take that!

A have seen the SE7 & wondered what I person, such as yourself would think of them, past the reading of specs. Which is the total of my research till now. Pretty sure I found them anyway.

Thank you for all the fun videos I’ve watched the last few years! You often crack me up!!!

-Chuk

[Taijifufu]

Very well rounded mic. Excellent review as always. The booger song was great.☝️👃

[LauraSquirrel]

I bought a matched pair of these for recording acoustic guitar in stereo. They are absolutely fantastic.

[DWHarper]

Bought a stereo pair of these over 2 years ago for $180... My go to for just about any instrument... Unlike other SDC's in its class, the SE7 has some bass extension that works well for percussion and bass instruments... And it's the quietest in it's class for the money...

[billlord]

Yup, sE stuff rarely disappoints. The sE7 sounds quite nice, the sE8 sounds nice-erer. All good stuff.

[djmerlin]

got this mic my self thx to you ;) and I love this mic use it for my stream and say that my voice sounds better now 1 year of use still going strong.
this is my third sE mic.

[matthewpeterscello]

Great vid - and great mic! I bought a pair of these a few months back and love 'em. Esp for the price!