Uploaded July 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
HQ Audio Of Review: podcastage.com/rev/sex1a
Today i review the sE Electronics X1a, a budget studio condenser microphone. This offers a cardioid polar pattern, -20dB pad, and 100hz high pass filter. The sound is more on the neutral side compared to its direct competition with extension into the bass, neutral clear mids, and a slight bump in the treble and air frequencies. At the time of review the mic costs $100 and at this price it offers a tamer top end than its competition.
RECORDING SETTINGS:
• Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
• Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
• Gain: ~12:30
• Boosted in Post: +8dB
SPECS:
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz
• Sensitivity: -34dB
• Self Noise: 16B
• Max SPL: 150dB (with pad)
• Impedance: 50 Ohms
Buy the sE X1a (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: geni.us/sex1a
Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/sex1a
B&H Photo: bhpho.to/46lDYyy
Thomann: thomannmusic.com/se_electronics_x1a.htm?offid=1&affid=2060
Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/k6g4d
B&H Photo: bhpho.to/42lcWDF
Thomann: thomann.de/intl/focusrite_scarlett_2i2_3rd_gen.htm?offid=1&affid=2060
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
00:40 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:18 - Specifications
01:29 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:45 - Plosive Test
01:59 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:19 - Background Noise Test
02:36 - Untreated Room Test
02:55 - Shock Rejection Test
03:12 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:28 - High Pass Filter Test
03:51 - Pad Test
04:18 - MXL 990 Comparison
04:39 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
04:59 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
05:20 - Avantone CK6 Comparison
05:44 - Neat King Bee v2 Comparison
06:09 - Earthworks Sr117 Comparison
06:36 - sE Electronics X1 Comparison
06:59 - Rode NT1 5th Gen Comparison
07:24 - sE Electronics sE2200a II C Comparison
07:54 - sE Electronics sE4400a Comparison
08:27 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
09:01 - Music Test
10:53 - Pros & Cons
12:30 - Overall Thoughts
13:38 - Recommendation
#Studio #Condenser #MicReview
Become a Patreon: patreon.com/podcastage
Become a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCvOU-zTlankT-JjN3ZzvuKA/join
Check Out This Stuff TOO:
Website: podcastage.com
Giveaways: podcastage.com/giveaways
Discord: podcastage.com/discord
Merch: podcastage.com/store
Company Relationship Disclosure: podcastage.com/disclosure
Personal: bandrewscott.com
My YouTube Setup: podcastage.com/studio
My Favorite XLR Mics: podcastage.com/rev/favxlr
My Favorite USB Mics: podcastage.com/rev/favusb
HQ Audio Of Review: podcastage.com/rev/sex1a
Today i review the sE Electronics X1a, a budget studio condenser microphone. This offers a cardioid polar pattern, -20dB pad, and 100hz high pass filter. The sound is more on the neutral side compared to its direct competition with extension into the bass, neutral clear mids, and a slight bump in the treble and air frequencies. At the time of review the mic costs $100 and at this price it offers a tamer top end than its competition.
RECORDING SETTINGS:
• Interface: Focsurite Scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
• Conversion: 24-bit / 48kHz
• Gain: ~12:30
• Boosted in Post: +8dB
SPECS:
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Freq Response : 20Hz - 20khz
• Sensitivity: -34dB
• Self Noise: 16B
• Max SPL: 150dB (with pad)
• Impedance: 50 Ohms
Buy the sE X1a (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: geni.us/sex1a
Sweetwater: sweetwater.sjv.io/sex1a
B&H Photo: bhpho.to/46lDYyy
Thomann: thomannmusic.com/se_electronics_x1a.htm?offid=1&affid=2060
Buy the Focusrite 2i2 (3rd Gen)- Same Performance as 18i20 (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: geni.us/2i32rd
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/k6g4d
B&H Photo: bhpho.to/42lcWDF
Thomann: thomann.de/intl/focusrite_scarlett_2i2_3rd_gen.htm?offid=1&affid=2060
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
00:40 - Build Quality / Walkthrough
01:18 - Specifications
01:29 - Polar Pattern Test (Tone / Rotation)
01:45 - Plosive Test
01:59 - Distance Test / Proximity Effect Test
02:19 - Background Noise Test
02:36 - Untreated Room Test
02:55 - Shock Rejection Test
03:12 - Mic Resonance Tap Test
03:28 - High Pass Filter Test
03:51 - Pad Test
04:18 - MXL 990 Comparison
04:39 - Audio Technica AT2020 Comparison
04:59 - Lewitt LCT440 Comparison
05:20 - Avantone CK6 Comparison
05:44 - Neat King Bee v2 Comparison
06:09 - Earthworks Sr117 Comparison
06:36 - sE Electronics X1 Comparison
06:59 - Rode NT1 5th Gen Comparison
07:24 - sE Electronics sE2200a II C Comparison
07:54 - sE Electronics sE4400a Comparison
08:27 - Neumann U87 Ai Comparison
09:01 - Music Test
10:53 - Pros & Cons
12:30 - Overall Thoughts
13:38 - Recommendation
#Studio #Condenser #MicReview
Become a Patreon: patreon.com/podcastage
Become a Member: youtube.com/channel/UCvOU-zTlankT-JjN3ZzvuKA/join
Check Out This Stuff TOO:
Website: podcastage.com
Giveaways: podcastage.com/giveaways
Discord: podcastage.com/discord
Merch: podcastage.com/store
Company Relationship Disclosure: podcastage.com/disclosure
Personal: bandrewscott.com
My YouTube Setup: podcastage.com/studio
My Favorite XLR Mics: podcastage.com/rev/favxlr
My Favorite USB Mics: podcastage.com/rev/favusb
