sE Electronics T2 Large-Diaphragm Multipattern Condenser Microphone (Matched Pair)

Capture every crack of a drum with absolute clarity with the T2 from sE Electronics, a multipattern large-diaphragm condenser mic with a titanium diaphragm for a stiff response that is ideal for capturing transients. Presented here in a matched pair, the T2 is an ideal choice for drum overheads, piano, and upright bass recording.

The T2 sports four selectable pickup patterns—omnidirectional, bidirectional, cardioid, and hypercardioid—allowing it to adapt to nearly any recording scenario. Its versatility is further buoyed by a switchable 40 or 80 Hz low-cut filter to eliminate unwanted subsonic rumbles, and a -10 or -20 dB pad to handle extra-hot signals, providing an impressive max SPL handling of up to 157 dB. The T2 includes two custom shockmounts designed for easier close miking, two thread adapters, a stereo mounting bar, and a metallic case.

The T2 features a hand-crafted, 1" titanium-sputtered condenser capsule with a titanium-sputtered Mylar diaphragm. The capsule sports a low noise level, a wide frequency range, and a high max SPL of 137 dB (without the pad engaged), allowing it capture a vast array of sound sources with ease.

Titanium is 33% stiffer and more than 300% lighter than gold. This results in impressive transient response perfect for capturing sources that thrive on attack: drums, cymbals, hand percussion, upright bass, and more.

The two switches on the right side of the microphone control its polar pattern. The right-center switch offers three settings. To the left, the microphone is capturing an omnidirectional pattern. To the right, the microphone is capturing a figure-8 pattern. In the center, you have two options: cardioid or hypercardioid. The switch on the far right toggles between those two polar patterns. Switch to the left for cardioid and switch to the right for hypercardioid.

Use cardioid to capture typical single-point sound sources like vocals, guitar, drum overheads (when using two mics), and horns. Use figure-8 / bidirectional for M/S capture of guitar cabs, certain vocal types, and duets. Use hypercardioid for an ultratight pickup, ideal for snare drum or picking up specific performers in an ensemble. And with omni, you can record room sound, reflections, and large ensembles in sizable acoustical spaces.

The flat, round-edged chassis design and custom suspension mount allow the mic to be centered within the shock, used flat against a drum head or guitar cab, among many other use cases. It also provides exceptional protection from low-end rumble and footfall noise.

Each T2 matched pair is rigorously tested, tuned in-house and sonically matched to ensure a virtually identical frequency response for balanced, consistent sound. The T2 matched pair is ideal for use as drum overheads, thanks to the stiff transient response of the titanium diaphragm. It also is an optimal choice for stereo miking of pianos, due to the percussive quality of pianos.

The multiple pickup patterns lend it well to capturing large rooms and ensembles as well, such as choirs and orchestras. The T2 matched pair includes a stereo bar for easy stereo mounting with the included shockmounts.