Recording - May 2014 - 46

B Y PA U L V N U K J R .

sE Electronics Magneto

It is currently available in two colors,
either sE's standard black or in limitededition purplish-pink. For this review I was
sent a pair of the limited-edition models,

A new standard for entry-level condenser mics
Almost none of the components in sE
microphones are purchased OEM
(Original Equipment Manufacturer) from
any other company, and sE doesn't OEM
for anyone else. This allows sE to have
ironclad control over both costs and quality. (See Mike Metlay's Fade Out of
October 2010 to read a bit about the factory, which he visited that year.)
We have looked at many of sE's microphones in the past, and I have to mention
that company's Voodoo VR-1 passive ribbon microphone, which I reviewed back in
our May 2011 issue and which remains
one of my absolute favorite ribbon mics for
saxophone and drum overhead work. This
month, we move to the entry-level side of
sE as a prelude to a look at the company's
very affordable X Series.
In future issues, we'll bring you reviews
of the new X1R entry-level ribbon mic and
the X1 USB mic, but this time we're starting at the beginning, or perhaps I should
say with beginners. The newly-released
Magneto begins what we're told will be a
new entry-level sE range. It's sE's most
affordable mic ever, with an average
street price of only $119.

sE Electronics is a UK-based microphone manufacturer that has been releasing microphones and the like since the
year 2000. The sE product line spans the
range from the affordable X Series all the
way up to high-end pieces like the
Gemini line and the Rupert Nevedesigned RNR1 ribbon microphone. sE is
also largely responsible for the "portable
vocal booth" craze thanks to the original
Reflexion Filter (reviewed March 2007).
While the mics are built in China, it is
worth noting that sE actually owns its own
factory and all of the firm's products are
produced in-house from start to finish.
46

RECORDING May 2014

Magneto
The Magneto is a largediaphragm condenser microphone that uses a back-electret
fixed cardioid capsule. It features a 20 Hz-20 kHz frequency response, a 200 ohm impedance, a 16 dBA equivalent
noise level and a 140 dB maximum SPL. In plain English, this
means it is clear, quiet, and can
handle extreme instrument and
vocal volume levels with ease.
Functionally the Magneto is
pretty straight ahead; it features
no highpass filters nor pad controls on the mic itself.
In the build and looks department Magneto measures 61/4"
from stem to stern and is 21/8"
round at its widest point. Bodywise it is
similar in style to sE's X Series mics, only
shorter with a slightly retooled grille.

and the color reminds me of the accent
colors on the costume of the Marvel
Comics villain of the same name. Hmmm,
coincidence? Regardless of color, the
Magneto features a double mesh nickelcolored grille, along with what looks to
be internal foam lining, most likely to help
aid in the reduction of plosives.
Like all sE microphones, it is well built
and should easily withstand the rigors of
studio and stage. In the case something
does go wrong, sE offers one of the best
warranties in the business, with what they
call the "3 Year Zero Downtime Free
Replacement Warranty." You can check
their website for details.
Magneto comes packaged pretty simply in a foam lined cardboard box with a
standard mic clip, although it can be used
with sE's optional Isolation Pack (which
includes a custom shockmount and removable pop filter) and/or Reflexion Filters.
In use
I took my pair of Magnetos into my studio and to the venues where I routinely do
live sound and recording, and put them
through their paces much as I would any
other condenser mic. Or maybe I should
say, "As I would every other condenser mic." I believe that as an
entry-level mic, the Magneto
needs to be sonically neutral so as
to cover a lot of bases for the
beginning recordist whose mic
closet probably consists of one or
two Magnetos and nothing else.
I was pleased at what I found
out. The Magneto has a very
crisp open top end, an even
midrange, and a solid yet
unimposing low end. Over a
month's time I put the pair I
was sent to work on drum overheads, acoustic and electric
guitar, cajon, shakers, tambourine, vocals and podcasting
duties, and quickly noted the
mic's distinct tonality.
There's no question, the Magneto is
definitely one of the toppiest mics I have
used in a while! This very detailed high

Recording - May 2014

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