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sE Electronics Voodoo VR1 Passive Ribbon Microphone

Passive Ribbon Microphone
$399.00

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sE Electronics Voodoo VR1 Passive Ribbon Microphone
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Ribbons Rock!

sE Electronics rocks too with their Voodoo VR1 mic, which is one of the coolest, most affordable ribbon mics out there. Based on some of the innovations sE created when they made the world-famous RNR1 ribbon mic, sE Electronics designed the Voodoo VR1, an affordable, passive ribbon microphone. Designed by sE Electronics' CEO Siwei Zou, the Voodoo VR1 performs amazingly well across its 20Hz-18kHz frequency response. It can be used on an array of sound sources, and the Voodoo VR1 truly shines on acoustic instruments and guitar cabinets.

sE Electronics Voodoo VR1 Passive Ribbon Microphone at a Glance:
  • Incredible ribbon performance for an affordable price
  • One of the first full-frequency ribbon microphones
  • Designed by sE Electronics CEO Siwei Zou
Incredible ribbon performance for an affordable price

Ribbon microphones have an unmistakeable warm and true tone that is indispensable in a recording studio. Unfortunately, most ribbons are prohibitively expensive for many engineers. sE Electronics heard the calls for an affordable ribbon mic and introduced the Voodoo VR1 passive ribbon. Now you can get all of that detailed clear sound from a true ribbon mic, at a price anyone can afford.

One of the first full-frequency ribbon microphones

Before the Voodoo series was released, the only full-frequency ribbon mic was sE Electronics' own RNR1, designed in conjunction with Rupert Neve. An amazing mic in its own right, the RNR1 isn't cheap. And rightfully so. But the industry was turned on its head when sE Electronics also released the Voodoo series, claiming much of the same performance, but at a price well below the original. Thanks to an ingenious electrical circuit, you can now get that full-frequency sound for your recording budget.

Designed by sE Electronics' CEO Siwei Zou

At sE Electronics, CEO Siwei Zou is right there working with his employees designing these amazing microphones. As a classically trained musician in his own right, he knows what he wants out of a great microphone. The circuitry that is responsible for the VR1's unbelievable performance is direct from the man himself.

sE Electronics Voodoo VR1 Passive Ribbon Microphone Features:
  • High-quality and affordable passive ribbon microphone
  • Competes with high-end mics at a lower price
  • Full-frequency response is magic on detailed sources
  • Designed by company founder Siwei Zou
  • Polar Pattern: Figure 8
  • Max SPL for 0.5% THD@1000Hz: 135dB
  • Phantom power protection
  • Rugged design can be used virtually anywhere
  • Ruler-flat frequency response from 20Hz to 18kHz +/- 2dB
Discover the beauty of ribbon technology with the sE Electronics Voodoo VR1 passive ribbon mic!

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Tech Specs

  • Microphone Type: Ribbon
  • Ribbon Type: 2-micron Aluminum
  • Polar Pattern: Figure-8
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz-18kHz (±2dB)
  • Max SPL: 135dB SPL
  • Output Impedance: 300 ohms
  • Self Noise: 17dB (A weighted)
  • Sensitivity: 1.78mV/Pa (-55 dB)
  • Connector: XLR
  • Weight: 8 oz.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: VR1-U

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

I love it

I have only used it on voice, and it is by far my favorite vocal mic. It just makes every voice sound so pleasant and smooth. If you are trying to bring out all the little details and edges of a source, this is not the mic. You would be better served by something like the Lewitt LCT 540s.

But if you want a mic that has a full range frequency response without rolling off the highs like most other ribbons but still coats everything in a thick layer of butter to basically eliminate sibilance and any minor harshness, this is the mic.

It also has a very robust low end that can work wonders to thicken up and bring out the detail of the low end.

The most interesting thing about this mic is that is actually gets more detailed and textured as frequencies get lower. I have tried lots of condensers and dynamics, and none of them can do what this does for the low end of any source.

Also, the price is fantastic. Mine arrived in perfect condition, but someone else here mentioned getting one with a dent or scratch. So make sure you buy from a vendor that will let you switch it out for one in top condition if you get unlucky. But that's just general advice with ordering anything online.


This also works very well in Mid-side with a RodeNT1, like really really nice. Their opposite transient response character complement each other very well. The NT1 is most detailed in the high end and gradually loses texture going into the sub frequencies. It's lots of fun to play with. Buy one! And make sure you have a quality preamp. The SE dynamite signal booster is a great accessory for this if you need it.
Rated 5/5

Excellent

Great build quality that you can feel when you hold. Not crazy vintage ribbon vibes but still dark and ribbon-y sounding. High end goes a lot higher than a Coles and the mid range isn't as detailed as some expensive ribbons but for the price it's fantastic. I have two and frequently use them as stereo rooms for drums, or on electric guitar cabs. Have used it a lot on shrill sources like brass and have gotten rad super vintage vocals (with a bit of post distortion).
Rated 5/5

A hidden gem

I own several ribbon mics such as the Coles 4038, and Royer R-121. The sE Vr1 is a darker sound, with a bit more air. The vr1 is very bass heavy, and sounds fantastic on amps and… TOMS! These are my favorite Tom mics, just made sure you position them so the drummer doesn't hit them.

Seriously though, try it on Tom's. You'll be surprised how great they sound.

I'm still amazed that they don't cost $700 or more.
Music background: Studio and live sound company owner
Rated 5/5

Great for my Specific purpose

This is my first ribbon microphone and I bought it specifically to be the side microphone in a mid-side recording arrangement for acoustic guitar. It was easy to set up and get tweaked and held it's own with a DPA 4090 omni mic as the main microphone in the signal chain. sE has a good reputation and honestly it is a lot of microphone for the money. I will be trying it with other figure 8 applications as well as vocals. I can absolutely recommend this passive ribbon microphone, I am using it with a Soyuz Launcher to beef up the signal.
Music background: self produced independent music artist, acoustic singer songwriter.
Rated 5/5

Impressed

Recorded an acoustic guitar and was amazed at the full sound it captured. Smooth frequencies across the spectrum. Very pleased!
Music background: Sound Engineer, vocalist