sE Electronics VR2 Active Ribbon Microphone

Introducing the sE Electronics VR2 Active Ribbon Microphone in an elegant black finish. This microphone boasts a meticulously hand-tensioned aluminum ribbon and advanced active electronics powered by 48V phantom power. This combination results in enhanced sensitivity, remarkable signal-to-noise performance, and reduced self-noise. The VR2 is meticulously tuned to deliver the classic, sought-after sonic characteristics of ribbon microphones, while also extending its high-frequency capabilities, typically found in condenser microphones. Its ability to handle high sound pressure levels makes it a versatile choice for various applications, from capturing the power of drums and guitar cabinets to the subtleties of acoustic instruments.

The VR2 adopts the traditional figure-8 polar pattern commonly found in ribbon microphones, making it capable of capturing ambient sound from behind the microphone. It features a balanced XLR 3-pin output, allowing seamless connection to your audio interface, mixer, or external microphone preamp. For optimal performance, we recommend using a preamp with robust gain. To enhance both performance and aesthetics, a shockmount is provided to reduce vibrations and stand-borne noise. Additionally, a wooden storage case ensures the safekeeping of your VR2 between recording sessions.

**Voodoo Series:**
Unlike many ribbon microphones that exhibit a dark, subdued high-frequency response, the Voodoo VR2 employs an ingenious mechanical design to achieve an impressively extended frequency range that approaches nearly 20 kHz. This innovation results in a heightened level of top-end detail. While maintaining the naturally rich lows and midrange that ribbon microphones are renowned for, the VR2 minimizes the loss of high-frequency content. This means that guitar and brass tones retain their sharpness, cymbals sound full and rich, and the VR2 delivers a supremely natural sound across the entire frequency spectrum.

Furthermore, the VR2’s ability to handle very high sound pressure levels expands its usability to applications that are typically not suitable for most ribbon microphones. This includes capturing loud brass, drums, and electric guitar cabinets, whether in the studio or on stage.

**VR1 vs VR2:**
If you’re considering the VR1 and VR2 models, here’s a quick differentiator. The VR1 is a passive ribbon microphone, meaning it doesn’t require phantom power. However, it’s “phantom-protected,” so accidental phantom power won’t harm it. With its lower output, the VR1 excels with loud sources like electric guitars, drum overheads, and brass instruments, or when paired with a clean, high-gain preamp.

On the other hand, the VR2 is an active ribbon microphone that demands +48V phantom power for operation. With higher sensitivity than the VR1, it’s well-suited for a broader range of applications, including acoustic instruments, pianos, vocals, as well as the sources mentioned for the VR1 (guitars, drums, brass).

**Widely Used By Artists Such As:**
– Queens of the Stone Age
– Billy Gibbons
– August Greene
– My Morning Jacket
– Pete Thorn
– Steve Stevens
– John Browne
– Neil Cappellino
– Linkin Park
– Band of Horses
– Taking Back Sunday
– Paramore
– Black Sabbath
– David Hodges